The NAB AFL Women’s competition is back for season two and ahead of the opening round, we step through our six Tasmanians in the AFLW and what the season may hold for our Tassie talent!
Daria Bannister
Western Bulldogs
Bannister is the ultimate burst athlete. Pace, agility and skills with a strong will to win the contest.
She is capable of having an immediate impact at AFLW level. Impressed in intraclub and practice matches leading into the season, impressing internally with her ability, effectiveness and appetite for the contest.
Likely to be named in the squad round one and has the potential to be a regular player through her first season of AFLW.
Ellyse Gamble
Western Bulldogs
Unfortunately, Gamble has had an injury-interrupted pre-season and is currently in a moon boot. She has been developing as a key defender in the VFL W in the offseason but unfortunately, injury will significantly hamper her 2018 AFLW involvement.
Brittany Gibson
Brisbane Lions
The powerhouse utility has had a very good pre-season, free from knee concerns that hampered the second half of her 2017 AFLW campaign. In full fitness and form Gibson can be one of the competition’s top players as shown early on in the inaugural season. With some of the departures at Brisbane out of season 2017, Gibson will play a key role through the midfield and up forward as they look to reach similar heights to the first year.
Emma Humphries
Melbourne Demons
Ideal pre-season preparation sees Humphries at her peak fitness and set for midfield opportunities with the premiership favourite, Melbourne Demons. Humphries spent her off-season with Burnie in the TSLW and will bring run and class that Melbourne are desperate for. Humphries should get good time and have a big impact as they tilt for the flag. Look for her to hit the scoreboard as well this season.
Courtney Webb
Carlton Blues
Rookie listed Webb has really impressed in the pre-season, featuring in the best players in their practice games. Her run and skills should ensure that she is given an opportunity once a position becomes available (list positions become available in the case of LTI listed players).
Jessica Wuetschner
Brisbane Lions
The classy half forward is extremely important to the Brisbane Lions finals hopes. Wuetschner had a strong impact in season one making the All Australian squad and being the only Tasmanian to feature in the Allies All-Star squad. It looms as a big season for the Tasmanian with the departure of Tayla Harris meaning the Lions small forwards in McCarthy and Wuetschner will be expected to kick the majority of their score. She has a great marking ability for her size and is certainly classy with her lethal left boot. Another strong season expected.