AFL Canberra Crop make waves at 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
Six Canberra products have taken the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft by storm today, engraving their names onto an AFLW list in the expanded 14-team competition for 2020.
18-year-old Belconnen Magpie Maggie Gorham started things off for the Canberra cohort, taken as the GIANTS first pick of the AFLW Draft (fourth overall).
Gorham has become the second Belconnen player to be selected as the GIANTS’ first pick of the AFLW draft, following in the footsteps of Jodie Hicks in 2017.
This caps off a stellar year for Gorham, being awarded the 2019 Bainrot Medal, as the Best and Fairest for the AFL Canberra First Grade Women’s Competition. She kicked 29 Goals in 17 Games and established herself as a clear standout in the UNSW Canberra Women’s competition.
The Queanbeyan Tigers Football Club claimed the trifecta with three 2019 premiership winners securing their spots onto AFLW lists, including captain Hannah Dunn.
Dunn played for Norwood in the South Australian league (SANFL) this season finishing third in the competitions best and fairest count before returning to Queanbeyan and claiming the Best On Ground medal in the UNSW Canberra First Grade Women’s Grand Final.
Dunn was drafted with the Gold Coast Suns second selection at pick 22.
Joining the star midfielder on the Gold Coast is Lexi Hamilton, taken at pick 38. Hamilton represented NSW/ACT in the 2018 NAB AFLW National Championships where she won All Australian honours.
UNSW Canberra First Grade Women’s Leading Goal kicker, Jacqueline Parry, rounded off Tiger’s success as she was picked up with the Melbourne Demons first pick (54th overall).
Former Eastlake Demons star, Najwa Allen was taken by the Adelaide Crows with Pick 37 of the NAB AFL Women’s Draft after an incredible year with Norwood in the SANFL.
Polling 17 Votes, Allen took home the State-wide Super Women’s League 2019 Best and Fairest Award, just beating now AFLW rival Dunn for the prize.
Former Belconnen Magpie’s Captain, Talia Radan was swooped on by the West Coast Eagles, being drafted with Pick 92.
Listed with the Melbourne Demons in 2019, she has recovered from a shoulder reconstruction, nominating for the WA pool for Season 4 of AFLW.
AFL ACT and SNSW Talent Manager Cameron Bernasconi said it was a great day to reflect on the talent here in Canberra.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for these players to reach the AFLW and also a great reward for the local competition showcasing players can reach this level of the sport whilst still living here in the ACT.” said Bernasconi
“To have another Top 10 draft Pick from Belconnen Football Club two years in a row is a huge achievement in itself.
A player like Maggie has come through the talented player program and continued her improvement playing senior footy at Belconnen for the last few years.
She is a quality person and a very gifted footballer, I’m sure she will do herself and her family proud playing for the GIANTS.
Queanbeyan Football Club having three players drafted is also a massive success of the football program they run out at Allinsure Park.
Whilst to see Talia (Radan) receive another opportunity at this level is simply fantastic, we wish her and all of the girl’s good luck, they are sure to do the Canberra Region proud.”
Please see below for players associated with AFL Canberra Competitions selected in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft.
Pick 4: GWS Giants: Maggie Gorham (Belconnen Magpies)
Pick 22: Gold Coast Suns: Hannah Dunn (Queanbeyan Tigers)
Pick 37: Adelaide Crows: Najwa Allen (Eastlake Demons / Norwood)
Pick 38: Gold Coast Suns: Alexia Hamilton (Queanbeyan Tigers)
Pick 54: Melbourne Demons: Jacqueline Parry (Queanbeyan Tigers)
Pick 92: West Coast Eagles: Talia Radan (Belconnen/Adelaide/Melbourne)
AFL Canberra would like to congratulate all of the local players drafted into the AFL Women’s competition today and wish them luck going into the 2020 season.
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