Our Talent

Lilly Pearce, 21, joins the Geelong Cats squad as a replacement player for the 2024 AFLW Season. Pearce brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team, having previously been on Richmond’s AFLW list in 2023.

A standout in the QAFLW, Pearce averaged 35 hit-outs per game, playing a pivotal role in the Southport Sharks’ success as they finished the home-and-away season at the top of the ladder. Her exceptional tap work has continued into the VFLW with Collingwood, where she currently ranks second in the league for hit-outs, with 230 at an average of 33 per game, despite having played three fewer games than the leader.

In addition to her football prowess, Pearce has also competed nationally as a heptathlete, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. Standing at 186cm tall, her dominant presence on the field is sure to be a valuable asset to the Cats in the 2024 AFLW season.

Lucy Single, hailing from a Rugby Union and Surf lifesaving background, is celebrated for her relentless power and drive out of the contest, establishing herself as one of AFLW’s most elite taggers in 2023. With multiple appearances in the Top 10 of the Suns’ Best & Fairest awards, Lucy’s prowess at just 21 years old promises a bright future ahead.

A graduate of the Gold Coast Suns Academy, Lucy has become a recognisable figure in the female AFL scene on the Gold Coast and beyond.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Lucy is dedicated to her studies in teaching and actively contributes to her community as a Support Worker.

Fleur Davies is a standout player for the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the AFLW. Originally from the Gold Coast Suns Academy, Fleur is known for her strength both in the air and on the ground. Drafted at Pick #64 in the 2021 AFLW Draft, after being recognised as the U18 All Australian Ruck.

Despite a shoulder injury during 2022 pre-season, Fleur made her comeback in 2023, debuting for the Giants after missing the previous season due to the injury. Coming from a family deeply rooted in football, with two sisters playing in the AFLW, Fleur’s return to the field was eagerly anticipated and celebrated.

Her recent return match against the Swans showcased her talent as a key ruck in the competition with a bright future ahead. Off field, Fleur is a disability support worker and runs community programs highlighting her passion for sport and people.

Dee Heslop, a rising star in the AFLW scene and a certified Pilates instructor. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Dee’s AFL journey began on the Gold Coast, where she excelled in motorbike racing before transitioning to Australian rules football.

Drafted by the Gold Coast Suns in 2019, Dee made her AFLW debut in Round 1 of the 2020 season, showcasing her talent as a midfielder and defender. With 44 AFLW games to her name and a recent move to the Brisbane Lions, Dee is making waves both on and off the field.

Alongside her semi-professional sports career, Dee is also a dedicated Pilates instructor, blending her passion for fitness with her love for the game. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of perseverance and versatility in pursuing one’s dreams.

From the Brisbane Lions Academy Pathway, Lily was drafted as the third overall pick by the Lions in the 2019 AFL Women’s draft, immediately establishing herself as an integral part of the team with her strength and work rate around the contest.

Before making her mark in the AFLW, Lily showcased her talent in the QAFLW, where she played for Maroochydore and was awarded QAFLW Rising Star Award during the 2019 season. Her standout performances did not go unnoticed, as she was selected for the All-Australian team in both the 2018 and 2019 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships, captaining the Queensland team in the latter.

In 2023, Lily Postlethwaite achieved the ultimate milestone by contributing to the Brisbane Lions’ AFLW premiership victory. Despite facing adversity with two ACL injuries, Lily’s resilience and determination led to her to the toughest comeback to the field, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the game. From her roots on a farm in Caboolture, Queensland, to her success on the AFLW stage, Lily continues to inspire with her talent and tenacity.

AFLW Assistant Coach – St Kilda Football Club

With over 13 years of industry experience across various leagues including WAFL, VFL, VFLW, QAFL, and AFLW, Lachie brings a wealth of expertise in coaching strategy, player development, and recruitment. Holding an AFL Level 3 Coaching accreditation, Lachie is well-equipped to lead and mentor players at the highest level.

Lachie’s impressive career includes key roles such as Head of Development for AFLW at Collingwood Football Club, as well as serving in VFL Assistant and VFLW Senior coach positions. Currently, he is also a valued member of the coaching panel at Sandringham Zebras alongside his role with St Kilda. Passionate about working with young talent and contributing to the growth of the sport, Lachie dedicates ample time and energy to nurturing emerging players while balancing his responsibilities.

Maria Moloney from the University of Queensland in the AFL Queensland Women’s League. Brisbane Lions recognised her potential, selecting her with the 75th pick in the 2019 AFL Women’s draft.

