10 Queenslanders selected at 2023 AFLW Draft

Ten Queensland community football players have had their dreams realised after being selected by an AFLW club at last night’s 2023 AFL Women’s Draft at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

The Brisbane Lions selected five Queenslanders, the Gold Coast SUNS selected three, Melbourne Demons selected one, as did the Adelaide Crows.

The first Queensland player selected by an AFLW club was Ryleigh Wotherspoon from the Sherwood Magpies, who was Melbourne’s second selection for the evening with Pick No. 12. Ryleigh is a phenomenally gifted athlete who has represented Queensland and Australia in cricket, played premier league soccer for the University of Queensland and represented her state in softball. Originally from Mackay, she played as a junior with the boys until she was 12. In 2023 she returned to football by running waters for the women’s teams at Sherwood Football Club, while she was recovering from an injury. She eventually made her debut for the Magpies in the QFAW Division 1 competition in the second half of the year and immediately made an impact with her goal kicking ability, raw talent and resilience. She was then invited to train with the Lions AFLW side for the recent NAB AFLW season.

Evie Long from the Brisbane Lions Academy/Sandgate Hawks was the Lions first selection for the evening with Pick No. 15, after they matched a bid from the Sydney Swans. Evie plays at half forward and had a stellar campaign for Queensland at the 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Girls earlier this year. She performed strongly at the 2023 Draft Combine where she finished fourth in the 2km time trial and had a top 10 result in the agility test. Amongst her representative commitments, Evie played five games for Sandgate in QFAW Division 1. Evie was in Melbourne to accept her first Lions guernsey from Lions premiership player Sophie Conway.

Evie Long is presented her first Lions guernsey by Sophie Conway. Photo credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Sophie Peters from the Brisbane Lions Academy/Maroochydore was the Lions second selection with Pick No.21. A former soccer junior, Sophie is known for her clean hands and strong skills by hand and foot. She was amongst Queensland’s best players at the National Championships. She played three games for Maroochydore in the 2023 Bond University QAFLW competition.  Sophie was also in attendance at Marvel and was presented her first Lions guernsey by Sophie Conway.

Sophie Peters celebrates being drafted to the Brisbane Lions. Photo credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Indiana Williams from the Brisbane Lions Academy/Maroochydore/Hervey Bay Bombers was the Lions third selection for the evening with Pick No. 27, after they matched a bid from the Adelaide Crows. Indiana is a tall, versatile player who can play forward or back and has a strong aerial presence. She started her playing career in Hervey Bay before moving south to Maroochydore to play for the Roos in the QAFLW competition, where she played five games. She also represented Queensland at the National Championships this year.
 
Lily Tarlinton from Bond University/Mackay City Hawks was selected by the Adelaide Crows with Pick No. 34. Originally hailing from Mackay, Lily is an agile tall forward, who can play in the ruck and represented Queensland in the State Representative match against Tasmania in Hobart earlier this year. She played for Bond University in their 2023 QAFLW premiership victory in September.

With their fourth selection of the evening, the Lions selected Rania Crozier from the Brisbane Lions Academy/Aspley/Morningside with Pick No. 35. Rania is a tall forward with strong overhead marking skills and is clever in the goal square. She also had a strong campaign for Queensland at the National Championships. Rania was a member of the 2023 AFL National Academy and performed well when representing Australia against the U23 All Stars.

Jacinta Baldwick from the Brisbane Lions Academy/Coorparoo/Sherwood was the Lions’ final selection of the evening, with Pick No. 37. Jacinta, usually found on the wing, is an all-round player who is hard running and handy in front of goal. She also represented Queensland at the National Championships earlier this year and played seven games for Coorparoo in the QAFLW competition.

Coorparoo’s Taya Oliver was the SUNS’ second selection for the evening with Pick No. 44. Taya started playing footy in 2021 and played for Coorparoo in QAFLW competition this season. Mostly playing in the back pocket, she is renowned for her tackling ability. In 2023 she represented Queensland against Tasmania in the Representative Clash in Hobart. She was also named in the Bond University QAFLW Team of the Year at the 2023 J.A Grogan and Emma Zielke Awards Night.

Kiara Bischa from the Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Bond University/Burleigh Bombers was the Gold Coast SUNS’ third selection for the night with Pick No.50. Kiara is a composed key defender who excels one-on-one and is admired for her intercepting ability. She had a strong campaign for Queensland at the National Championships and was rewarded with All Australian honours.  Kiara was a premiership player for Bond University in the QAFLW in September this year.

Sienna McMullen from the Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Bond University/Burleigh Bombers was the SUNS’ fourth selection for the evening with Pick No. 51. A midfielder with a strong burst of speed, Sienna was a member of the AFL National Academy in 2023 and starred while playing for Australia in the U18 team against the U23 All Stars. She also had a consistent campaign for Queensland at the National Championships earlier this year.

Sienna McMullen and Kiara Bischa presented their first SUNS guernsey from Claudia Whitfort and Georgia Clayden. Photo credit: SUNS Media

AFL Queensland Talent Manager Mark Browning congratulated all 10 draftees.

“On behalf of AFL Queensland, we are so proud of the 10 players who have earned a fantastic opportunity to be part of an AFLW club,” he said.

“They have all worked hard and it is pleasing to see so many Queenslanders selected by AFL clubs.

“I would like to acknowledge everyone who has played a part in their journey to be drafted including their community clubs, state league clubs, the state team, the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS academy programs and of course their parents and coaches.

“Many of the players drafted last night represented Queensland at the 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Girls competition. This program provided an opportunity for them to play against the best players in the country and in turn demonstrate what Queensland footy players are capable of.

“It is also pleasing to see players drafted from our QFAW and Bond University QAFLW competitions, showcasing the depth of talent we have here in Queensland.

“I wish them all well in this next step in their football journey.”  
 
2023 AFLW Drafted Queensland Players: