Women's Footy 2022 AFLW Season Discussion (now Player Movement)

[Nunez]

Had a little spare time the last few days, so pieced together a little mid-season review on the women's team. Tried to be realistic yet respectful of the fact they're only semi-professional. Also, I'm unaware of pronouns, so apologies if I got it wrong. I also could have spend more time proof-reading, but whatever, it is what it is, big whoop wanna fight about it?

Interested to hear what other have to think, where I've been a bit harsh/generous.

#1 Emily Bates – Just when you think the game might start going past a player, you get slapped in the face with your prediction. Without question the best player on the team this year. Finding the footy a lot more and hitting the scoreboard. 9.5/10

#2 Tahlia Hickey – Criminally underrated by many, I have her as our second-best overall this year behind Bates. Is winning hitouts and follows up at ground level with athleticism/endurance and good skills. At this stage, she is playing predominantly as a defensive style ruck who drops back into the D50. 8.5/10

#3 Bre Koenen – The new skipper has been rock-solid and consistent, having to cover the loss of Lutkins and Campbell while attempting to gel together a group of recruits and youngsters. 7/10

#4 Sharni Webb – Returning after the birth of their child in 2021, she has been in and out of the side, but her experience and reputation as a Ms Fix-it have proved valuable so this year. 4/10

#5 Jade Ellenger – Has locked down a role in the team on a wing with her each-way running, but also plays defensively with a hard edge that belies her light frame. Getting better each year. 6.5/10

#6 Lily Postethwaite – Sitting out 2022 while recovering from an ACL tear. N/A

#7 Gabby Collingwood – After missing 2021 with an ACL and working her way back into a forward pocket role, tragedy struck when she raptured the ACL in her opposite leg. N/A

#8 Maggie Harmer – Yet to debut. N/A

#9 Orla O’Dwyer – While it seems as though teams are happy to sit off her, much of the time she is outworking opponents with superior endurance. Her run & carry has been invaluable this season, racking up nearly 2000 metres gained. To go to the next level, she needs to work on nailing her disposal from her favoured left boot, finishing off in front of goal and getting some kind of right boot, otherwise opposition are going to be able to start anticipating her movements (if it hasn’t started already). 8/10

#10 Nat Grider – You wouldn’t think at 21yo she would be classed as an experienced head down back but has been among the most consistent players this year, building on a breakout 2021. Hard at the contest and creative, although at time her decision-making can be a little off – something that should improve with experience. 7.5/10

#11 Phoebe Monahan – Has proved very dependable since switching from the Tigers at the end of last season, Phoebe has slipped seamlessly in the defensive unit into the role vacated by the retired Emma Zielke. Her spoiling and foot skills have been a highlight. 6.5/10

#12 Sophie Conway – Has had an interesting start to the season after missing Round 3 through COVID- protocols. The wing role she made her own in recent seasons seems to be shared more with Ellenger and she seems to pop up all over the ground. As with a lot of the players it’s easy to forget she’s relatively young at just 22yo. Maybe needs to shelve the Dusty-style fend offs as they’re really not working 6/10

#13 Kate Lutkins – Season cut short by an ACL injury in the opening game of the season. N/A

#14 Dakota Davidson – One of the few who has had an inconsistent year, partly due to injury. But only 2 goals for the year is a poor return compared to 2021. 4.5/10

#15 Greta Bodey – Arguably our most consistent forward this year, Greta has shown her trademark dash and creativity to set up play and hit the scoreboard herself. 7.5/10

#16 Bella Smith – Yet to debut. N/A

#17 Belle Dawes – Another who has arguably has not hit the form of 2021, although the Round 6 performance against St Kilda was a step in the right direction. 5.5/10

#18 Ally Anderson – Held against the high standards of season past, Ally’s form probably isn’t quite there at the moment. Not bad by any stretch, but the pace with which the AFLW is evolving means she might need a few tweaks to her game. Her disposal count is down a little and she seems to have less time and space to dispose of the footy. 6/10

#19 Luka Yoshida-Martin – Hard to judge a player off one game as their opponents tend to give them a little more space than an established opponent. Showed flashes as a goal sneak. 3/10

#20 Shannon Campbell – Before her concussion in Round 5, was showing all the traits that has made her one of the most dependable players on the list. Has had to shelve the rebounding part of her game to play a bit deeper in defence. 6.5/10

