Swans shine in final game before the AFLW Draft

Western Australia’s brightest female under 18s talent have taken a 17-point win over its WAFLW opposition in WA’s state NAB AFLW All Stars match at Provident Financial Oval in Joondalup on Saturday.

Watched closely by recruiters ahead of the AFLW 2020 Draft on October 6^th, this game was the last opportunity for potential draftees to shine in front of those who can make their football dreams come true.

Showing the talent of the black and whites, a quarter of the under 18s side were made up of Swan Districts league players, with another playing as a key position player for the WAFLW All Stars.

Shanae Davison was originally named to play, but had to pull out before the match, managing an ankle complaint.

Check out how our Swans ladies played below:

WA Simply Energy AFLW 18s players

#12 Nyra Anderson

Having spent much of the 2020 WAFLW season in the middle of the ground, Nyra looked right at home up forward for the under 18’s. Voted as one of the best on ground she thrived in the wet conditions, throwing herself into packs and tackling hard. Nyra kicked a great goal after a one on one contest turned her opponent inside out, and unselfishly set up a couple of others.

What Nyra had to say:

“I loved spending time back in the forward line and when I had the chance to push into the mid I made sure I played my role for the side. I felt like I played a good team game out there today.”

#14 Emma Nanut

Emma found herself starting on the ball at the opening bounce, a position she rarely finds herself in. Having cemented her place in the defensive structures of the Swan league side, she spent most of the match running through the middle of the ground, using her backline nous to lock the ball in and unselfishly move the possession to the advantage of her teammates.

What Emma had to say:

“It was definitely different playing in the middle, but it was really good. I felt more comfortable when I went back into defence, but I liked learning something new.”

#16 Isabel Strover

Nursing a sore ankle, Isabel was managed on limited game time, playing only in the second half of the match. Her impact across the backline was felt early, laying some strong tackles and attacking the ball with a purpose.

What Isabel had to say:

“Centre half back is where I like to play, but I enjoy moving up into the midfield. I love wet weather footy and the way you can get really nice tackles out of it.”

#18 Brianna Hyde

Having become accustomed to playing as a midfielder during the WAFLW home and away season, Bri found herself for the majority of the match in the position she has spent most of her career  in – the backline. Her pressure around the ball, along with her ability to read the play and rebound out of defence showed her versatility.

What Bri had to say:

“It felt like home. I hadn’t played in that position for so long, but it felt really good. I went in confident and excited to be playing there again. I enjoyed setting up my teammates from out of defence.”

#21 Mikayla Hyde

Mikayla’s running ability and leadership was on show during the match. When she wasn’t applying physical pressure on the ball, she was directing teammates in and around the contest. Used primarily as a forward, she was able to push up the ground and make her presence felt around the ball, helping thwart the oppositions rebounding out of the 18s forward half, and turn the ball back in their favour.

What Mikayla had to say:

“I do enjoy the forward line, but really loved pushing into the mid to apply the pressure and get some touches in there.

#22 Mikayla Morrison

Mikayla started in the middle of the ground and made an impact on the game straight away. Her tackle pressure and ability to step around numerous opponents to put her teammates into advantage shone through. She found plenty of the ball and was composed and efficient in congestion. Mikayla was voted as one of the best on ground with her class with the ball giving recruiters plenty to consider.

What Mikayla had to say:

“I felt very comfortable playing in the middle, and it was good to move round to the forward line towards the end. It was good to get my hands on the ball and set up my teammates around the ground.”

WAFL Women’s All Stars player

#3 Sarah Wielstra 

Sarah was the only Swan Districts player selected to play in the WAFLW All Stars team. The high-flying key position player spent the first half learning the craft of being a defender. In the wet conditions, she used her soccer skills to advantage on a number of occasions, cleverly moving the ball forward off a half volley when the ball fell short of the mark. She found her own in the second half, stepping into the number one ruck position, where she had made a name for herself during the WAFLW season.

What Sarah had to say:

“I started in the backline which was interesting because I haven’t really played there before. I felt really comfortable when I moved into the ruck and knew what I was doing. It was a bit awkward playing against my young Swannies teammates out there and would rather play with them any day.”