GIANTS Academy girls coach Alicia Eva says a host of emerging prospects have firmly put themselves in AFLW Draft contention after an impressive season across the Coates Talent League and Summer Series.
The GIANTS Academy played seven Coates Talent League games as well as three Summer Series matches, giving players an extended opportunity to showcase their development in front of recruiters and representative selectors.
Eva said one of the biggest positives from the season was the group’s ability to quickly adapt to a new style of play while still highlighting AFLW-level traits.
“I was really pleased to see how well the group learned a new game plan and actually adapted to it,” Eva said.
“It’s a development league, so we’re looking at playing a style of footy that showcases AFLW-level and draftable traits.
“I was really pleased that we were able to do that while also kind of playing an AFLW style of game.”
Eva said she was particularly encouraged by the development shown across the program, with multiple athletes now earning Allies opportunities after entering the year outside representative discussions.
“I was really, really encouraged by some of the development we saw in some players from December through until April,” she said.
“I’m actually really stoked that we’ve probably got a few girls in the Allies squad that, six months ago, their names probably weren’t on that list. So that’s a really big win for our program and for those individuals themselves.”
Among those to elevate themselves significantly were Isla Judd (South Coast) and Lauren O’Sullivan (Western Sydney).
Eva described Judd as an “elite runner” whose versatility and composure across half-back and the wing became a major strength throughout the campaign.
“She was able to use that running engine to get up and down the ground,” Eva said.
“But also, she showed that she can win her one-on-ones as a small back.
“I think showing versatility is really important when you’re trying to showcase traits to recruiters.”
O’Sullivan also enjoyed a breakout campaign after transitioning from a forward role last year into defence.
“We wanted to give her a bit of a different look,” Eva said.
“What can we do differently with Loz to showcase her competitiveness, her one-v-one strengths and her aerial prowess?
“So we put her down back. It was a role that she absolutely smashed.”
Eva said O’Sullivan had since earned Allies selection while also earning train-on opportunities with the GIANTS AFLW program.
Top-age draft prospect Majella Day (Riverina) was another standout throughout the season, impressing not only with her scoring power but also her development away from the ball.
“She was able to demonstrate her footy smarts, her craft and her goal sense,” Eva said.
“Pleasingly, it wasn’t just marks and set shots - she kicked a lot of goals from ground level, a lot of snaps through congestion.
“I was really pleased with her ability to build a defensive mindset into her game.”
“We know at the next level it’s not just offence that gets it done. If you can’t run and if you don’t have that desire to win the footy back, you may not make it.”
“So I was really, really pleased with her growth, particularly building her off-ball work rate and running patterns - she’s a really exciting prospect going forward.”
Explosive tall Morgan Stevens also caught the eye after showcasing her athleticism and versatility across multiple positions.
“She’s very quick for a tall and she just has explosive traits,” Eva said.
“She played in various different positions - on a wing and across half-back - and we even threw her in the ruck in the last round to showcase the run and jump.
“But she’s an elite ball user for her size and she has speed.”
Eva also highlighted the rise of rugby sevens talent Darcie Prosser-Shaw (Western Sydney), who quickly emerged as one of the Academy’s most impactful midfielders before suffering an ACL injury late in the campaign.
“She was probably one of our top two best players every week,” Eva said.
“Her hunt at ground level stood out each week, and she was able to hit the scoreboard as a midfielder. She’s certainly put her hand up for draft selection.”
Despite the setback, Eva believes Prosser-Shaw still has the talent and athleticism to attract AFLW interest.
The GIANTS Academy has already seen Zara Course-Rogers selected in the pre-season rookie draft, while Eva believes several more names could join her at AFLW level later this year.
“It’s really exciting,” Eva said.
“I feel like we’re going to get three to five players drafted and we’d love to see a few more.”
Canberra product Alana Fraser was another player singled out by Eva as one continuing to rise into draft calculations.
“She doesn’t get beaten one-on-one in the air,” Eva said.
“She’s continuing to put her name forward, which is really important.”
