It’s been a while since I rolled out a top 50, and it’s also been a while since I’ve produced an AFLW piece – sorry about that.
I endeavour to do a top 50 at the end of every season, but I didn’t have much time to drum one up together and put through all the bells and whistles accompanying it. I was lucky enough to find a bit of time before the start of the eighth season of the AFLW.
So, I’ve combined what I had drummed up in my 50 post-season seven and then tried to shape it with who I think will be there come the end of the season. It was a tricky thing to do to narrow it down to just 50 players. Players like Jasmine Fleming, Kerryn Peterson, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Tahlia Randall and Tahlia Hickie were all on this list at one point or another, only to be left off the list entirely.
I won’t waste time waxing lyrical here; I wrote over 4000 words to get here. I’ll leave this with you – the top 50 AFLW players on the eve of season eight.
50 – Cathy Svarc (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: The departure of Emily Bates has opened the door for the greatest tagger in AFLW to find the balance in her game. She’s been here and there with her ability to win the ball on the outside, but you know you’ll always get a great inside game from her.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 11.1 disposals per game, 212.2 metres gained, 8.2 contested possessions, 3.8 clearances, 9.3 tackles, 3.2 intercept possessions, 2.5 score involvements, 3.1 inside 50s, 6 goals, 1 behind
49 – Lauren Butler (Collingwood)
Season Seven Ranking: 32
The Doc Says: Somewhat of an unsung hero is Lauren Butler, with her work across the defensive half key at times to help the Pies win games. She is Supremely efficient by foot and has been on a steady rise to being an elite rebounding defender.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13.8 disposals, 230.8 metres gained, 5.3 contested possessions, 2.7 marks, 3.3 tackles, 6.5 intercept possessions, 1.4 inside 50s, 3.7 rebound 50s, 1 goal
48 – Ellie McKenzie (Richmond)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: We know Richmond is Mon Conti’s midfield, but the number one pick of the 2020 Draft is poised to go for a breakout season. She has had injury interruptions the past year, but her best can win games.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 15 disposals, 236.1 metres gained, 6.7 contested possessions, 2 clearances, 3.3 marks, 0.8 contested marks, 3 tackles, 1.8 intercept possessions, 2.8 score involvements, 2.5 inside 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds
47 – Chloe Molloy (Sydney)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: Much has been discussed about her back troubles the past year, but a fresh start in another state has the new co-captain primed for a big year. Will she be more midfield this year? Or will she add potency in the forward line? I wouldn’t be shocked if we got a bit of both.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13.3 disposals, 249.8 metres gained, 7.7 contested possessions, 3.2 clearances, 2.7 marks, 0.4 contested marks, 5.1 tackles, 2.1 intercept possessions, 3.5 score involvements, 1.7 inside 50s, 6 goals, 10 behinds
46 – Emma Swanson (West Coast)
Season Seven Ranking: 49
The Doc Says: We’ll talk about kids like Ella Roberts and Charlie Thomas when we revisit this list in a few months, but the Eagles’ skipper has been consistently a standout through their trying times.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 21.5 disposals, 326.5 metres gained, 11.5 contested possessions, 5.3 clearances, 3.8 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 5.3 tackles, 2.9 intercept possessions, 2.3 score involvements, 2.8 inside 50s, 1.6 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds
45 – Tyla Hanks (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 42
The Doc Says: Rarely have I seen Hanks play a poor game; once a renowned contested possession winner, Hanks’ craft extends beyond that, becoming an elite user by foot and a great connector in transition; named Vice-Captain this year because she is as elite an athlete as any.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 17.9 disposals, 259.5 metres gained, 7.4 contested possessions, 2.7 clearances, 1.9 marks, 4 tackles, 2.5 intercept possessions, 3.5 score involvements, 3.5 inside 50s 3 goals, 3 behinds
44 – Jordyn Allen (Collingwood)
Season Seven Ranking: 37
The Doc Says: Broke through for her first Collingwood best and fairest last season and thoroughly deserved it, too; she has elevated her game from a rebounding defender to that of importance across the middle of the ground. She looked excellent running down the wing last season.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 14.2 disposals, 242.1 metres gained, 4.6 contested possessions, 3.8 marks, 2 tackles, 4.8 intercept possessions, 2.1 score involvements, 2.3 inside 50s, 1.6 rebound 50s, 2 goals
43 – Emma Kearney (North Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 19
The Doc Says: Completed the transition from midfielder to dashing half-back flanker last season, and while her disposal numbers are down compared to previous years, her leadership and preparation remain essential for a Roos side as they begin their assault on their first flag.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 15.9 disposals, 296.7 metres gained per game, 5.7 contested possessions, 3.5 marks, 7 intercept possessions, 1.9 score involvements, 1.8 inside 50s, 3.8 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind
