Cleaver To Continue Pursuit of Two Sporting Careers

East Fremantle WAFLW premiership player Georgie Cleaver is destined to play her first season at AFLW level with either the West Coast Eagles or the Fremantle Dockers.

The 18-year-old, who can play forward or in the ruck, has declared she wants to remain in WA to begin her football journey at the highest level.

“I’m feeling pretty comfortable about where I sit in the draft and the fact that I nominated WA,” Cleaver said.

“Knowing that I will go lower than expected is okay as it allows me to continue to play both sports.

“Obviously feeling very excited and privileged that I’m in the position that I am in.”

Cleaver, an accomplished netballer, remains open to pursuing a career in both sport.

“It’s been a massive year, full of opportunities I thought I’d never get to experience.

“Winning a WAFLW premiership was amazing and winning Gold in the Commonwealth Youth Games for netball was unreal.

“I feel like I balanced the year out well while also learning heaps from all the experiences.

“Obviously I’m in a very lucky position to be able to choose to stay home and hopefully pursue a dream in two sports, just like Mon Conti.

“Having the support of both WA clubs and the security of nominating WA has helped me decide to stay home and start my career here.”

At 181 centimetres Cleaver boasts exceptional marking prowess and the ability to win the ball at ground level.

Trent Cooper, Coaching Specialist – Female Talent Pathways at the West Australian Football Commission, believes Cleaver’s versatility will serve her well at AFLW level.

“Georgie backed up a Rogers Cup Premiership in 2022 with a WAFLW flag this year while also managing to fit in the time to win a Youth Commonwealth Games Gold Medal representing Australia in netball,” Cooper said.

“A tall player with great athleticism, Georgie’s best position is yet to be determined and she is likely to develop into a dangerous utility player.

“Having nominated WA, she can only be picked up by the two local AFLW teams, meaning either West Coast or Fremantle will end up with one of the best prospects in the 2023 Draft.”