New Suns to rise in AFLW
KASLAR, Ernst, Stanton and Virgo.
We all know the big names who will don the red and gold for the Gold Coast Suns’ inaugural AFLW season.
But what about the up-andcomers?
As the club prepares to make its league debut, we look at five of the brightest, uncapped young stars set to take the competition by storm.
They may not be household names just yet but these soonto-be-famous five have what it takes to match it with their seniors.
KALINDA HOWARTH – 20
The crafty forward booted 31 majors for the season, helping Bond University to a QAFLW grand final and taking out the league’s goalkicking award. Sublime skills and game sense.
SERENE WATSON – 18
A dual All Australian, Watson starred when representing Queensland at the AFLW Under-18 National Championships this year, proving reliable in defence to repel opposition attacks and rebound.
Watson has been in the Suns Academy since the age of 15. She represented the Suns in both the 2018 and 2019 Winter Series, where she looked at home in defence.
ELLIE HAMPSON – 18
Selected in the AFLW Under-18 All Australian side at half-back but can perform just as imMetro pressively at the coal face.
Was named Queensland’s most valuable player after averaging 18.5 disposals across the five games, including a game-high 24 disposals against Victoria in the second game on the Gold Coast. Also named Sun’s Academy Player of the Year.
KITARA WHAP-FARRAR – 18
Named at full back in the
2019 AFLW Under-18 All Australian side. Strung together five impressive performances playing mainly as a rebounding defender and tough midfielder.
MADDY ROBERTS – 27
THIS SOON-TO-BEFAMOUS FIVE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO MATCH IT WITH THEIR SENIORS
A high possession ball winner who prides herself on her ability to get to more contests than her rivals. Secured selection in the QAFLW 2018 Team of the Year and represented the Suns in the Winter Series. Roberts has played with the Queensland under-23 side in previous years and has also been a part of the Brisbane Lions train-on squad and knows what it takes to crack the next level.