The Western Bulldogs have added five new players to its list in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft, which was held today at Marvel Stadium.
Eleanor Brown, Aisling McCarthy, Kate Bartlett, Selena Karlson and Jessie Davies will join Celine Moody, Tessa Boyd and Belinda Smith to have been added to the playing list since the end of the 2018 premiership-winning season.
Here is a snapshot of what to expect from the Club’s newest AFLW signings:
Selection 10: Eleanor Brown (Sandringham Dragons)
At 18 years old, Eleanor Brown is an athletic tall who is known for her agility and ability to match-up well on all types of players. Brown enjoyed an impressive season both at under-age level and with the Southern Saints - being named in the best afield list on five out of a possible six occasions at VFLW level. Representing Vic Metro in the AFLW U18 Championships, Brown received All-Australian honours for her outstanding 2018 season.
#AFLWDraft
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) October 23, 2018
- @MichaelCWillson pic.twitter.com/fgqOawrSjK
Selection 23: Aisling McCarthy (Ireland)
The 22-year-old Irish native came to Australia in September as part of the Cross Coders program, when the Bulldogs went global in their search for the best talent. McCarthy impressed with her power and speed, as well as her ball-handling ability. She arrives at the Bulldogs from Gaelic side, Tipperary.
It’s the early hours of the morning in Ireland, but @aish_mac is excited to be a Bulldog. #AFLWdraft pic.twitter.com/siNh14d0vB
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) October 23, 2018
Selection 26: Kate Bartlett (Peel Thunderbirds)
The goal kicker from WA was one of the best forwards from the NAB AFLW Under-18s Championships this year. She kicked at least a goal or more in every game, bar one, and was rewarded with AFLW 18s All-Australian selection. Bartlett is known for her goal-kicking power. In 2017, she kicked seven goals in WA’s dominant performance over NSW/ACT. Bartlett lists Western Bulldogs captain Katie Brennan as a role model.
#AFLWDraft | Pick 26
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) October 23, 2018
A forward from the West...
Kate Bartlett is now a Bulldog. ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/TXGDG7ekrm
Selection 34: Selena Karlson (Southern Saints)
Karlson arrives at the Western Bulldogs via the Southern Saints. The 20-year old is an aggressive and competitive key defender. She was a member of the VFL Victoria Female Young Guns representative side.
#AFLWDraft Pick 34 | -->
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) October 23, 2018
An aggressive and competitive key defender, Selena Karlson is now a Bulldog. pic.twitter.com/mq09K8GxhV
Selection 46: Jessie Davies (Western Bulldogs VFLW)
Davies is already familiar with the surroundings of VU Whitten Oval, the 170cm utility played for the Western Bulldogs VFLW side this season. She has the ability to play at either end of the ground as well as through the middle – with her kicking a strength.
#AFLWDraft Pick 46 | Our final selection, and a VFLW Bulldog no less. Congratulations Jessie Davies! pic.twitter.com/94zOnGgWIY
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) October 23, 2018