The Western Bulldogs have drafted Sandringham Dragons midfielder Keely Coyne with their second selection, pick 29, in the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft.
Coyne, 17, was one of the Dragons most influential players this season, after impressing in a new role inside.
She averaged 20 disposals, five tackles and two inside 50s from her NAB League Girls’ campaign.
Coyne has clean hands, solid composure and makes good decisions under pressure.
Her versatility is also a highlight, having previously played as a forward before taking on more of a wing role for Vic Metro at this year’s AFLW U18 National Championships.
Here’s what the 2022 AFLW Rookie Me Draft Guide had to say about Coyne:
After an impressive bottom-aged campaign playing mostly as a forward, Keely Coyne adapted well to a role on the inside during 2022 as she averaged 21.2 disposals across the NAB League campaign.
Despite being a shorter player, Coyne threw herself into the new role to be one of the Dragons most influential players across the season, with her composure through the thick of the contest proving key to how Sandringham played as the campaign went on. To aid that composure, Coyne has proven herself to be a good decision maker with ball in hand, knowing when to handball to an outside receiver and when to try a kick forward, where she would often spot teammates making leads even under pressure from opposition.
She looks to move the ball forward more often than not, looking for inside-45 options or leading forwards rather than bombing long down the line or out of a pack. Coyne got better as the season went on, with three of her highest disposal games coming in the final four rounds of the season.
With a stacked Metro midfield, Coyne filled a role on the wing for much of her time representing the Big V, looking confident in the position with her ability to hold space, but not being afraid to play contested when forced to. It was a good showing for Coyne across the three games, averaging 14.3 disposals, two marks and 2.7 tackles for the carnival despite playing largely on the outside.
Keely Coyne profile
DOB: 22/11/2004
Height: 162cm
Position: Midfielder
Former club: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