42 – Lauren Pearce (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: I was going to put Tahlia Hickie in here, but Lauren Pearce has outbodied and outworked her in two finals over the past year. Pearce has been a ruck of a different breed; she loves to grab it out of the ruck and give quick hands to her midfielders. She is often overlooked in an elite side.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 14.9 hit outs, 10 disposals, 7.3 contested possessions, 3 clearances, 1.2 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 1.8 tackles, 2.1 intercept possessions, 2.2 score involvements, 0.8 inside 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds
41 – Mimi Hill (Carlton)
Season Seven Ranking: 48
The Doc Says: Ever since making her return from a knee injury, Mimi Hill’s transformation into a fully-fledged midfielder has been one of my favourite things to come out of Carlton. However, that doesn’t say much given how bleak the Blues have been – she’s a tremendously balanced midfielder who will continue to shine.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 23.2 disposals, 271.6 metres gained, 10.8 contested possessions, 4 clearances, 2.1 marks, 2.8 tackles, 3.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 score involvements, 2.4 inside 50s, 2.4 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind
40 – Hannah Ewings (Port Adelaide)
Season Seven Ranking: 50
The Doc Says: The Rising Star winner of last season will officially have the keys handed to her in the engine room this year. She was a tour de force in the middle, winning contests at will and then proved to be a scoreboard threat when resting up forward—a star in the making.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13.9 disposals, 298.1 metres gained, 8.3 contested possessions, 3.9 clearances, 4.9 tackles, 2.6 inside 50s, 1.8 rebound 50s, 4 goals, 4 behinds
39 – Hayley Miller (Fremantle)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: The ranking could be higher due to a slow start to season seven, but I expect a fit and healthy Hayley Miller to charge up the board this year. The captain never leaves anything in the tank; she is superb in the contest and brilliant whenever she pushes forward.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 17.3 disposals, 297 metres gained, 10.7 contested possessions, 4.6 clearances, 1.8 marks, 4.5 tackles, 2.8 intercept possessions, 1.9 score involvements, 3.3 inside 50s, 1.8 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 4 behinds
38 – Greta Bodey (Hawthorn)
Season Seven Ranking: 21
The Doc Says: After kicking 11.13 for the Lions last season, all eyes are on the All-Australian forward at her new club. The Hawks have struggled for scoreboard impact at times last season; expect her to be the top goalscorer this year and help the Hawks to an extra win or two.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 10.2 disposals, 164 metres gained, 4.8 contested possessions, 2.2 marks, 2.6 tackles, 3.4 score involvements, 2.4 inside 50s, 11 goals, 13 behinds
37 – Georgia Garnett (GWS)
Season Seven Ranking: 46
The Doc Says: One of my favourite player development arcs from season seven was the positional change of Georgia Garnett from defence to forward. Garnett’s leading patterns are natural, and her marking hands are brilliant. The Giants have the targets in her and Huntington as they begin life after Cora.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 11.6 disposals, 161.8 metres gained, 4.2 contested possessions, 6.4 marks, 0.8 contested marks, 2.3 tackles, 3 score involvements, 2.1 inside 50s, 6 goals, 3 behinds
36 – Eliza West (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 40
The Doc Says: Shannon Campbell may have won the Grand Final best-on-ground medal last season, but the work of Eliza West in the middle shifted the momentum of that game in Melbourne’s favour. Her rise from being a VFLW player to a first-choice AFLW midfielder has been meteoric.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 17.5 disposals, 158.8 metres gained, 10.3 contested possessions, 3.8 clearances, 5.5 tackles, 2.9 intercept possessions, 3.5 score involvements, 1.5 inside 50s, 1 goal, 4 behinds
35 – Gabby Seymour (Richmond)
Season Seven Ranking: 45
The Doc Says: It’s been a good 2022 for Gabby Seymour, who’s fast emerged as one of the best rucks in the competition. She can win her share of hitouts, but her ability to spread out of stoppage and be effective behind the play has her ahead of most rucks.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 18.9 hit outs, 12.8 disposals, 160 metres gained, 7.3 contested possessions, 2.3 clearances, 2.3 marks, 0.7 contested marks, 3.5 tackles, 4 intercept possessions, 1.7 score involvements, 1.8 inside 50s, 1.9 rebound 50s, 1 goal
34 – Shannon Campbell (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: 39
The Doc Says: Last year’s Grand Final best-on-ground will have to have a massive year with Kate Lutkins on the inactive list. She has shown throughout her career that she is willing to do her role for an elite Brisbane defence.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 11.2 disposals, 211.9 metres gained, 3.9 contested possessions, 3.2 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 5.2 intercept possessions, 3.7 rebound 50s
33 – Ebony Antonio (Fremantle)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: Freo missed her run and uncanny knack of kicking ridiculous goals from difficult angles last season. Fully fit, expect her to split time between forward, mid and the wings—Hell of a talent.
