The AFL Women’s Draft was held on Wednesday afternoon, with an additional 19 players added to the Western Bulldogs women’s list to go along with marquee signings Katie Brennan and Ellie Blackburn, priority player Emma Kearney and rookies Libby Birch and Romy Timmins.
The Club will now have an opportunity to sign three additional players as free agents, rounding out a squad of 27.
See below for the current state of the list.
Marquee players
Katie Brennan, Darebin Falcons
Star forward who has strong hands and a massive engine. Also shows impressive leadership with her on-field actions and off-field preparation.
Ellie Blackburn, Melbourne Uni
Prolific ball-winner with a prodigious kick. A four-time All-Australian at youth level, the 21-year-old will continue to get better as her running capacity increases and should be a leading player in the national league.
Priority pick
Emma Kearney, Melbourne Uni
A tough and highly skilled midfielder who works hard all day. A great leader on the field. Has also played elite-level cricket.
Rookies
Rommy Timmins, Berwick Hawks
A hard at the ball mid and a natural leader and former captain of the Berwick Hawks women’s team in the VWFL.
Libby Birch, Darebin Falcons
A state-level junior netballer, Birch took up football in June this year joining the Darebin Falcons, and playing 11 games in her debut season.
2016 draftee breakdown
Pick 5: Jaimee Lambert, Eastern Devils FC
Tough inside midfielder who has developed quickly. Won this year’s Susan Alberti medal for the Western Bulldogs B&F player in the 2016 Exhibition Series.
Pick 12: Aasta O’Connor, Darebin Falcons FC
Former Bulldog’s Exhibition Series captain. Expected to be a strong leader down back.
Pick 21: Hannah Scott, Eastern Devils FC
Will add grunt as an inside midfielder. Has worn the Bulldogs colours in exhibition matches for the past three years.
Pick 28: Kirsten Mcleod, Cranbourne FC
Small forward with plenty of X-Factor
Pick 37: Kimberley Ebb, Seaford FC
A veteran of over 200 VWFL games, Ebb is a hard running and highly skilled half-back/midfielder.
Pick 44: Hayley Wildes, Cranbourne FC
Rebounding defender who can run all day.
Pick 53: Brooke Lochland, Melbourne University
Returned to Australia in 2014 after an extended period on the international speed skating circuit. Has elite endurance and an impressive work ethic.
Pick 60: Bailey Hunt, Melbourne University FC
Young key defender still learning the ropes, but with plenty of upside.
Pick 69: Ellyse Gamble, Burnie Dockers
Played most of her football in the ruck, but has transitioned in to playing as a centre-half-forward. Was best on ground in her local clubs’ premiership win earlier in the year.
Pick 76: Lauren Sparks, Melbourne Uni
Experienced, versatile key defender who has been playing football for Wimbledon Hawks in the AFL competition in London. Played previously for Melb Uni.
Pick 85: Nicole Callinan, Darebin FC
Outside midfielder who has played for the Bulldogs in previous exhibition matches. Was influential in Darebin’s recent grand final win over Melbourne Uni.
Pick 92:Lisa Williams, Diamond Creek FC
Experienced, fast paced midfielder.
Pick 101: Lauren Morecroft, Diamond Creek FC
Tough, hard running key defender who is strong in the air and great in one-on-one contests
Pick 108: Tiana Ernst, Diamond Creek FC
Experienced ruck who can covers the ground well. Experienced and will add leadership.
Pick 117: Kate Tyndall, Darebin FC
Another Falcon who played well in their 2016 grand final triumph as an outside midfielder.
Pick 124:Courtney Clarkson, Cranbourne FC
Young key forward who has been a stand out for local club, Cranbourne. Plenty of upside.
Pick 131: Jess Gardner, St.Kilda
Hard running utility, with pace. Was influential during finals campaign with the St.Kilda Sharks.
Pick 138: Kirsty Lamb, Diamond Creek FC
Inside midfielder who along with Emma Kearney will juggle her cricket commitments as a member of the Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Pick 143: Laura Bailey, St.Kilda Sharks FC
Member of the St.Kilda Sharks finals team where she provided plenty of run off a half back flank.
The first year of competition will be played in February-March 2017.