Debuting with Brisbane Lions, Maria showcased her tenacity and inside midfield prowess from the get-go. After committing to the Lions in 2022, she transitioned to Port Adelaide, infusing the team with her strength and contest-focused play for their inaugural AFLW season.

Maria’s career boasts over 25 games, reflecting her resilience and dedication to the sport. Now a vital asset for Port Adelaide, Maria continues to dominate midfield battles with her running capacity and physicality, proudly wearing the number 93 jumper.

Kate Surman, is a versatile force in Australian rules football, currently listed with the Geelong Cats AFLW Team. Her football journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless passion for the game.

Coming from a basketball background and transitioning to AFL, ‘Spud’ starting with local footy at the Maroochydore Roos before catching the attention of recruiters.

Throughout her career, Kate has consistently delivered stellar performances on the field. Her statistics speak volumes: 26 games and 9 goals with Gold Coast, 10 games and 2 goals with Port Adelaide, and 13 games and 4 goals with Geelong. Kate’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring footballers and fans alike. Off the field, Kate is a qualified Physiotherapist.

Nash Wilkes, the rising star in the world of swimming. Nash’s journey began with the Forster Aquatic Swim Club, where he honed his skills before relocating to the Gold Coast to take his training and racing to the next level. With determination and natural talent, Nash has achieved remarkable success in the sport.

His impressive results speak for themselves, earning him the 4th rank in Australia for both the Men’s 50m and 100m Breaststroke events at Nationals. Nash’s dedication to swimming is evident in his consistent pursuit of excellence, setting him apart as a promising talent in the pool.

Bella Smith, a standout AFLW player, boasts a remarkable background in junior football, notably competing with and against boys until the age of 14. During this time, she garnered numerous accolades, including club and league best and fairest awards, as well as representing multiple representative teams. Bella’s standout performance earned her the MVP for AFL Sunshine Coast Talent Program at the Queensland State Championships in 2017.

Renowned as a prototype inside midfielder, Bella is recognised for her craft and powerful presence on the field. Her ability to dominate stoppages and excel in both ground and aerial contests sets her apart as an outstanding player.

Bella’s journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary, from her early days playing with boys to representing Queensland in the AFLW U18 Championships and earning selection in the AFLW National Academy program in 2021. Drafted to the Brisbane Lions in the 2021 AFLW Draft, Bella has since joined the Geelong Cats, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of injury setbacks.

Alison Drennan, a versatile athlete hailing from Melbourne, Australia, has made significant strides in the AFLW. Initially excelling in college basketball and track-and-field in the USA, Alison’s journey took a new turn when she returned home and transitioned to football. Starting her sporting career with Nunawading in basketball, she quickly found her footing in the AFLW.

Drennan’s AFLW career kicked off with the St. Kilda Saints, where she made her senior debut in Round 2 of the AFLW season. Maintaining her position in the team throughout the year, she soon caught the attention of North Melbourne Kangaroos, signing with them as a free agent during the expansion club signing period in 2018. In 2020, Drennan joined the Gold Coast Suns, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her breakout season in 2021, particularly shining in the midfield, led to her earning the AFLW Club Champion title for Season 6 in 2022 and finishing as the runner-up in Season 7.

In a recent development, Alison Drennan made a notable move to the West Coast Eagles, further solidifying her impact in the AFLW landscape.

Jasmine Simmons, a versatile athlete with roots in both basketball and football, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sporting world. Originating from Broken Hill, Australia, Jasmine honed her skills as a standout guard for the Oregon State University basketball team before transitioning to AFLW. Her leadership qualities were evident from her time as captain of the Australian Sapphires, culminating in a gold medal victory at the World University Games in 2019.

Making her mark in the AFLW, Jasmine debuted with the Adelaide Crows in 2022, showcasing her agility and adaptability on the field. Despite her success with the Crows, Jasmine embarked on a new journey, joining Port Adelaide for the 2024 AFLW season. Motivated by the opportunity to shape the club’s culture and foundation, Jasmine’s versatility and athleticism make her a valuable addition to the Power’s lineup.

Jasmine’s move to Port Adelaide reunites her with former teammate and mentor, Erin Phillips, adding depth and experience to the Power’s roster. With her unwavering commitment to excellence and a determination to leave a lasting impact, Jasmine Simmons continues to inspire athletes across multiple disciplines as she charts a course for success in AFLW.

Cheyenne Hammond is a true all-rounder, excelling in both soccer and Australian rules football. After a successful junior soccer career, she made a remarkable transition to AFLW. Her standout performances with South Adelaide in the SANFL Women’s league led to her selection by the Gold Coast SUNS in the 2019 AFL Women’s draft. Since then, Cheyenne has been making her mark on the field with her tenacity and versatility.