Season Six Stats (per game): 13.5 disposals, 270.5 metres gained, 5.7 contested possessions, 1.5 clearances, 3 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 4 tackles, 3.2 intercept possessions, 3 score involvements, 2.8 inside 50s, 10 goals, 4 behinds
32 – Ash Riddell (North Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 41
The Doc Says: After a scintillating season six, her stats went well below in season seven, but that’s a harsh assessment of how she’s playing. She’s a consistently brilliant ball-winner and excellent link-up midfielder who’ll be as crucial as ever for North’s maiden flag.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 22.2 disposals, 321.9 metres gained, 9.2 contested possessions, 3.8 clearances, 2.8 marks, 4.1 tackles, 3.7 intercept possessions, 3 score involvements, 3.5 inside 50s, 1 goal, 4 behinds
31 – Brittany Bonnici (Collingwood)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: One of two star Pies coming back from over a year-long spell from a knee injury. Her best football is fantastic; she is one of the best gut-running on-ballers across the competition. Collingwood will be hard to topple if she gets back there this year.
Season Six Stats (per game): 19 disposals, 322.5 metres gained, 8.9 contested possessions, 3.3 clearances, 3.3 marks, 5.5 tackles, 2.6 intercept possessions, 2.3 score involvements, 2.6 inside 50s, 1.9 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds
30 – Alice Edmonds (Western Bulldogs)
Season Seven Ranking: 16
The Doc Says: The positional change of Celine Moody to ruck-forward opened the door for Edmonds to take on the first ruck option and took it on with aplomb. It is still hard to believe that she was only picked up at the start of 2022 as an injury-replacement player; now one of the Bulldogs’ most essential players.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 26.2 hit outs, 8.9 disposals, 5.6 contested possessions, 1.8 clearances, 2.3 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 4.6 tackles, 2.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 score involvements, 1.2 inside 50s
29 – Nat Grider (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: 28
The Doc Says: Perhaps underrated by many outside of Queensland, Nat Grider’s desperation and intercepting abilities have been critical to Brisbane’s successes over the past two years. I don’t expect much will be different heading into season eight.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 11.5 disposals, 169.1 metres gained, 5.6 contested possessions, 3 marks, 4.5 tackles, 6.8 intercept possessions, 1.6 score involvements, 1.4 inside 50s, 1.7 rebound 50s
28 – Katie Brennan (Richmond)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: The forward line has taken a complete overhaul at the Tigers with Courtney Wakefield no longer there, but the constant is the captain, who, at her best, is so damaging. She needs a big year as those around her in the forward line settle in.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 8.7 disposals, 4.6 contested possessions, 2.1 marks, 2.4 tackles, 3.3 score involvements, 2.1 inside 50s, 7 goals, 9 behinds
27 – Breanna Koenen (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: 22
The Doc Says: In hindsight, Koenen should’ve made my All-Australian team last year after producing a terrific captain’s season. Elite interceptor can play the lockdown role and can be the facilitator out of the defensive half.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 10.5 disposals, 163.2 metres gained, 4.5 contested possessions, 4 marks, 1.2 contested marks, 2.2 marks, 6.7 intercept possessions, 1.8 rebound 50s
