At the AFLW Rookie Draft today the Brisbane Lions added three more Lions to their den. Meet the Brisbane Lions’ 2017 AFLW rookies.
Gabby Collingwood (Rookie – U21):
University of Queensland prospect Gabby Collingwood is a clever half forward or midfielder with neat and tidy disposal, she makes good decisions under pressure and reads the play well.
The Jindalee Jags junior is another player with some potential leadership qualities and likes to organize things around the stoppages.
Collingwood was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of nine and didn’t get permission to play AFL from her surgeon until she turned 12.
Despite the name, Collingwood is a diehard Lions fan and received a visit from Lions star forward Jonathan Brown the week before her operation all those years ago.
Molly Ritson (Rookie – U21):
After being overlooked in the state program, Ritson continued to work on her game in the QWFA Division 1 league and helped Bond University to a premiership.
The 18-year-old loves to take the game on when she can and carry the football, using her run and smart disposal to find the right option.
Ritson has the capability to play both in the middle of the ground as a medium-sized midfielder, or as an exciting forward.
Molly played her junior football with Surfers Paradise and Southport.
Krystal Scott (Rookie – Other Sport)
Scott joins the group of promising athletes from other sports that have made the switch to AFL with the establishment of the AFLW.
The Bond University export has previously been ranked in the top 100 tennis players in Australia and only started kicking the Sherrin within the last year.
The 23-year-old looks to have a huge amount of upside with her penetrating kick and impressive overhead marking skills.
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