#21 Courtney Hodder – Whereas in her first season she probably sneaked under the guard of a few teams, she is getting less time and space this year, kicking only the one goal so far. As a result, she’s turning her efforts a little more to the defensive pressure inside the F50, with the occasional stint onball. 5.5/10

#22 Zimmi Farquarson – Burst on the scene with a stunning debut in Round 3 kicking a goal and looking a little like Jared Brennan. After a quiet second game, another 2 goals in Round 5 before missing the next round. As with many naturally gifted players, finding the balance between individual brilliance and team-first ethos and second efforts will take a little time, but You have to think she will be persisted with. 6/10

#23 Jess Wuetschner – A fan favourite, Jess seems less and less able to rely on her footy smarts as the pace of the game quickens, although she still can hit the scoreboard as evidenced by her 4 goals this year. It’s hard to know to what extent the lightning strike of a couple of years ago still affects her. 5/10

#24 Lula Pullar – Only a couple of games in, but she has shown a steady if not spectacular start to her career in defence. Like many others who’ve come to Australian Football from other sports, there’s a lot to learn, but you feel like she will get the best out of herself. 4.5/10

#25 Cathy Svarc – At 30yo, we probably must resign ourselves to the fact that her disposal will never be brilliant and her role in the team is usually the designated run-with player. But boy when she turns on the afterburners, it’s exciting. Performing her role excellently. 7/10

#26 Indy Tahau – You feel like you’ve barely sighted her this year, but she just seems to be doing her job as required down back. Still only 19yo. 5.5/10

#27 Michaela Pauga – Yet to debut. N/A

#28 Maria Moloney – Just the one game this year for Maria where she was asked to play an unfriendly forward pocket role. While her effort and professionalism can’t be faulted, she is probably in that awkward position of being on the chopping block come season’s end. 2/10

#29 Ruby Svarc – Has gone from delisted at the end of the 2021 season to finding a role in the forward line. If you think sister Cathy is fast, I’d say Ruby has her covered. Has just started using her speed and seems to be improving each week. 4.5/10

#30 Jess Wardlaw – 2022 has seen a more mature approach from Jesse. In previous seasons you might have seen a lack of second efforts, especially after marking contests. This year however it’s all much more even – she crashes packs, her ruck craft is improving and is looking to bring in her teammates into the game. All that probably doesn’t reflect on the stats sheet that much, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before she tears the comp apart. 7/10

#31 Taylor Smith – Along with Wardlaw, you get the impression Taylor is just starting to believe how good she can be. Needs to work her disposal and ruck work is she is going to be second ruck. 6/10

Great work mate - enjoyable read!

I hope it inspires POBT to bring back his most important list before round 1!

 

[Section 5]

Out: Davidson & Webb
In..: Campbell & Farquhason

 

[Dalions]

Out: Davidson & Webb
In..: Campbell & Farquhason

Great to get Campbell back.

 

[Dalions]

AFLW Latest News - AFL.com.au/aflw

Latest breaking AFLW news from the official website of the Australian Football League.

www.womens.afl

“Brisbane's condensed fixture has meant star key forward Dakota Davidson will miss two matches through the AFL's concussion protocols.

The minimum timeframe for a player's return from concussion is 12 days, which given Davidson suffered her injury on Sunday, will rule her out of both the QClash against Gold Coast and Monday night's blockbuster against Melbourne.”

 

[LongLion]

AFLW Latest News - AFL.com.au/aflw

Latest breaking AFLW news from the official website of the Australian Football League.

www.womens.afl

“Brisbane's condensed fixture has meant star key forward Dakota Davidson will miss two matches through the AFL's concussion protocols.

The minimum timeframe for a player's return from concussion is 12 days, which given Davidson suffered her injury on Sunday, will rule her out of both the QClash against Gold Coast and Monday night's blockbuster against Melbourne.”

Dakota won't be happy about missing the 2 games. She was dirty about having to go off after the knock.

 

[MSB ROYS]

Dakota won't be happy about missing the 2 games. She was dirty about having to go off after the knock.

I also think that she realised on the ground that she would also miss these games, which made her even more frustrated!

 

[BuntonRules]

I also think that she realised on the ground that she would also miss these games, which made her even more frustrated!

And Steve Smith played 3 days later.

 

[LongLion]

From what I can see Melbourne last played Sat 12 so they will get a 9 day break to our 4 day break and what will be our 3rd game in 8 days compared to their 2nd in 9. Wow, back up against the wall stuff. Our girls seem to thrive on it though.