26 – Orla O’Dwyer (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: Her season seven saw her take a small step backwards compared to past seasons, but there’s no doubt Orla’s run and flair with the ball in her hands remains a joy to watch among an elite Brisbane side.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 12.5 disposals, 288.8 metres gained, 5.2 contested possessions, 1.5 clearances, 1.4 marks, 3.7 tackles, 3.2 intercept possessions, 2.8 score involvements, 2.5 inside 50s, 1.2 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 7 behinds
25 – Karen Paxman (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 15
The Doc Says: One of a few locks in the 50 every year. Paxy is in the twilight of her footy career and still capable of running out games and making the younger brigade look silly at times with her work-rate—First-ballot AFLW Hall of Famer.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 17.7 disposals, 265.3 metres gained, 6.2 contested possessions, 2 clearances, 2.7 marks, 3.9 tackles, 1.9 intercept possessions, 3.2 score involvements, 3.5 inside 50s, 5 goals, 4 behinds
24 – Georgie Prespakis (Geelong)
Season Seven Ranking: 25
The Doc Says: Got into trouble for dangerous tackles, but there’s no mistake that in just one year in football, Georgie Prespakis will be fun to watch for the next decade. She’s formed a spectacular partnership with McDonald, Webster and Morrison.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 21.8 disposals, 332.8 metres gained, 11.2 contested possessions, 5.7 clearances, 1.9 marks, 7.2 tackles, 3.8 intercept possessions, 3 score involvements, 3.3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds
23 – Bri Davey (Collingwood)
Season Seven Ranking: N/A
The Doc Says: It’s been well over a year since her knee injury put her on the shelf, so I’m a bit hesitant to put her among the top 15, but there’s no doubt her abilities in close and forward of centre can win matches and if she does it again this year, she’ll be back in the top echelon.
Season Five Stats (per game): 23.8 disposals, 294.3 metres gained, 11.6 contested possessions, 4.8 clearances, 3.5 marks, 0.7 contested marks, 5.7 tackles, 3.4 intercept possessions, 4 score involvements, 3.4 inside 50s, 1.6 rebound 50s, 6 goals, 6 behinds
22 – Liv Purcell (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 14
The Doc Says: When Melbourne acquired her from Geelong, the experts knew exactly what they would get with Purcell. On the way back from a knee reconstruction in season six, her contested work has been instrumental in landing the Dees’ first premiership in season seven.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 22.7 disposals, 290.6 metres gained, 9.8 contested possessions, 3.7 clearances, 1.9 marks, 4 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 3.5 inside 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds
21 – Chelsea Randall (Adelaide)
Season Seven Ranking: 43
The Doc Says: If the Crows are to make some noise this year, they need a fit season from Chelsea Randall. Once a key defender, she elevated herself to roles in the midfield and the forward last season and looked damn impressive.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 17.5 disposals, 233.9 metres gained, 9.5 contested possessions, 3.5 clearances, 3.4 marks, 0.9 contested marks, 4.4 tackles, 3.6 intercept possessions, 3.5 score involvements, 2.8 inside 50s, 8 goals, 6 behinds
20 – Libby Birch (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 18
The Doc Says: Ultra consistent and ultra-reliable; Libby Birch is the kingpin of Melbourne’s stingy defence and will lead it again this year. She can play both the lockdown and the loose player intercept role well.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13 disposals, 177.1 metres gained, 4.3 contested possessions, 3.4 marks, 2.2 tackles, 7.2 intercept possessions, 1.5 score involvements, 2 rebound 50s.
