Collingwood have chosen Gippsland Power midfielder-forward Ash Centra with the No.1 pick at the 2024 AFLW draft, while Gold Coast drafted all five of their academy players.
Coming off a wooden spoon under first-year coach Sam Wright, the Magpies selected Centra in the first national draft in the women’s competition on Monday night.
The former basketballer joins Collingwood as their second-ever No.1 pick.
She was presented the jumper by their only men’s first draft pick Josh Fraser - selected in 1999 - and vice-captain Brit Bonnici.
“Being selected as the number one draft pick is an honour,” Centra said in a club statement.
“I pride myself on my ability to make quick decisions and control the play to best suit my team’s game style, so I’m looking forward to bringing that energy to the Pies.
“It’s a childhood dream come true to play at the AFLW level.
“The opportunity to be the first pick is something I’ll never take for granted, and I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m fully committed to bring my best.”
💫💫 pic.twitter.com/Bn0V28OLFm
— Collingwood AFLW (@CollingwoodAFLW) December 16, 2024
Centra starred in this year’s Talent League, hitting the ground running with 47 disposals and four goals in her first game of the season against the Murray Bushrangers.
She finished the campaign with an average of 27.1 disposals, 4.2 clearances, and a haul of 18 goals.
Gold Coast matched Melbourne’s bid for Havana Harris and selected the academy product with pick No.2, while the Demons took Molly O’Hehir over fellow West Australian talent Zipporah 'Zippy' Fish.
The Suns had previously traded the No.2 pick to Melbourne as part of the six-club deal that landed Lily Mithen.
"Today's weather (in Melbourne) was terrible. It was absolutely terrible so thankful to be with the Gold Coast," towering ruck-forward Harris joked.
The Suns also came out with their four other academy prospects: Heidi Talbot (pick 27), Mia Salisbury (pick 29), Nyalli Milne (pick 41) and Tara Harrington (pick 47).
Highly-rated Fish - likened to Richmond powerhouse Mon Conti - went to Sydney with pick five, while GWS took Sara Howley (No.4).
Carlton had the sixth selection and took Poppy Scholz, sister of Port Adelaide Rising Star winner Matilda.
South Australian forward India Rasheed, daughter of prominent tennis coach Roger Rasheed, went to Adelaide with pick No.13.
“It’s probably been the most stressful week of my life,” Rasheed said.
“I was a Port fan but I’ll have to switch it now.”
Roger Rasheed, sporting a Crows scarf, added: “Apparently, I’m the runner now.”
The McKay family later stole the show when Carlton matched a bid for midfielder Sophie, taking the daughter of club great Andrew and younger sister of Blues star Abbie with pick No.17.
Hawthorn chose midfielder Lavinia Cox with the 15th selection, after refusing to part with the pick for high-profile Melbourne forward Tayla Harris in the trade period.
Cox also has a rookie contract with WNBL team Bendigo Spirit.
2024 AFLW DRAFT:
1. Ash Centra (Collingwood)
2. Havana Harris (Gold Coast)
3. Molly O'Hehir (Melbourne)
4. Sara Howley (GWS)
5. Zipporah Fish (Sydney)
6. Poppy Scholz (Carlton)
7. Lucia Painter (West Coast)
8. Emma McDonald (Western Bulldogs)
9. Grace Belloni (Essendon)
10. Alexis Gregor (Geelong)
