As it stands, Matilda Dyke is our top ruck option across the country, and it is easy to see why. She has rare athletic traits that make her mobile, good below her knees and has an incredibly high endurance base. In the past, Dyke has played as a key defender, boasting strong hands, good positioning and an ability to provide rebound out of the defensive 50. Dyke has added an extra string to her bow since the most recent AFLW Draft prior to Season 7, and coach Jack Schwarze said her work on her kicking over the off-season has been impressive. With her versatility and endurance to go with her aerial and ground work, Dyke is a player who has long competed against senior bodies, so could be a second ruck or depth early on, for a side.

NOMINATION: National

STRENGTHS:

• Strength
• Overhead marking
• Positioning
• Reading the play
• Mobility
• Endurance

KEY IMPROVEMENT:

• Consistency
• Kicking