19 – Jesse Wardlaw (St Kilda)
Season Seven Ranking: 2
The Doc Says: The move to St Kilda from Brisbane remains a strange decision, especially considering she won the league’s goal-kicking last season, but if the Saints want to make the jump, they need a big season from their newly-acquired spearhead.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 8 disposals, 5.4 contested possessions, 2.8 marks, 1.1 contested marks, 4.2 score involvements, 2.9 hit outs, 22 goals, 7 behinds
18 – Alyce Parker (GWS)
Season Seven Ranking: 30
The Doc Says: She’s already carving herself a career out at GWS and is easily the greatest player to wear orange to date. She is slowly adding scoreboard impact to her game, and if she can hit an average of 0.6 goals per game, the Giants will be on the way.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 23.3 disposals, 315.2 metres gained, 12.8 contested possessions, 5.6 clearances, 3.9 marks, 4.8 tackles, 4.2 intercept possessions, 2.9 score involvements, 2.7 inside 50s, 2.7 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind
17 – Eilish Sheerin (Richmond)
Season Seven Ranking: 13
The Doc Says: Inaugural season aside, I’m not sure if we’ve seen someone come into the league and smash it down the way this lady has done it off halfback. Much like the rest of her teammates, she’ll be challenged a bit more this year; it will be interesting to see how they respond.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 16.3 disposals, 371.2 metres gained, 10.8 contested possessions, 1.8 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 3.7 tackles, 9.1 intercept possessions, 2.1 score involvements, 3.6 inside 50s, 3.1 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 3 behinds
16 – Chelsea Biddell (Adelaide)
Season Seven Ranking: 11
The Doc Says: The positional change from forward to defender feels like a lifetime ago, but we’re only talking about the last 18 months. Biddell has turned herself from a fringe player to an elite intercepting and rebounding defender.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13.1 disposals, 285.2 metres gained, 2.8 marks per game, 7.4 intercept possessions, 6.1 rebound 50s
15 – Charlie Rowbottom (Gold Coast)
Season Seven Ranking: 26
The Doc Says: By the end of season seven, we were saying the Gold Coast is now Charlie’s midfield – she has stood up so often in her first year in the AFLW and along with Georgie Prespakis, we’ll be debating long into the next decade about who’s better.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 22.5 disposals, 253.6 metres gained, 13.7 contested possessions, 6.2 clearances, 2.6 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 6.9 tackles, 2.8 intercept possessions, 2.2 score involvements, 2.5 inside 50s, 1.7 rebound 50s
14 – Sophie Conway (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: 17
The Doc Says: Fans of the men’s competition are about the wingers being recognised. Well, it’s about time we recognise some of the AFLW’s great wingers; Sophie Conway is one of the most disciplined runners the league has to offer and is so impactful forward or back.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13.2 disposals, 288 metres gained, 5.3 contested possessions, 2.4 marks, 3.2 intercept possessions, 2.6 score involvements, 2.8 inside 50s, 1.9 rebound 50s, 7 goals, 10 behinds
13 – Chloe Scheer (Geelong)
Season Seven Ranking: 27
The Doc Says: Scheer was instrumental in Geelong’s surge up the ladder last season. She looked more comfortable in her abilities forward of the ball. I half-expect a season in which she cleans up the goal-kicking award.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 8.5 disposals, 5.4 contested possessions, 3 marks, 1.6 contested marks, 1.9 tackles, 4.3 score involvements, 1.2 inside 50s, 13 goals, 12 behinds
12 – Amy McDonald (Geelong)
Season Seven Ranking: 8
The Doc Says: It feels incredibly stiff to leave her out of the top 10, but McDonald’s abilities are among the AFLW game’s greats. Her work on the outside is steadily improving, but there are still some ahead of her that I’d be picking for my midfield.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 24.8 disposals, 265.4 metres gained, 15.1 contested possessions, 6.8 clearances, 1.5 marks, 7.4 tackles, 3.6 intercept possessions, 3.7 score involvements, 2.9 inside 50s, 1.8 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 5 behinds
11 – Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs)
Season Seven Ranking: 29
The Doc Says: The Dogs are expected to improve on their Elimination Final standing last season, and Ellie Blackburn will be the player that will lift the young girls around her. She always plays like she has the team on her shoulder and is a bona fide match-winner.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 19.5 disposals, 383.1 metres gained, 9.5 contested possessions, 4.7 clearances, 2.5 marks, 5.3 tackles, 2.2 intercept possessions, 2.7 score involvements, 4.3 inside 50s, 1.9 rebound 50s, 4 goals, 7 behinds
10 – Kate Hore (Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 7
