The 2018 AFLW Draft has been and gone and as expected, Geelong selected Nina Morrison with the first overall pick in the draft. Carlton got Maddie Prespakis as expected with the third pick and interstate guns such as Nikki Gore (Adelaide) and Alyce Parker (GWS) got to their preferred clubs. What about the Western Bulldogs? How did the reigning premiers fare in this year's draft class? This is why I'm reviewing the AFLW Bulldogs' draft class of 2018, as I take a look at the five selections with a bit more depth. On first glance, The Dogs have drafted for versatility, some experience with a couple of players coming from the VFLW, as well as a young lady from overseas who impressed in the Bulldogs' 'Cross-Coders' program and could loom as a potential bargain.
It's too early to say whether or not that the Bulldogs' have hit the jackpot. We'll find more out by the new year, but until then, let's have a look at what we know of the five draftees.
Pick 46 – Jessie Davies (Western Bulldogs VFLW) – Utility
Jessie Davies comes to the AFLW side, already familiarised with her surroundings – having played VFLW footy with the Western Bulldogs this year. Although it was just the seven games, the club believes that she can be an asset in various positions around the ground. The club highlights her kicking as a real strength in her game. She has lined up at half-back at times this year and I think she could become a legit weapon across half-back if she gets some game-time next year – which is a possibility.
Pick 34 – Selena Karlson (Southern Saints) – Key Defender
I like this selection as Selena Karlson can fill a position across either full-back or centre half-back. The Dogs love her aggression to the contest and her competitive nature. At 20 years of age, and with a couple of years at VFLW level under her belt now, it is possible to see her hold down a spot at the Bulldogs next year. She was a member of the VFL Victoria Female Young Guns showcase game in September and was amongst the best on her team.
Pick 26 – Kate Bartlett (Peel Thunderbirds) – Forward
Expect another K.B running around in Bulldogs colours next year, with Western Australian Kate Bartlett nabbed up with the Dogs' third pick in the draft. I highly rated her last year, as she is quite a lethal player in front of goal, and given that they had no Izzy Huntington for most of this year and Katie Brennan has had her injury issues in the past, this isn't a bad selection and should see some game-time in 2019.. After being overlooked in last year's Draft, Bartlett was named in the initial Under-18 All-Australian squad this year and kicked 22 goals for Peel in the WAWFL this year.
Pick 23 – Aisling McCarthy (Ireland) – Utility
They sprung a surprise by selecting an Irish Convert in Aisling McCarthy with their second pick in the draft. Given the success of GWS' Cora Staunton this season, it shouldn't come as a shock to see overseas players come in as early as the 20s. Having played Gaelic Football in Tipperary over the past year, McCarthy caught the eye of the Bulldogs' recruiters with their 'Cross Coders' program, which helps identify talent from all over the globe. The Bulldogs see plenty of potential in her. They like her pace, her power and her ability to run with the ball. It could see her play a number of roles in 2019. At 22 years of age, I'm very excited to watch her develop her game next year and beyond.
Pick 10 – Eleanor Brown (Sandringham Dragons) – Utility
Maybe some didn't expect Eleanor Brown to be taken so early in the draft – I certainly wasn't expecting it – but this is a selection that I am happy with nonetheless. 2018 was a great year for the Sandringham Dragons product and a selection inside the first round is perhaps the just reward. Brown displayed her versatility with stints in the middle as well as playing in the backline with a number of roles throughout the year.
She excelled representing Vic Metro in the under-18 Championships and was named in the All-Australian team of 22. She was given senior opportunities at the Southern Saints in the VFLW and flourished, being named amongst the Saints' best players in five of her six games. At the draft combine, she also impressed – finishing second behind Nina Morrison in the 2km Time Trial. The club has hinted that she could spend a lot of time in the middle next year.
With the departure of Emma Kearney leaving a bit of a gap in the engine room, Brown definitely should get some time in there next year.