The 2024 AFLW 22Under22 team has been revealed, with South Australian sides Adelaide and Port Adelaide leading the way, and a historic achievement for Gold Coast's Charlie Rowbottom and Geelong's Georgie Prespakis.
After an initial squad of 44 players was announced earlier this month, fans cast their votes to select the final 22, showcasing the brightest young talents in the AFLW.
A total of 10 players earned their first selection, but it was Rowbottom and Prespakis who made history, being named in the team for the fourth time. The duo now join a select group, with only Georgie's sister, Madison Prespakis and Richmond's Monique Conti, having previously reached this milestone.
Prespakis, the standout midfielder from Geelong, was also named captain of the team, while Rowbottom, the dynamic Gold Coast star, earned the vice-captaincy.
The team features a strong presence from South Australia, with Port Adelaide boasting four players in the final lineup and Adelaide contributing three. Notable inclusions from Port Adelaide are ruck Matilda Scholz, midfielder Abbey Dowrick, forward Julia Teakle, and defender Amelie Borg. The Power's selection of four players is the highest representation from any club in the 2024 team.
Adelaide's Sarah Goodwin, Zoe Prowse, and Teah Charlton also made the cut, with Charlton being selected for a second consecutive year after a strong season. Prowse, in particular, enjoyed a breakout year, averaging over 10 disposals per game and impressing with her efficiency and defensive efforts.
Other players making their mark this year include Hawthorn's Jasmine Fleming, who was named for the second time, and Port Adelaide's rising star Julia Teakle, who was one of the most popular forwards in fan voting.
Notable first-time selections include Sarah Hartwig from Western Bulldogs, Lucy Cronin from Collingwood, and Mimi Hill from Carlton. Brisbane's Charlotte Mullins was another fresh face in the side, following a career year in which she contributed across the ground.
The GWS Giants also had significant representation, with Zarlie Goldsworthy and Tarni Evans both earning places in the team. Goldsworthy, a key forward, finished as the Giants' leading goalkicker for the second consecutive season, while Evans continues to prove her versatility as both a defender and forward.
In terms of fan voting, Rowbottom led the charge, appearing in 78% of teams, while Prespakis was right behind with 75%. Matilda Scholz also received high praise, securing 77% of the vote and solidifying her place as the team's starting ruck.
Full AFLW 22Under22 team, 2024:
FB: Sarah Goodwin (Adelaide), Amelie Borg (Port Adelaide)
HB: Daisy D'Arcy (Gold Coast), Zoe Prowse (Adelaide), Charlotte Thomas (West Coast)
C: Ella Roberts (West Coast), Abbey Dowrick (Port Adelaide), Jasmine Fleming (Hawthorn)
HF: Tarni Evans (GWS), Julia Teakle (Port Adelaide), Zarlie Goldsworthy (GWS)
FF: Alice O'Loughlin (North Melbourne), Charlotte Mullins (Brisbane Lions)
R: Matilda Scholz (Port Adelaide), Charlie Rowbottom (Gold Coast, Vice-Captain), Georgie Prespakis (Geelong, Captain)
I/C: Tahlia Gillard (Melbourne), Teah Charlton (Adelaide), Eliza McNamara (Melbourne), Mimi Hill (Carlton), Sarah Hartwig (Western Bulldogs), Lucy Cronin (Collingwood)