2021 AFLW Draft Wrap

By ZAC MILBANK

Three South Australians have been selected by Adelaide in the 2021 AFLW Draft on Tuesday night, headed by versatile Sturt ruck Zoe Prowse.

Prowse, a member of the AFLW Academy, was the first Croweater to have her name called at pick No.17.

After being named ruck in the 2020 SANFLW Team of the Year, the 178cm athlete showed off her versatility this season by playing a variety of roles in attack and as a tall midfielder.

“She did some eye-catching things against much bigger and more experienced bodies while training with our squad as a member of the AFLW Academy and continued to do that in the SANFLW competition,” Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said.

“We think Zoe can play a variety of roles and we are excited to welcome her into our club.”

Glenelg premiership defender Brooke Tonon was the next SANFLW player to be selected by the Crows, at Pick No.20.

Originally from Mount Gambier, the 17-year-old was selected at half-back in the 2021 SANFLW Team of the Year after posting a consistent season with the Bays.

“Brooke and her family made a tough decision when they decided she would move away from their home in Mt Gambier to attend boarding school in Adelaide to focus on her football,” Harper said.

Another player from regional SA was chosen by the Crows with their final selection at pick No.34, with West Adelaide’s Abbie Ballard also headed for West Lakes.

The Bloods’ acting captain in this year’s SANFLW Grand Final, the 19-year-old is from the small Mallee town of Coomandook.

“Abbie is a natural footballer and is very clean with the ball,” Harper said.

“She travels two hours each way, three times a week to train and play with West Adelaide so we know she loves her footy.”

More SANFLW players could be selected by AFL clubs as Free Agent Signings in the coming days.