AFLW AFLW Season 6, Mega Thread

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cats_09 said:
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Id like to know the context. If someone goes out of their way to say it to the player..its just rude. If asked then I think its fair to be honest. There are some minority groups that scream for equality yet dislike negativity. There will always be some people that do not like your product. Imagine for decade the type of comments some of the AFL players would have received in Qld etc. Not everyone will sit down and watch VFL or the U19 champs either.

With the priest... was his bugbear strictly football related. One has to admit that the W comp has a broader range of relationships on display than a strict catholic may like.
 
Turbocat said:
Id like to know the context. If someone goes out of their way to say it to the player..its just rude. If asked then I think its fair to be honest. There are some minority groups that scream for equality yet dislike negativity. There will always be some people that do not like your product. Imagine for decade the type of comments some of the AFL players would have received in Qld etc. Not everyone will sit down and watch VFL or the U19 champs either.
Click to expand...

Still happens here, all too often. Even the Lions success in the last 20 years has done little to dint the lazy and myopic cries of 'gayFL' and 'aerial ping pong' from the 'enlightened' masses. Who'd somehow have more time for the likes of Paul Vaughan than they do for most of the current Lions crop of talent.

'At least he's out there playing a man's game.'

:rolleyes:
 

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winty said:
You love to see it...

www.geelongcats.com.au

Nina Nearing Return

Nina Morrison is tracking well and nearing a return to action
www.geelongcats.com.au www.geelongcats.com.au
Click to expand...

Great to hear of her getting close to a return. And even greater that they are not rushing it at all for the business end of this VFLW season.

A talent like hers deserves all the patience in the world to give her the very best shot at success in the long term.
 
  • Thread starter
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  • #55
The quirks of the AFLW draft nominations - it's worked for us and against us in the past when players could nominate their region within the state of Vic

Not sure too many early draft predictions would have gone this path and it'll be interesting to see what impact it has, especially on the Vic selections

 
cats_09 said:
The quirks of the AFLW draft nominations - it's worked for us and against us in the past when players could nominate their region within the state of Vic

Not sure too many early draft predictions would have gone this path and it'll be interesting to see what impact it has, especially on the Vic selections

Click to expand...


From what I have seen Georgie Prespakis is a better footballer and we will take her with the #2 pick surely - sounds as though she will be a big flight risk, but the club has to back themselves in to retain her.
 
Shai said:
We need players in both those positions.
Click to expand...

Hopefully picking up Olivia Fuller will help with the ruck situation. Fuller already backs Rene Caris in the ruck when they're both playing VFLW, so why can't she do the same at AFLW level? Plus she's a lot younger than Downie, so hopefully has a lot more footy left in her too.
 
winty said:
Hopefully picking up Olivia Fuller will help with the ruck situation. Fuller already backs Rene Caris in the ruck when they're both playing VFLW, so why can't she do the same at AFLW level? Plus she's a lot younger than Downie, so hopefully has a lot more footy left in her too.
Click to expand...

Fuller looks to have some real aggression and intent about her game as well. An area in which we definitely lack at times. Would be a great addition to the list in my view.
 

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Welcome to our 3 newest additions - pretty sure that 2 of these names won't surprise


Geelong has signed three new talents to its AFLW list. Claudia Gunjaca and Olivia Fuller have joined Geelong as mature-aged signings, along with Rachel Kearns from Ireland as an other sports rookie.

After impressive seasons in Geelong’s VFLW side, Gunjaca and Fuller have been rewarded with an opportunity at the top level.

Gunjaca, Geelong’s VFLW vice-captain, is a strong-marking, key-position player with the ability to play at both ends of the ground.

A former Geelong West Giant in the AFL Barwon league, it was a move to Sydney in 2019 that took the now 23-year-old’s football to the next level.

A stellar season for UTS saw Gunjaca awarded AFL Sydney’s highest honour, the Mostyn Medal. In late 2020 Gunjaca arrived at GMHBA Stadium as an AFLW train-on player before taking the field in the 2021 VFLW season.

Fuller is a developing ruck, who has also spent time up forward for the VFLW Cats this season. An athletic former basketballer, the 21-year-old represented South Australia at under-18 level.

Fuller has enjoyed a consistent season, highlighted by her best-on-ground performance in week one of the VFLW finals, collecting 22 touches, 6 tackles and 36 hit-outs.

