Queensland’s Tahlia Randall has been selected at pick number 3 for the Western Bulldogs in the first official AFL women’s mini-draft.
Former No.1 pick Daisy Pearce joined AFL Victoria Female Football Development Manager Chyloe Kurdas and AFL.com.au‘s Jennifer Phelan to announce the 10 selections, ahead of the second women’s exhibition game on August 16.
One of the game’s most exciting prospects, Randall is only the third 17-year-old to be drafted in its three year history and incredibly, still plays at junior level.
A product of the AFL Sunshine Coast Juniors talent pathway, Randall first picked up a footy aged six.
She started her junior club football with Kawana Park Eagles, crossing to Nambour-Maroochydore in the Youth Girls competition this year.
An athletic, tall player with a great mark, Randall has the ability play in the midfield and use space to run, carry and utilise her neat kick.
Western Bulldogs Coach Craig Starcevich, who coaches Randall at state level, is confident the youngster will hold her own amongst Australia’s best female players.
“She was all-Australia at this year’s Youth Girls National Championships and has responded well to every challenge thrown at her in senior club and state level footy,” said Starcevich.
“Tahlia is an incredibly versatile and athletic player and the Bulldogs will play her in a variety of roles; anything from key position forward or back, to tall winger. “
Queensland product Tiana Ernst, who played with Griffith-Moorooka until the end of 2013, was also selected in today’s mini draft. The former Queensland Women’s State Team player was selected by Melbourne with pick #6.
The second women’s exhibition game will be held as the curtain-raiser to the round 20 Western Bulldogs-Melbourne AFL match, and televised live on 7Mate.
