SIX YOUNG footballers have etched their name into Melbourne Football Club history, with the Demons attacking the NAB AFL Women’s Draft on Tuesday night.
It was a bold Trade Period strategy which gave Melbourne a handful of top-end picks ahead of the league’s fifth season, and the club has capitalised with some quality new additions.
Take a look at what the Dees’ recruits have to offer below.
Pick No.5 – Alyssa Bannan
Melbourne has drafted Alyssa Bannan with its first pick of the night, identifying her athleticism as a key asset for the team.
At 177cm, Bannan is a promising key forward with strong hands, who will pose as a dangerous target inside 50.
While the 18-year-old has the ability to push up the field, she will add plenty of flare to the Demons’ forward line with her agility at ground level and ability to hit the scoreboard.
Pick No.15 – Eliza McNamara
With the club’s second first-round pick, it has drafted talented midfielder, Eliza McNamara.
At 18 years of age, McNamara joins Melbourne with an incredible running capacity and can play both on the inside and outside.
She’s as ferocious as they come and won’t back down, so expect to see her win plenty of the footy in season 2021.
Pick No.17 – Maggie Caris
The Demons’ third selection within the top 20 brings 17-year-old Maggie Caris to the club.
She is an elite athlete, starring not only as a junior footballer, but as a netballer as well.
At 190cm, Caris will be looking to develop her ruck craft at the Dees, with an ability to hit the ball with both hands and follow up at ground level.
Pick No.35 – Megan Fitzsimon
Megan Fitzsimon has been drafted with pick No.35, joining the Demons from Gippsland.
The 18-year-old is an explosive footballer who can play through the middle and up forward, and she knows how to kick a goal.
Fitzsimon has had a major impact during her time in the NAB League and will benefit from playing alongside some quality teammates at AFLW level.
Pick No.41 – Mietta Kendall
The Dees have added some depth to their backline, securing the talents of Mietta Kendall with pick No.41.
Kendall is a hybrid defender with a powerful kick, and at just 18 years of age, has the potential to develop into an inside midfielder.
She’s no stranger to competing under pressure with a background in both hockey and karate, so expect to see her compete well for the Demons in the coming years.
Pick No.48 – Isabella Simmons
Melbourne has used its final selection in the Draft to secure Isabella Simmons, with the 18-year-old finding her way onto an AFLW list.
She’s a classy left footer who has plenty of scope for development in the coming seasons and may be the most athletic young talent drafted this year.
At 186cm, Simmons has played the majority of her footy on the wing to date but has the potential to play at either end of the field for the Demons.
