Updated – Thursday June 30
Imogen Evans
Bond University player and Gold Coast SUNS Academy member Imogen Evans has been selected by Collingwood as an undrafted free agent earlier today. Evans is a tough midfielder with a high work rate and expert tackler.
Wednesday June 29
Seven Queensland players tonight had their dreams come true at the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft, which was streamed live from Marvel Stadium, Melbourne. The Brisbane Lions selected four Queenslanders, the Gold Coast SUNS two and GWS Giants one.
Here’s how the night unfolded:
Alana Gee
The first name called out for the evening was Alana Gee from Gold Coast SUNS Academy/North Mackay Saints who the SUNS selected with Pick No.19. The Mackay product, often found in the midfield, is known for her ball winning ability, is tough at the contest and has an elite combination of speed and endurance. Alana was named an Under 18 All Australian after an outstanding 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships, where she was also named Queensland’s Most Valuable Player.
Alana was in Melbourne at the draft to hear her name called and received her first SUNS guernsey from SUNS AFLW Coach Cameron Joyce and Alison Drennan. She currently plays for Southport in the QAFLW league.
Ella Smith
Ella Smith, an Aspley and Lions Academy player was the Lions’ first selection with Pick No. 41. Smith, also an elite national rower, is a hard-nosed midfielder who can also play on the wing. She has a sharp kick, and her incredible endurance sets her apart from the competition. She represented Queensland at the 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships and plays for Aspley in the QAFLW competition, where she was named Round 10’s Rising Star. She played her junior football at the Sandgate Hawks.
Jasmyn Smith
The SUNS’ final pick of the night was Bond University QAFLW player and SUNS Academy member Jasmyn Smith, who was selected with Pick No. 52. Standing at only 158cm, Smith may be small but is tough, tenacious and while playing for Queensland at the 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships, had the most contested footy in the competition. She is also speedy, having won the 2km time trial at combine. In her spare time, Smith is also a television presenter for Channel 10.
Dee Heslop
The Brisbane Lions second selection for the evening was former SUNS AFLW player Dee Heslop who was selected with Pick No. 57. Heslop’s AFLW career was given a second chance at the Lions, after she was delisted by the SUNS after 23 games. She played her junior football at Yeronga in South Brisbane and can rotate between the midfield and defensive line.
Fleur Davies
Gold Coast SUNS Academy player and Southport junior Fleur Davies was the fifth name to be called, selected with Pick No. 64 from the GWS Giants. The 185cm ruck/full forward was born in Wales and one of four sisters, who moved to Australia when she was four years old. Skilled in rugby union and netball, Davies ultimately chose Aussie Rules as her preferred sport. Davies excelled at the 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships for Queensland where she averaged 9.7 disposals and 15.5 hit outs. She stars for Southport in the QAFLW competition.
Fleur was in Melbourne to accept her first Giants guernsey in person.
Charlotte “Charlie” Mullins
The Brisbane Lions third selection for the evening was Aspley junior and Lions Academy member Charlotte Mullins who was selected with Pick No.70. The 17-year-old inside midfielder is admired for her terrific game sense and strong overhead mark. She played for Queensland both as an Under 17 and Under 18 and had a strong campaign at the 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships. She has been dominating the QAFLW competition for Aspley, named the Round 9 Xena Impact Player of the Round.
Kiara Hillier
Maroochydore Roos and Lions Academy member Kiara Hillier was the Brisbane Lions final selection for the night, taken at Pick No. 75. Hillier is a tall, rebounding defender and represented Queensland at the 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships. She was named the QAFLW’s Rising Star for her Round 3 performance. Hillier played her junior football at Kawana.