After an impressive stint with Gold Coast, Cheyenne recently made the move back home to South Australia to join Port Adelaide’s AFLW team. Known for her exceptional running capacity and never-give-up attitude, Cheyenne has become a valuable asset to the competition. Whether playing on the wing or off half-back, she brings determination and skill to every game, earning the respect of teammates and fans alike. With her dedication and talent, Cheyenne continues to make waves in the AFLW, proving herself as a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Off the filed Cheyenne is a dental assistant working in with still being a semi-professional athlete.

Annise initially showcased her athleticism as a talented field hockey player. Excelling with the Southport Sharks as a junior prospect, Annise caught the attention of the Gold Coast Suns Academy,

In the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft, Annise Bradfield was Gold Coast’s first pick at No. 7 overall, marking the beginning of her AFLW journey. Making her debut for Gold Coast in Round 1 of the 2021 season, Annise demonstrated her tenacity and determination on the field, despite coping with a knee injury. Her resilience paid off as she played five matches for Gold Coast before being delisted in March 2023. However, Annise’s journey continued when she was drafted by the GWS Giants in the 2023 AFL Women’s supplementary draft, reaffirming her commitment to the sport.

Primarily playing as an inside midfielder, Annise Bradfield’s playing style is characterised by her strength, agility, and strategic prowess. Her time at Bond University in the QAFLW competition further honed her skills and prepared her for the AFLW stage. With her resilience and determination as guiding forces, Annise continues to make significant contributions to the growth of women’s football in Australia as she embraces her role with the GWS Giants.

Dupuy, originally from Victoria and spent a lot of time in Cairns  as high-level athlete across both Netball & AFL. After moving down to the Sunshine Coast to play for the Maroochydore Roos in QAFLW. Dupuy polled second in the QAFLW Best & Fairest & was named in the QAFLW Team of the year in 2021 which saw the opportunity to be elevated to an AFLW list at the Gold Coast SUNS.

Making her debut in the first game of her first season and now cementing herself as a key goal scorer and impact player for the Suns. Dupuy saw a break out season in 2023, named Vice Captain and finishing fourth in the Club Best & Fairest count.

Sophie Peters, a product of the Brisbane Lions Academy and the Coates Talent League Girls, stands out as a readymade midfielder known for her versatility and exceptional athletic traits. While she may not always dominate possession, Sophie’s mix of offensive and defensive skills makes her a valuable asset on the field. Her decision-making abilities, defensive pressure, endurance, and evasion skills contribute to her effectiveness in midfield.

As part of the AFLW Academy, Sophie honed her skills and gained recognition as one of the top prospects. Representing Queensland Girls in the AFLW U18 Championships, she consistently performed well, showcasing her clean hands, strong skills by hand and foot, and ability to spread from contests. These qualities caught the eye of the Brisbane Lions recruiting staff, leading to her selection with Pick No. 21 in the 2023 AFLW Draft.

Alex Graham is a standout swimmer with an impressive track record of success. At the Olympic Games 2020, he earned two bronze medals, showcasing his talent on the world stage. His achievements also include winning gold at the Commonwealth Games 2018 and securing multiple medals at World Championships and Pan Pacific Championships.

In his debut at the World Championships 2019, Alex was part of the 4x200m freestyle relay team that won gold and set a new Commonwealth record. He also claimed silver and bronze medals in other events. With aspirations to compete at the Tokyo Olympics, Alex Graham’s dedication and skill continue to shine, inspiring fellow athletes and fans alike.

Graham is a passionate speaker, presenting on how to create team culture, the challenge of the Olympic Games and sport-life balance.

Paige Parker, a powerhouse athlete whose sporting prowess transcends boundaries. With an impressive background spanning touch football, Australian rules football (AFL), and rugby league (NRL), Paige brings a wealth of experience and talent to every game she plays.

In touch football, Paige Parker rose to prominence, representing Queensland in State of Origin matches and proudly donning the green and gold for Australia at the Touch Football World Cup.

Transitioning to AFL, Paige made her mark with the Brisbane Lions in the AFL Women’s competition (AFLW). Her debut in Round 1 of the 2019 season showcased her skills and determination on the field. Later, she continued her AFLW journey with the Gold Coast Suns, contributing to the team’s inaugural season with 13 games under her belt.

In a remarkable move, Paige ventured into rugby league, joining the Newcastle Knights for their inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership squad. Her NRLW debut in 2021 highlighted her adaptability and resilience, solidifying her place as a force to be reckoned with on the field. Since Paige was on the Brisbane Broncos roster in 2022, and now currently playing for the Tweed Seagulls working towards getting back in the game.