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A bit early as the draft is in December, but might as well start the thread as our Academy is getting hugely talked up in this article on RookieMe.
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In the AFLW Academy vs U-18 All Stars game there were 3 Swans Academy girls selected (Tidemann for the Academy, Walsh & Horneman for the All-Stars). Tidemann and Walsh were nominated as best for their respective teams.
Walsh really was outstanding, played primarily on the wing but occasionally in the mids or at half-back. Could of had a couple of goals in the first quarter but sprayed wide. In play her kicking was very good, she covered a lot of ground rebounding from defensive 50 and delivering into forward 50. Not the most eye-catching player but played smart and was effective.
Tidemann played more defensively than usual, as the Academy were under siege early. She got a lot disposals in the defensive scramble, and laid several tackles and provided plenty of rebound. Later in the game she was able to demonstrate her speed and long kicking.
Horneman generally played deep forward and was busy kicking 1.2 (I think), took some nice marks on the lead and provided forward pressure. -
National Champs - Allies v Vic Country
The Allies came from behind to win 8.8 v 5.8 in wet and greasy conditions which were not conducive to entertaining open play, though it cleared in the last quarter and the Allies scored 4 goals to 1.
There were 9 Academy players in the Allies team and I'd have Walsh, Tidemann, Majella Day (GWS) and Matilda Lange (Tas) as the best on ground for the Allies. I think the Allies would have overrun VicC earlier but for a dominant performance from Sophie White in the ruck.
- Tidemann. On a day where most of the action was happening in repeat stoppages, she and Walsh had the skills to move the ball quickly and long, she even managed a running bounce. Worked hard defensively and showed her pace with an excellent run-down tackle.
- Walsh. Played wing with excellent positioning and worked tirelessly in defence and attack. Despite the conditions was able to display her skills with pinpoint long kicks and was also able to distribute with long handballs.
- Russell. Started on the wing, but played the whole second half on-ball. Not as productive as usual, but had a very influential last quarter. Had excellent hands in tight, and was able to use her pace to break from stoppage. Was able to find space and kicked an important goal late. Excellent workrate and high footy-IQ, but she is tiny and was outmarked on a couple of occasions.
- Bowie. Along with Walsh and Tidemann had 20+ disposals, but not as tidy with her disposals, but tackled hard and provided pressure.
- Barlow. Played defence on both small and tall opponents, was disciplined and competed hard.
- Haley. Played midfield and was strong defensively.
- Hornemann. Played deep forward as a second string to Day. Kicked 1.1 including the goal to regain the lead with a beautiful long kick.
- Savala. Rotated between forward where she showed some glimpses of real talent (she is '27 draft), and ruck where she was monstered by White.
- Davis. Same as Savala, but was able to get more involved in play after ruck contests.
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