GameDay Squad is exited to be launching our very own Women's Fantasy Footy game on to the platform! To compliment the launch, we will be releasing team reviews for each of the 18 teams and highlighting some key players that you need to keep an eye on over the course of the 2023 pre-season! Next up we have the Hawthorn Hawks, Melbourne Demons and the North Melbourne Kangaroos! Let us know your thoughts on who we have down below on all of our social channels: twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
Hawthorn Hawks
Overview:
Hawthorn only joined the AFLW competition last year in season 7 so they are still definitely in the development phase of the club’s history. They have managed to recruit some excellent players, but they are still a fair way off the quality of the more experienced sides.
Player Scouting:
Name: Tilly Lucas-Rodd
Position: Midfield
Season 7 average: 99.90
Review: A highly consistent player who never scored below 80 all season. She’s a kicking midfielder who averaged 8.4 tackles in season 7 which was the 4th highest in the competition. Tilly has played every season of AFLW and is now in her prime, so I’ll be keeping my eye on her.
Name: Emily Bates
Position: Midfield
Season 7 average: 90.50
Review: Moved to Hawthorn from Brisbane in the offseason to add some more experience to the midfield. Another player who has played in every AFLW season, Bates will look to link up with Lucas-Rodd and apply some defensive pressure, something Hawthorn desperately need. Hold and see how her scoring is impacted at the new club.
Name: Greta Bodey
Position: Forward
Season 7 average: 62.7
Review: Another player who moved from Brisbane in the off season. Bodey was 4th in the competition for goal assists last season so Hawthorn will be looking to get the ball in her hands. She may have less opportunities than she did at Brisbane so another watch and wait in my eyes.
Points conceded:
As a result of Hawthorns struggles last season, forwards often had a field day against them. There are some easy points to be made if you time it right. In other areas Hawthorn were in the middle for points conceded so shouldn’t become a factor.
Melbourne Demons
Overview:
As one of the founding clubs, Melbourne have been one of the dominant forces in AFLW since season 1. They are the raining premiers and have managed to hold onto their star players again during the trade period. The only notable absence will be the retirement of their captain, Daisy Pearce, but they will have the quality to manage the departure and still push for another flag.
Player Scouting:
Name: Katie Hore
Position: Forward
Season 7 average: 83.6
Review: The second highest GameDay Squad scoring forward for season 7 is someone you should be targeting. She finished second overall in the leading goal scorer contest which is important given each goal is worth 8 points. She also had the highest ceiling for any forward last season so nothing but green flags for Hore.
Name: Maddison Gay
Position: Defender
Season 7 average: 72.67
Review: Maddison Gay has missed a lot of football over the last few year due to various problems but when she does play, she scores well. She manages 6 games during season 7 before finals and finished as the 3rd highest averaging GameDay Squad listed defender. Hopefully she can stay fit and put some consistent scores on the board.
Name: Tayla Harris
Position: Forward
Season 7 average: 77.44
Review: When you think of AFLW you probably think of that iconic image of Tayla Harris kicking. Well, she’s still doing it and scoring well. She was in the top 5 for average marks inside 50 so you know she’ll be a chance for goals. With Melbourne likely to continue their form I’d expect Harris to be up there again in the top forwards this season.
Points conceded:
Due to Melbourne’s quality last year they didn’t give away points too cheaply. They conceded on average less than 40 points to opposition forwards each week so try and avoid that match up where you can.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
Overview:
North Melbourne are an exciting side with a lot of talent. The addition of St Kilda’s reigning best and fairest will give them some extra fire power up forward and can only be seen as a positive. I see North Melbourne as a top 4 side and wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of their players lift to the next level this season.
Player Scouting:
Name: Jasmine Garner
Position: Midfield
Season 7 average: 111.90
Review: Garner is an elite ball winning midfielder who led the competition last season in centre clearances and inside 50s. She has an excellent kick to handball ratio for a midfielder and loves to push forward and score goals. Basically everything you want in a fantasy midfielder so play her if you can.
Name: Emma Kearney
Position: Defender
Season 7 average: 77.89
Review: Kearney has been an All Australian every year since Season 1 in 2017. Let that sink in for a second. Although she may not be at the fantasy heights she was a few years back, she was still the second highest Gameday Squad defender in Season 7. Definitely someone you should be targeting.
Name: Ash Riddell
Position: Midfield
Season 7 average: 103.10
Review: Ash sometimes sits in the shadow of teammate Jasmine Garner, but don’t be fooled, she is an excellent fantasy player in her own right. On average, she had the 3rd most kicks last season and the 4th most uncontested possessions. As North Melbourne continue to develop, Riddle should see her numbers improve further.
Point conceded:
North Melbourne sat in the middle of the pack in all positions for points conceded last season, but their continued improvement might push them into the difficult category this season. They’re still unlikely to be too significant in this area though.