WA Players Feature in Futures ProgramTuesday, August 27, 2024 - 1:49 PM

WA has nine representatives named in a squad by the AFL for the 2024 Marsh AFLW Futures program.

East Fremantle’s Alicia Blizard, East Perth’s Lucy Greenwood, Peel Thunder’s Evie Cowcher, Subiaco pair Olivia Crane and Olivia Wolmarans, Alira Fotu and Renee Morgan from South Fremantle, along with Sienna Gerardi from Swan Districts and West Perth’s Mia Russo have all been selected.

The 2024 Marsh AFLW Futures program includes a talent showcase match that will be played at GMHBA Stadium this Saturday prior to the NAB AFLW Round 1 clash between the Geelong Cats and Melbourne at 2pm WA time.

Trent Cooper, Manager Female Talent Programs and Coaching Specialist at the West Australian Football Commission, believes the nine players picked will benefit from the program.

“This is a great opportunity for our 2007 born players to test themselves playing with and against the best players of their age in Australia,” Cooper said.

“The game at GMHBA Stadium should be a high quality affair and will give the players a taste of what will be required to make it into the AFLW.” 

The 49-player squad selected for the 2024 Marsh AFLW Futures program includes the most promising under-17 female footballers from across the country.

All players are born in 2007 and will be eligible for selection in next year’s Telstra AFLW Draft following the 2025 NAB AFLW season.

The Marsh AFLW Futures program provides next year’s draft prospects an opportunity to come together in a high-performance environment and showcase their talent as they push for selection for the 2025 Marsh AFL Academy Girls program.

Players were nominated by state talent programs, national selectors and AFLW clubs, with all states and territories represented.

The squad includes three players recovering from long-term injury, with WA’s Olivia Crane, Chloe Baker-West and Ava Usher named in the squad but unable take part in the camp as they rehabilitate from injury.

Nineteen players from the 2023 AFL National Development Championships U16 Girls All-Australian have been selected, including Pool A fairest and best winner, WA’s Mia Russo.

AFL National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer believes there’s great anticipation at having many of the best under-17 footballers from across the country coming together in Melbourne to take part in the Marsh AFLW Futures program.

“The Futures program provides a great opportunity for our young footballers to come together in a high-performance environment as they prepare to enter their draft year,” Lockyer said.

“Players will engage in a host of training and football education sessions, but the highlight will be Saturday’s game at GMHBA Stadium, which will provide a great experience for our young stars to showcase their talent as part of Round 1 of the 2024 NAB AFLW season.”

The Marsh AFLW Futures squad will arrive in camp on Friday with Saturday’s match the feature of the three-day program.

HOW TO WATCH: The 2024 Marsh AFLW Futures match will be broadcast live and free at www.afl.com.au/aflw and the AFLW app.