1. Stephanie Walker
Club: Sydney University Bombers
Position: Midfield / Forward
Analysis:
Walker has been a relative latecomer to the game after taking it up whilst at Boarding School a few years ago. She has however wasted no time in leaving her mark on the game after winning the Rising Star award in a canter in 2013 and then last year claimed the highest accolade in the league by winning the Women’s Division One League Best & Fairest. This capped off a fairytale year for Walker who only a few days earlier was an influential member of the Sydney University premiership win.
An absolute attacking weapon, Walker has always taken the game on and her running bounces across the ground have been legendary within the league. The diminutive Walker can play most positions on the ground including as an inside midfielder, however there is no doubt her best work is done on the outside when the footy is in her hand.
In recent times, Steph has also developed her defensive game and hits as hard as many of her bigger opponents.
Like Maddy Collier, Steph is firmly in the frame for the Women’s AFL matches for either Melbourne Demons or Western Bulldogs and again did her chances no harm during the recent representative season, in particular in the inaugural NSW/ACT team who played AFL Victoria over the Queens Birthday weekend where she was among the best on the ground.
One who always receives plenty of attention from opposition sides, Steph is at her best when taking the game on and has the ability to mesmerise opponents as she leaves them in her wake. One of the most popular players in the competition, Steph is sure to be one of the faces for womens football not only in Sydney but around the country.
It would surprise if she wasn’t right at the pointy end of the Mostyn Medal count this year and will be one that will play a key role in her side's quest for a premiership three-peat in September.
Last Modified on 26/06/2015 12:03
