2021 AFLW Draft club review: GWS GIANTS

NOW the AFL Women’s Draft is done and dusted, Draft Central will review each club’s draft hand, and provide supporters with all the content they need to know about the latest additions to their AFL Women’s programs. We continue the club-by-club reviews with GWS GIANTS.

#37 Ally Morphett (Ruck) 11/11/2003 | 188cm Murray Bushrangers / NSW-ACT

A member of the AFL Women’s Academy, the Wagga Wagga talent had a consistent year through the ruck for Murray Bushrangers, GWS GIANTS Academy and then the Allies, a side which she captained throughout the AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships. Possessing great strength and competitiveness in the air, Morphett has a penetrating kick to go with her strong hands, making her a potential key forward at the next level with her ruck work. She is someone who has the size on most others at 188cm and is hard to move once she has front position.
ALLY MORPHETT CONTENT:
>> Morphett’s football journey all about enjoyment >> Q&A: Ally Morphett & India Lehman (Murray Bushrangers)  >> AFLW Draft Positional Analysis: Rucks

#49 Jess Doyle (Medium Forward/Midfielder) 15/09/2003 | 170cm Manly Warringah Wolves / NSW-ACT

A clean and composed user of the ball, Doyle came on in leaps and bounds in 2021, starting as a raw talent with plenty of potential, and finishing as one of the draft class’ top talents. The NSW-ACT AFL Women’s Academy member aligned to the Sydney Swans, captained the red and white in their first NAB League Girls game, and stood up under pressure to kick two goals to lead the to a win over eventual grand finalists, Geelong Falcons. She showed the same class and ball-handling ability at AFLW Under 19 Championships level, where she was one of the bet performing Allies players to earn All-Australian honours. Doyle also ran out with Williamstown in the VFLW for some extra senior league experience. JESSICA DOYLE CONTENT: >> Competitive Doyle embraces “amazing opportunity” >> AFLW Draft Positional Analysis: Tall/Medium Forwards

#55 Brodee Mowbray (Balanced Midfielder) 02/09/2002 | 168cm Southern Power / NSW-ACT

A tackling machine, Mowbray is a talent who has progressed through the GWS GIANTS Academy ranks after crossing to Australian rules football from netball and Oztag. She is a fierce competitor who loves the contested work, but often uses her high-level running capacity to have an impact on a wing or down the ground. She averaged a massive nine tackles and eight disposals at the AFLW Under 19s Championships, showcasing a high work rate and good speed to-boot. Mowbray is one who adds that extra toughness at the ball and around the ground with her attitude and work ethic.

#59 Georgie Fowler (Medium Forward) 19/12/2003 | 167cm East Coast Eagles / NSW-ACT

A late bloomer who has overcome injuries, Fowler has put together a strong season for the East Coast Eagles in the AFL Sydney competition, where she has become renowned for her forward craft. Possessing a mix of power and speed on the lead, strength overhead and a reliable set shot for goal, Fowler’s delayed start to the season did not slow her down, earning a Rising Star nomination in Round 2 of the competition. As a December-born talent, Fowler still has plenty of upside and room for improvement in the future, and adds a different dynamic to the GIANTS’ forward line going forward.

#60 Casidhe Simmons (Medium Forward/Wing) 06/02/1995 UNSW/ES Bulldogs / NSW-ACT

Simmons was a surprise pick out of the blue, with the GIANTS opting to give the former heptathlete a chance. Unsurprisingly, Simmons has elite-level athleticism and endurance which will help her work over opponents, she has been playing for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney competition. Still only 26-years-old, Simmons has been utilised as a forward for the Bulldogs, and can play further up the ground along a way to really showcase her hard-running ability. One to watch for the long-term development and transition to the elite level.

#61 Erin Todd (Tall Defender) 03/02/1986 | 176cm Inner West Magpies / NSW-ACT

With the final selection in the AFL Women’s Draft, the GIANTS redrafted Erin Todd, a former basketballer who played two games with the club in 2021. As a negating defender in the back half, Todd provides extra depth to the side, and at 35-years-old is one of the oldest players running around in the competition. Seemingly ageless though, Todd was running around for the Inner West Magpies and is a player who can make an immediate impact if chosen. Todd also played two games for Williamstown in the VFLW where she dominated, averaging 18.5 disposals.

DRAFT SUMMARY:

GWS GIANTS can have their pick of the NSW-ACT zone as the sole team occupying the zone. Being able to pick up two AFLW Academy members in Morphett and Doyle adds extra strength and class to the side, and ones who they can add to the forward half of the ground. Scoring was clearly a key focus for the club going forward, picking up the exciting Fowler, along with Simmons and Mowbray who can both rotate forward or play through the midfield. Todd just provides that support in the back 50, and is an immediate replacement should injury strike the GIANTS’ defence. She showed she can win the ball at VFLW level so could play a more offensive role if needed.
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