MELBOURNE has filled all list spots for the upcoming 2024 AFLW season, with the signing of Grace Beasley as a rookie.
Beasley, who has played college basketball in the US since 2018, is in the final stages of her career with Northern Arizona University, soon ready to return to her native Melbourne.
While the 24-year-old won’t commence with the Demons until she concludes her college year, as per National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) requirements, she is set to bring plenty of elite experience to the red and blue.
Beasley is a decorated basketballer, with honours including two-time All-Western Junior Athletic Conference (WJAC) selection, earning All-Star Five in the Victorian Youth Championship Women's League and the Waverley Falcons Youth League MVP the same year, and as a freshman, finishing one vote shy of the WJAC Freshman of the Year award.
The 170cm guard first came to recruiters’ attention as a 17-year-old at Waverley Falcons while as a teammate of former Demon Tegan Cunningham.
Her aggressive play and dynamic movement were a standout, which has only continued to evolve throughout her college career.
Beasley has some early experience with footy, having played junior football for the East Malvern Knights and later two VAFA games at Caulfield Grammar while in high school.
Patterson explained that Beasley is ready to join the AFLW program and will bring new skills and experience to the group.
“It’s really pleasing to give Grace this opportunity after tracking her for such an extended period of time,” Patterson said.
“Grace will slot into our midfield group to start off with and we are really pleased with what level her fundamental footy skills come in as.
“It’s also a big plus for us to add some more real-life experience given Grace’s background.”
Patterson is confident in Beasley’s ability to develop in the red and blue, and in the capabilities of staff and coaches to bring her up to elite level.
“No doubt it’ll be challenging to transition from the court to the oval, but we’ve got great confidence in what our coaches and staff have been able to do previously with similar athletes, and Grace’s work ethic and determination give her a great platform to commence with us,” Patterson said.
