Ahead of Tuesday’s AFLW draft, let’s take a look at a few of the talented hopefuls emerging from within Hawthorn’s ranks…
Mikala Cann
After playing nine games with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup Girls competition this season, Mikala Cann proved ready to turn her attention to the next level. A member of the TAC Cup Girls Team of the Year, Cann continued her form for the VFLW Hawks, featuring in six games including each of the last four matches. The 17-year-old was the youngest player in the premiership-winning team, performing an important role in the Grand Final where she gathered a hard-fought 14 disposals (10 contested possessions) and nine tackles.
Jayde Van Dyk
There is not much Jayde Van Dyk didn’t achieve in 2018. The 22-year-old won the Debbie Lee Medal as the VFLW’s Rising Star, the Hawks best and fairest, selection in the Team of the Year and was of course a vital member of the Hawks’ premiership side. Following her illustrious year, Van Dyk has been touted as a potential number one pick in Tuesday’s draft. But whether her name is called out first or not, Van Dyk figures as the talented Hawks likely to take the step to the next level.
Read: Jayde Van Dyk- "the complete player"
Emerson Woods
Following an incredible performance at the AFLW Draft Combine earlier this month, Emmerson Woods has shot into draft calculations. The Eastern Ranges product’s highlight was setting a new combine record in the 20-metre sprint, flying through in just 3.129 seconds. She also registered top five placings in the standing vertical jump (5th), the agility test (3rd), the YoYo test (2nd), and the 2km time trial (3rd). Woods’ elite running ability is sure to pique the interest of clubs, with many suggesting the 18-year-old will have found a new home by the end of the first round.
Chantella Perera
Chantella Perera’s season hit its ultimate high in the last game of the season, as she became a premiership player whilst also being awarded the Lisa Hardeman Medal as the best player afield in the Grand Final. Perera was entrusted by Coach Patrick Hill all season to shut down some of the competition’s most dangerous forwards, with the former basketballer continually repaying the faith. A top-five placegetter in the Hawks’ best and fairest count, the 31-year-old will be hoping to realise her AFLW dream on Tuesday.
Olivia Flanagan
Despite not being picked up in last year’s draft, Olivia Flanagan rebounded strongly for another impressive season in 2018. The strong midfielder played 14 games for the premiers this year, missing the final game of the home and away season and the semi final win over Collingwood before returning for the Grand Final. Flanagan’s best game of the season came in the Round 5 loss to Collingwood, when she was best afield for the Hawks collecting 15 touches, four handball receives and a personal season-high of seven tackles.
Sarah Kendall
Named in the ruck in the TAC Cup Girls Team of the Year, Sarah Kendall poses as a youthful option for clubs looking to bolster their ruck stocks. Kendall made her VFLW debut in Round 13 against Darebin following her nine games for the Eastern Ranges at the U18 level. The former basketballer’s strengths lie in her tap work, with her ability to cover the ground also a feature.
Ebony Nixon
Ebony Nixon was one of the Hawks’ most consistent performers in 2018, revelling in her role as a key member of the defensive unit. Nixon had an especially prolific period between Rounds 6 and 15 where she was named amongst the Hawks’ best players in six of the side’s eight outings. The defender finished seventh in the club’s best and fairest count.
