MELBOURNE’S AFLW coach Mick Stinear has provided an update on the final 10 players on the list ahead of Sunday’s Round 1 clash with Fremantle at Casey Fields.
Find out how players numbered 22-36 are set to perform in 2019 in this ‘Part Three’ preview from the coach.
No.22 – Madeleine Guerin
Forward
“Maddy had a good VFLW season. She plays with great speed, takes the game on and is an exciting half-forward for us. She’ll be a dangerous player who will keep the ball in our half and she has an ability to hit the scoreboard.”
No.23 – Madeline Brancatisano
Midfielder
“She’s really adjusted to the program now and we continue to see her strengths at training. She’s strong at the contest and has good hands. Mads continues to improve with every session.”
No.24 – Brooke Patterson
Defender
“Brooke had an injury setback with her calf just prior to Christmas which limited her training. She’s starting to get back to her best and she’s a reliable defender who always puts the team first.”
No.26 – Shae Sloane
Defender
“Shae’s been brilliant. She’s a school teacher so she’s been in the club more often while on holidays. She grew up with the game but once the pathway ceased she went to volleyball. But she’s an exciting one to watch and she’ll be part of our defence. She has good speed and her skills get better every session.”
No.28 – Tyla Hanks
Forward/Midfielder
“Hanksy fit straight in the moment she came in the doors. She’s become a leader around the place in terms of her approach to training and instruction to others. She had an injury setback in the practice match against Casey, but it’ll be exciting to see her play. She’ll play through the midfield and forward and she’s ready to go at AFLW level.”
No.29 – Eden Zanker
Forward/Ruck
“The best thing for Eden was playing a full year at VFLW. She got a lot of footy in and developed her strength and maturity. You’ll see a different player to last season. She’s a lot more confident around the ground, her marking has improved out of sight and she’ll play forward and go through the ruck for us.”
No.30 – Shelley Heath
Defender
“Shelley will be an exciting one to watch. She’s been developing down back, she’s got good speed, she’s a good competitor and keeps working on her fundamentals. She’ll be able to play a role for the team in defence.”
No.31 – Jordann Hickey
Forward
“Jordy has been a really good fit for the group since making the transition from Alice Springs. She’s made the most of her opportunity, continuing to come in for extras. She’s playing across half-forward for us and her strength is her competitiveness and ruthless attack on the ball. We’re excited to see what she can do this season.”
No.35 – Catherine Phillips
Defender/Wing
“Her speed and endurance is an elite asset for the team. Cat has made a transition down back and really started to show some good signs in defence as well as helping the team in offence with her ability to open up space and take the ball forward. She brings us versatility and her skills have improved since last year.”
No.36 – Ainslie Kemp
Forward
“The work she has put into her [ACL] rehab in the last 12 months has been excellent. At her best she’s a key member of our forward line. She’s really strong on the lead and has a really good goal sense. After missing season two, Kempy is determined to have an impact in season three.”