Geelong’s first Irish AFLW player, Kearns has an elite sporting background, skilled in Gaelic football, soccer and boxing.

The 24-year-old from county Mayo was an LGFA Allstar full forward in 2019, a member of the Republic of Ireland under-19 soccer squad and awarded two All-Ireland boxing medals.

A Galway women’s football striker, Kearns was recently awarded player of the month in the Women’s National League (WNL).

With experience in both defence and attack, Kearns’ speed, competitiveness and strong overhead ability sees her as a welcome addition to the team.

Geelong’s Head of AFLW Brett Johnson congratulated the trio on their opportunity.

“Claudia and Olivia made a great impression across the VFLW season, and their perseverance has paid off," he said.

“Claudia and Olivia are being rewarded for their hard work and talent, and we look forward to them making the most of their opportunity at AFLW level.”

“Rachel is an experienced athlete, her list of achievements speak for themselves.

“She is well suited to the physicality of AFLW and we see her making a strong contribution.”


 
cats_09 said:
Welcome to our 3 newest additions - pretty sure that 2 of these names won't surprise


Geelong has signed three new talents to its AFLW list. Claudia Gunjaca and Olivia Fuller have joined Geelong as mature-aged signings, along with Rachel Kearns from Ireland as an other sports rookie.

After impressive seasons in Geelong’s VFLW side, Gunjaca and Fuller have been rewarded with an opportunity at the top level.

Gunjaca, Geelong’s VFLW vice-captain, is a strong-marking, key-position player with the ability to play at both ends of the ground.

A former Geelong West Giant in the AFL Barwon league, it was a move to Sydney in 2019 that took the now 23-year-old’s football to the next level.

A stellar season for UTS saw Gunjaca awarded AFL Sydney’s highest honour, the Mostyn Medal. In late 2020 Gunjaca arrived at GMHBA Stadium as an AFLW train-on player before taking the field in the 2021 VFLW season.

Fuller is a developing ruck, who has also spent time up forward for the VFLW Cats this season. An athletic former basketballer, the 21-year-old represented South Australia at under-18 level.

Fuller has enjoyed a consistent season, highlighted by her best-on-ground performance in week one of the VFLW finals, collecting 22 touches, 6 tackles and 36 hit-outs.

Geelong’s first Irish AFLW player, Kearns has an elite sporting background, skilled in Gaelic football, soccer and boxing.

The 24-year-old from county Mayo was an LGFA Allstar full forward in 2019, a member of the Republic of Ireland under-19 soccer squad and awarded two All-Ireland boxing medals.

A Galway women’s football striker, Kearns was recently awarded player of the month in the Women’s National League (WNL).

With experience in both defence and attack, Kearns’ speed, competitiveness and strong overhead ability sees her as a welcome addition to the team.

Geelong’s Head of AFLW Brett Johnson congratulated the trio on their opportunity.

“Claudia and Olivia made a great impression across the VFLW season, and their perseverance has paid off," he said.

“Claudia and Olivia are being rewarded for their hard work and talent, and we look forward to them making the most of their opportunity at AFLW level.”

“Rachel is an experienced athlete, her list of achievements speak for themselves.

“She is well suited to the physicality of AFLW and we see her making a strong contribution.”


Click to expand...


It's actually conceivable that all three could add something significant to the team. And all this before heading to the draft proper. Still probably not looking like contending at all for some time. But a good draft haul from here alongside these three additions (and a fit Nina) could at least see us starting to look like a team that can stay in the contest for longer than quarters at a time.
 
goyoucatters said:
It's actually conceivable that all three could add something significant to the team. And all this before heading to the draft proper. Still probably not looking like contending at all for some time. But a good draft haul from here alongside these three additions (and a fit Nina) could at least see us starting to look like a team that can stay in the contest for longer than quarters at a time.
Click to expand...

bolded for truth.

Fuller was the biggest 'need'; no way Rene Caris - who is developing reasonably well - could have been expected to carry ruck duties basically one-out for 2022.

Now we hit the draft.

Prespakis is the type of player who actually will make a significant difference; she's a chance of walking into our team and instantly being our best player (no pressure Georgie!) and with 3 other picks in the Vic pool top 10 we're well positioned to really bolster the list.

Still, overall I expect any improvement to the team's performance to come from the likes of Gardiner, Moloney (who looks as though she has improved her fitness significantly), Barber and the original 2018 draft class (including the returning Nina).

