Ten SANFLW players selected in 2024 AFLW Draft

By ZAC MILBANK

Ten SANFLW players have had their dreams realised after being selected in the 2024 AFLW Draft on Monday night.

Glenelg defender Poppy Scholz was the first South Australian to have her name called – at pick No.6 to Carlton – as double the amount of SANFLW stars were snapped up compared to 2023.

Scholz, whose sister Matilda claimed the 2024 AFLW Rising Star Award with Port Adelaide, was in shock after having no indication from the Blues she would be chosen in the first round.

”It’s pretty crazy to have my name read out so early,” Poppy, who was also picked in this year’s Australian U19 netball squad, told AFL.com.au

”It’s very exciting as I didn’t expect to go at pick No.6.”

Sturt sensation India Rasheed was the next Croweater picked, heading to West Lakes with Adelaide’s first selection at No.13.

The U18 All-Australian averaged 24 disposals, six tackles and five clearances this year as she claimed the 2024 Powerade Breakthrough Player Award.

”I’m so excited to get to the Crows and stay in Adelaide which is my hometown,” Rasheed said.

”It’s been the most stressful week of my life – I was a Port fan but I might have to switch it now.”

Dashing defender from Woodville-West Torrens, Grace Martin, was next at pick No.22 to Greater Western Sydney before popular Central District utility Charlotte Riggs landed at West Coast with No.24.

”I think it (being selected) is not just about myself but a representation of all the people who have helped and supported me,” said Riggs, SA U18 vice-captain this year.

”I cannot wait to start at West Coast, I am so excited. I never really thought I would be playing football, I thought it would be netball or ballet so to be here now is so incredible.”

Riggs was joined at the Eagles by fellow tall utility Lucy Boyd, from West Adelaide, when she was snared at No.53.

In between, her Central District premiership teammate Jasmine Evans was chosen by Port Adelaide at No.33 before North Adelaide’s Jemma Whitington-Charity also arrived at Alberton with pick No.40.

Collingwood used a father-daughter selection on Glenelg’s Violet Patterson, the daughter of former Magpie Stephen, who played 96 AFL games for the Pies from 1995 to 2000.

Bulldog Georgia Mckee (No.44) was the heart-warming story of the night, being the second South Australian chosen by the Crows after making a successful comeback from ACL injury in 2023.

North Adelaide utility Sarah Steele-Park, originally from the Northern Territory, was the unexpected bolter from SANFLW ranks to be handed an opportunity when she was taken by Sydney at pick No.61.

With a number of teams passing on selections at the AFLW Draft, several more SANFLW players could be snapped up as AFLW Free Agents or Injury Replacement Players before season 2025 kicks off next August.