Tassie’s top talent set to realise draft dream

TODAY could be the day that the dreams of a number of Tasmanians come true with the AFLW draft taking place in Melbourne from 11am.

AFL Tas female talent manager Leigh Elder is hoping Tasmania have a few players drafted today but said two in particular are likely to hear their name read out.

“Mia King, who was All Australian in the under-18 national championship, is a gun inside midfielder, highly talented and has been in our academy system for three years,” Elder said.

“Abbey Green, ruckman for Launceston, is the other likely draftee.

“She is very athletic, tall and strong and had a terrific start to the TSLW season this year, which really put her hand up.”

The pair have nominated Tasmania as their area in the state-based draft, meaning the only team that can pick them up in the draft is North Melbourne-Tasmanian Kangaroos, who have five picks.

“She [King] will probably get picked up in the third or fourth round, probably with the quality of getting into the first round but she has nominated Tasmania,” Elder said.

“She [Green] suits North’s needs, which is fantastic for us and for her of course.

“A ruckman that can play key position and gives them the flexibility to use Emma King up forward, who played very well for the North Melbourne-Tasmanian Kangaroos last season in that position. If a Tassie girl doesn’t get picked up by North Melbourne then any club can speak to her. If they agree to terms they can be selected in the free agency period.”

King, 18, was a standout for the Tasmanian under-18 side and was the only player selected from the state in the All-Australian team of the championship, booking her a spot to attend the draft combine earlier this month.

“Mia is actually going to be there on the day,” Elder said.

“She’s pretty comfortable, she knows she’s going to get taken.

“You don’t get All Australian for nothing and she has been in that mix for the past three years.”

NERVES will be tested today as a host of young Tasmanian footballers await news of a potential call-up to the AFLW. AFL Tas female talent manager Leigh Elder believes a few locals are in with a shot but under-18 All Australian Mia King and Launceston ruck Abbey Green lead the list of young Tassie hopefuls.