I'm really hoping we get Ella Friend among the rest of our draft picks, she looks a real prospect, but not sure we'll get the chance.

After that I'd be happy with any of Tess Craven, Jaide Anthony, Aurora Smith or Poppy Schaap. There are others I'd be more than happy to welcome aboard but those 4 have caught my eye for sure.
 
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Cursed Cat said:
bolded for truth.

Fuller was the biggest 'need'; no way Rene Caris - who is developing reasonably well - could have been expected to carry ruck duties basically one-out for 2022.

Now we hit the draft.

Prespakis is the type of player who actually will make a significant difference; she's a chance of walking into our team and instantly being our best player (no pressure Georgie!) and with 3 other picks in the Vic pool top 10 we're well positioned to really bolster the list.

Still, overall I expect any improvement to the team's performance to come from the likes of Gardiner, Moloney (who looks as though she has improved her fitness significantly), Barber and the original 2018 draft class (including the returning Nina).

I'm really hoping we get Ella Friend among the rest of our draft picks, she looks a real prospect, but not sure we'll get the chance.

After that I'd be happy with any of Tess Craven, Jaide Anthony, Aurora Smith or Poppy Schaap. There are others I'd be more than happy to welcome aboard but those 4 have caught my eye for sure.
Click to expand...

Having watched Fuller in the VFLW finals, she looks likely to take the no 1 ruck spot heading into the AFLW season. As you said Caris is still raw and can't carry the ruck duties for an entire season. Smart signing and possibly the most important heading into the new season.

Gunjaca, a mature aged signing who has experience and from what I've seen of VFLW season one of our most consistent performers. With the likes of Darby, Boyd and Aasta gone we desperately lack big bodied players (and did so throughout last season) and she helps fill that hole. Also her leadership qualities will be invaluable as our lack of on field leaders was a big problem last season. Another shrewd signing IMO.

Kearns who knows what she could bring to the team but worth a shot considering she's not costing us draft picks or a spot on the list and is effectively a Cat.B rookie.

After a horrible year on many fronts last year, there is some hope heading into the new season.
A new coach.
Scheer, Emonson, Fuller, Gunjaca, Kearns, picks 2, 5, 7, 15 (4 of the top 10 in the Vic pool).
The list managers have gotten off to a good start so far in the post/pre-season IMO, let's hope they nail it in the draft.
 
terry_bright said:
Having watched Fuller in the VFLW finals, she looks likely to take the no 1 ruck spot heading into the AFLW season. As you said Caris is still raw and can't carry the ruck duties for an entire season. Smart signing and possibly the most important heading into the new season.

Gunjaca, a mature aged signing who has experience and from what I've seen of VFLW season one of our most consistent performers. With the likes of Darby, Boyd and Aasta gone we desperately lack big bodied players (and did so throughout last season) and she helps fill that hole. Also her leadership qualities will be invaluable as our lack of on field leaders was a big problem last season. Another shrewd signing IMO.

Kearns who knows what she could bring to the team but worth a shot considering she's not costing us draft picks or a spot on the list and is effectively a Cat.B rookie.

After a horrible year on many fronts last year, there is some hope heading into the new season.
A new coach.
Scheer, Emonson, Fuller, Gunjaca, Kearns, picks 2, 5, 7, 15 (4 of the top 10 in the Vic pool).
The list managers have gotten off to a good start so far in the post/pre-season IMO, let's hope they nail it in the draft.
Click to expand...

Good post, you've actually sold me a bit more on Gunjaca - I do like her, but I was just slightly surprised we took her - I agree she has leadership qualities.

Chantel Emonson might 'only' end up being depth, but she looks a pretty smooth mover and could well take up the minutes that Denby Taylor might have been allotted. Like Taylor she looks very tidy by foot; when I listened to the AFLW list manager's interview a few weeks ago he mentioned that they'd all been impressed with her footskills when she joined in at training.

I love the recruitment of Rachel Kearns, good to see the club continuing to strengthen links to Ireland and it sounds like she don't mind a bit of the ol' donnybrook.

Fuller really stuck her hand up high at the right time; I haven't watched much VFLW this year but I did see the final against Collingwood and if she can replicate that kind of form at AFLW level she'll do alright.