You question why they couldn't play on the Tues to give an extra day recovery for us as we then play WC on Perth on the Sunday

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

Cant believe we almost lost to this saints team a few days ago

 

[Jivlain]

Cant believe we almost lost to this saints team a few days ago

Yeah this is pretty shockingly bad performance

 

[lionraven]

Yeah this is pretty shockingly bad performance

The difference was playing in a stadium protected from the wind versus playing in a suburban field with a gale storm.

We benefited in the first two seasons of AFLW from playing in suburban grounds. Suburban grounds and their lack of protection from wind/elements means that the skill gap between teams is reduced so we managed to upset the Victorian teams through sheer effort and the 'rolling maul' type of defense. We got to 2 grand finals and then got beaten when we faced a team with more skillful players in a protected stadium environment.

Now we have a very skillful and talented list. So its a massive detriment when we play in windy crappy grounds. Its no surprise that when the game devolved into a windy territory battle that the Saints almost beat us. Then when we play at Metricon we lay an absolute smackdown with fast ball movement and exciting play.

Frankly I hope we dont ever play at Maroochydore again. We lose such an advantage when we have to contend with the wind. We lose our kicking and marking skills. It just becomes an unwatchable mess.

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

The difference was playing in a stadium protected from the wind versus playing in a suburban field with a gale storm.

We benefited in the first two seasons of AFLW from playing in suburban grounds. Suburban grounds and their lack of protection from wind/elements means that the skill gap between teams is reduced so we managed to upset the Victorian teams through sheer effort and the 'rolling maul' type of defense. We got to 2 grand finals and then got beaten when we faced a team with more skillful players in a protected stadium environment.

Now we have a very skillful and talented list. So its a massive detriment when we play in windy crappy grounds. Its no surprise that when the game devolved into a windy territory battle that the Saints almost beat us. Then when we play at Metricon we lay an absolute smackdown with fast ball movement and exciting play.

Frankly I hope we dont ever play at Maroochydore again. We lose such an advantage when we have to contend with the wind. We lose our kicking and marking skills. It just becomes an unwatchable mess.

Should've just assigned Metricon as our home ground until Springfield is completed. We play the ground so well.

 

[BuntonRules]

Should've just assigned Metricon as our home ground until Springfield is completed. We play the ground so well.

Suns, or the AFL, would not have it. While they are trying to establish their brand, to have their main competitor playing at their alleged fortress? Not likely.

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

Suns, or the AFL, would not have it. While they are trying to establish their brand, to have their main competitor playing at their alleged fortress? Not likely.

What brand?

 

[Jivlain]

	Brisbane	Melbourne
0 to 9 games	4	3
10 to 24 games	9	7
25+ games	8	11
Games played	23.24	26.76
Age	23.92	25.07
Height	169.81	170.95

Interactive version

 

[Nunez]

If we somehow win tomorrow I'll be shocked.

 

[BuntonRules]

What brand?

?

 

[Section 5]

Should be an interesting game. Equal on ladder with both teams having played 6 games with 5 wins and 1 loss each
Both teams lost to Adelaide
Both teams had wins against Suns & Saints
Other wins for both have been against lower ranking teams

Highest ladder position win.
Lions: Beat Pies who have played 6 with 4 wins & lost 2
Melb: Beat Dogs who have only played 5 with 2 wins & 3 losses

I don't think the travel & quick game turnover will have an affect this week or possibly the next.
I could be wrong but just see them going through recovery and very light training run.
Possibly what they have been doing recently anyhow
However the following week coming back from Perth playing North somewhere i would pencil in for a loss
If we can win 2 of the 3 that would be a very good result

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

?

Gold Coast Suns dont have a brand, even after existing for 10 years. The prospect of sharing a stadium with another club for 3-4 games in an AFLW season should be the least of their concerns.

 

[dlanod]

What brand?

 

[LionsMaw]

If we somehow win tomorrow I'll be shocked.

Why?

 

[Nunez]

Why?

3 games in 8 days + a good opponent. We'd need a good lead at 3 QT to win today IMO. Of course I hope I'm wrong and we run out four quarters really well - I do worry though.

 

[HereIam86]

Saw this on Facebook it’s the Maroochydore field where the AFLW team play

 

[Lazza16]

Watching 2 vs 1 at the moment...I don't believe either will trouble our ladies. Too many weak links. Adelaide physically strong but bit slow n Freeo just haven't the depth.

 

[Section 5]

I think it is just one change
In..Davidson
Out: Yoshida-Martin