The Doc Says: The new Melbourne captain this year and with good reason; whilst impacted the scoreboard so often last season, she also managed to bring others into the game. I love what she brings to the reigning premiers.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 13.2 disposals, 194.2 metres gained, 7.3 contested possessions, 1.7 clearances, 3 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 3.9 tackles, 4.6 score involvements, 1.7 inside 50s, 17 goals, 12 behinds
9 – Emily Bates (Hawthorn)
Season Seven Ranking: 33
The Doc Says: The Hawks will have a good dynamic in the midfield with the season six best and fairest coming across; they’ll have Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Tamara Smith as the in and under players, but Bates’ brilliance with the ball in hand will be enormous for them.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 18.2 disposals, 196.9 metres gained, 10.6 contested possessions, 4.5 clearances, 2.2 marks, 6.5 tackles, 2.2 intercept possessions, 3.3 score involvements, 2.4 inside 50s, 1.1 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds
8 – Breann Moody (Carlton)
Season Seven Ranking: 6
The Doc Says: She is the number one ruck in the competition by the length of the Flemington Straight, but a select few are quietly closing in. Tap work is elite, and the ability to push forward is crucial to the Blues this year.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 22.8 hit outs, 11.2 disposals, 217.5 metres gained, 7.5 contested possessions, 3.5 clearances, 2.8 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 3 tackles, 3.1 intercept possessions, 2.3 score involvements, 2.3 inside 50s, 2.3 rebound 50s, 6 goals, 2 behinds
7 – Maddy Prespakis (Essendon)
Season Seven Ranking: 12
The Doc Says: Without her influence in the middle of last year, Essendon would’ve been right with the fellow expansion sides at the foot of the ladder. The Dons need to give her more support this year if they make the eight.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 23.7 disposals, 287.2 metres gained, 12.7 contested possessions, 4.6 clearances, 2.2 marks, 4.9 tackles, 3.4 intercept possessions, 3.2 score involvements, 3 inside 50s, 1.6 rebound 50s, 6 goals, 3 behinds
6 – Ebony Marinoff (Adelaide)
Season Seven Ranking: 3
The Doc Says: Had a quiet end to season seven, but will not deter her standing as a top-10 player of the competition. She is consistently challenging and brilliant in her ability to win the contested ball and then will the ball forward.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 24 disposals, 424.4 metres gained, 12.8 contested possessions, 4.6 clearances, 9.7 tackles, 4.5 intercept possessions, 2.5 score involvements, 4.5 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind
5 – Kiara Bowers (Fremantle)
Season Seven Ranking: 10
The Doc Says: Sneaked into the top 10 last year after a slow start to the year, but by round 10, the Turbo of old was back. Without question, she is one of the best tacklers I’ve seen in both men’s and women’s footy, and her ability to win at the source is a bit of all right, too.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 21.6 disposals, 333.2 metres gained, 13.8 contested possessions, 7.2 clearances, 2.3 marks, 14.6 tackles, 3.7 intercept possessions, 2.5 score involvements, 3.4 inside 50s, 2.4 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds
4 – Anne Hatchard (Adelaide)
Season Seven Ranking: 9
The Doc Says: When you’ve thought Anne Hatchard has peaked as a player, she manages to find extra tools in her kit. The ability to push to the outside and become a marking target last season has been extraordinary.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 23.6 disposals, 265.3 metres gained, 13.8 contested possessions, 4.4 clearances, 4.5 marks, 4.1 inside 50s, 4.2 score involvements, 5 goals, 6 behinds
3 – Monique Conti (Richmond)
Season Seven Ranking: 4
The Doc Says: From the moment she was named best on the ground in the Bulldogs’ premiership win in 2018, I’ve said she was destined for great things. Now that she’s got a great support cast at Richmond, she’s ready to make her name in the competition.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 21.1 disposals, 314.8 metres gained, 11.7 contested possessions, 3.9 clearances, 6.1 tackles, 2.8 intercept possessions, 3.7 score involvements, 3.4 inside 50s, 9 goals, 8 behinds
2 – Ally Anderson (Brisbane)
Season Seven Ranking: 5
The Doc Says: Won the league’s best and fairest count last season when many didn’t expect it. But when you break it all down, she’s one of the game’s hardest-working and most consistent midfielders.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 21.4 disposals, 250.2 metres gained, 10.4 contested possessions, 4.8 clearances, 3.2 marks, 5.3 tackles, 3.2 score involvements, 2.9 inside 50s, 2 goals, 4 behinds
1 – Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne)
Season Seven Ranking: 1
The Doc Says: She was the number one player in the comp in season seven through her contested work and scoreboard impact last season and was overlooked by the officials who delivered the votes on the best and fairest night.
Season Seven Stats (per game): 22.8 disposals per game, 399.8 metres gained, 12.2 contested possessions, 5.4 clearances, 4.2 marks, 0.5 contested marks, 5.2 tackles, 3.8 intercept possessions, 4.3 score involvements, 5.2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 8 goals, 2 behinds
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