Two guns from AFL South East have done the region proud by earning selection in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Under-18 All Australian Team.

The Dandenong Stingrays pair of Tyanna Smith from Beaconsfield and Molly McDonald from Seaford have stamped themselves as future AFLW stars after being announced in the elite 22-strong team.

Smith earned selection as one of six starting defenders in the team, while McDonald is part of a powerful midfield brigade made of members from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Unbeaten AFLW Under-18 Champions Vic Metro contributed four members to the side while six players came from Vic Country ranks – with Smith and McDonald among those. Vic Country skipper Lucy McEvoy was named the captain of the team after averaging 21 disposals, six tackles and three clearances per game.

 

Smith and McDonald’s bio’s from the championships read as follows:

Tyanna Smith – Age 17 – 167cm                    Vic Country/Dandenong Stingrays

A small defender with great natural speed and agility along with a penetrating kick. Can play defence or move up through midfield. Excelled in the 2019 NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships as a bottom ager averaging 15.2 disposals (8.5 contested), 5.8 tackles and two clearances.

Molly McDonald – Age 18 – 166cm              Vic Country/Dandenong Stingrays

Dashing wing or flanker who covers the ground with her running capability which enables her to get to contest after contest. Averaged 12 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 3.8 inside 50s and one very memorable goal breaking the 50 and slotting it home against Eastern Allies.

 

AFL Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said it is exciting times for the AFLW, with expansion meaning another 120 places are available for talented female players from across Australia at the elite level.

“The 2019 NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships saw the country’s best young female talent displaying their skills for club recruiters, including representatives from the four expansion teams – West Coast Eagles, Gold Coast Suns, Richmond and St Kilda,” Livingstone said.

“This year, five players will become dual AFLW Under-18 All-Australians, while Lucy McEvoy (Vic Country) becomes a triple AFLW Under-18 All Australian after being selected in 2017 in the back pocket, in 2018 as full forward and now in 2019 as captain in the midfield.

“I am excited to see what the next generation of players will be able to bring to the elite competition.”

See below for the full NAB AFL Women’s Under-18 All Australian Team.