Quite wildly differing opinions on who will be taken in the Victorian draft pool, even more so now that Charlie Rowbottom has nominated the Suns as her preferred destination. Prespakis looks a pretty obvious selection for Geelong, but there seems to be a view that she'll walk to Essendon or even St Kilda after serving a season with us.

After that there seems to be no real consensus at all, and Ben Waller vaguely alluded to 'attacking' players with speed.

From the little that I have seen Ella Friend would definitely be next to go after Prepakis in the Vic pool, but others seem a lot cooler on her. If she slides to our 2nd selection I'd be very happy. After Friend there are probably a dozen or so with the type of upside worth investing in, but I'd be a lot less sure of their ability to transfer their talent to senior level.
 
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Cursed Cat said:
bolded for truth.

Fuller was the biggest 'need'; no way Rene Caris - who is developing reasonably well - could have been expected to carry ruck duties basically one-out for 2022.

Now we hit the draft.

Prespakis is the type of player who actually will make a significant difference; she's a chance of walking into our team and instantly being our best player (no pressure Georgie!) and with 3 other picks in the Vic pool top 10 we're well positioned to really bolster the list.

Still, overall I expect any improvement to the team's performance to come from the likes of Gardiner, Moloney (who looks as though she has improved her fitness significantly), Barber and the original 2018 draft class (including the returning Nina).

I'm really hoping we get Ella Friend among the rest of our draft picks, she looks a real prospect, but not sure we'll get the chance.

After that I'd be happy with any of Tess Craven, Jaide Anthony, Aurora Smith or Poppy Schaap. There are others I'd be more than happy to welcome aboard but those 4 have caught my eye for sure.
Click to expand...

I like quite a few as well but is it even worthwhile looking at players from other states at this stage, think it would be hard enough to retain Metro girls.

Of the draft prospects you named, courtesy of https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/2021-aflw-draft-guide/

Jaide ANTHONY

DOB: 20/11/2003
HEIGHT: 166CM
POSITION: MEDIUM DEFENDER

Jaide Anthony is a player who has been in the spotlight for
a number of years now, coming through the Dandenong
Stingrays’ V/Line Cup program.
STRENGTHS: Marking, kicking, decision making, courage,
footy IQ, consistency
KEY IMPROVEMENT: Endurance

Tess CRAVEN

DOB: 23/12/2003
HEIGHT: 163CM
POSITION: INSIDE MIDFIELDER

Tess Craven has been one of the biggest and brightest
talents of 2021, with a massive season through the
Geelong Falcons midfield.
STRENGTHS: Inside game, consistency, decision
making, accumulation, clearances, work rate
KEY IMPROVEMENT: Versatility

Ella FRIEND

DOB: 30/12/2003
HEIGHT: 175CM
POSITION: KEY FORWARD/WING

Ella Friend is arguably the best contested mark in the
AFL Women’s Draft crop. She has the ability to pull down
pack grabs or one-on-one marks like very few can.
STRENGTHS: Contested marking, strength,
one-on-ones, penetrating kick, versatility, athleticism
KEY IMPROVEMENT: Endurance

Georgie PRESPAKIS (Would love to recruit but have the same reservations as you)

DOB: 13/03/2003
HEIGHT: 168CM
POSITION: BALANCED MIDFIELDER

Winning the NAB League Best and Fairest as a 16-yearold, Georgie Prespakis came into 2021 as possibly one of
the most well known underage female prospects ever.
STRENGTHS: Acceleration, goal sense, contested work,
overhead marking, defensive pressure
KEY IMPROVEMENT: Kicking consistency

Poppy SCHAAP

DOB: 28/07/2003
HEIGHT: 153CM
POSITION: SMALL FORWARD/MIDFIELDER

Poppy Schaap is a pocket rocket that packs plenty of
punch and has a lot of exciting traits which lend themselves to being a handy player at the next level.
STRENGTHS: Clean hands, forward craft, evasion, footy
IQ, accumulation, defensive pressure
KEY IMPROVEMENT: Kicking consistency

Aurora SMITH

DOB: 13/12/2003
HEIGHT: 165CM
POSITION: WING

Aurora Smith was one of the massive improvers in the
2021 season, becoming the most prolific wing in the
NAB League Girls competition and earning a Vic Country
place.
STRENGTHS: Speed, work rate, accumulation, outside
game, consistency
KEY IMPROVEMENT: Versatility
 

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