The Western Bulldogs have selected midfielder Amanda Ling with their first selection in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.
Taken with pick number 22 overall, the former Oakleigh Charger is a talented inside midfielder and proven big-game performer with a dangerous sidestep.
She won best on ground honours in this year’s NAB League Girls premiership team, and finished in the top five for disposals, tackles and inside 50s across the competition.
She averaged 17.9 disposals, 6.5 tackles and 3.1 inside 50s this season.
A threat around stoppages, Ling’s quick hands and acceleration are key parts of her game.
The 19-year-old was tipped to go in the first round after being overlooked in last year’s draft.
Aurora Smith was taken with the Bulldogs’ second selection, at pick number 25 overall.
Smith, 17, was one of the biggest improvers this NAB League Girls season, becoming the most prolific wing in the competition for the Murray Bushrangers.
Her speed, work rate and outside game are among her strengths, along with her ability to cover the ground with excellent endurance.
Hailing from Shepparton, Smith won the Bushrangers’ best and fairest award this season, averaging 20.7 touches, 3.3 tackles and 3.2 marks from six games.
Elizabeth Snell was the Bulldogs’ final selection in the draft, taken with pick number 27 overall.
A versatile midfielder-forward who also possesses some defensive traits, the 19-year-old won the Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest award from just five games.
Snell averaged 20 disposals and 8.8 tackles in her NAB League Girls' campaign, ranking inside the top 10 for average disposals and the top five for average tackles.
With 30 players now listed, the Bulldogs did not require their final pick (45).
