5. Lael Kassem
Club: Western Wolves
Position: Midfield
Previous Club: Auburn Giants
Analysis:
One of the most, if not THE most, exciting players in the competition, Lael Kassem is one that spectators come to watch in full flight. She has electrifying pace and takes the game on like no other. Playing predominately as an outside midfielder who can sneak forward, Lael’s run and carry plays a pivotal role in her sides success. This was never more evident than in the AFL Sydney v AFL Canberra representative game in April when after a first half stalemate, Kassem broke the game open in the second half and was the most influential player on the ground. On that day, her ability to win her own football and outside run sparked the side to a brilliant victory which was topped off by a goal of her own. It was no surprise that this performance led to her being one of the first players picked in the inaugural NSW/ACT Women’s representative team which took on AFL Victoria over the Queens Birthday long weekend.
Lael has speed to burn and backs her own ability and her tearing down the wing with a few running bounces is what many have come to expect of her. 2015 saw Lael make the difficult move from the Auburn Giants to the Western Wolves to challenge herself in the top competition. If there were any doubts of her ability at the higher level, they were soon dispelled as she was extremely influential in the Wolves dominant start to the season.
A perennial League Best & Fairest vote getter, it will be no surprise to see her poll well in the top grade this year.
With the most even Division One competition in recent years, and with the Wolves appearing to be a genuine contender, Lael may well provide the spark in September to see the side claim what would be a famous victory.
Top 10 so far:
10. Kate Lawson
9. Nikki Perrett
8. Tayla Stahl-Smith
7. Mai Nguyen
6. Georgia Verkuylen
Last Modified on 22/06/2015 13:55
