By Luke Voogt
Geelong Cats selected former Falcons captain Darcy Moloney as their top AFLW draft pick along with four other potential future stars this week.
The Cats described the 165cm Moloney as a skilful midfielder-forward who is very calm with ball in hand, after picking the 17-year-old at selection 10.
Moloney earned selection for Victoria Country in her first year of football, despite only playing two seasons prior.
She featured prominently in AFL Barwon’s under 18s over the past few years, and averaged 26.5 disposals in the two NAB League games this year.
Highly-competitive midfielder and ball-hunter Laura Gardner also made the cut at selection 20.
The 17-year-old has strong endurance that allows her to cover the ground well, according to the Cats.
Gardner comes from a local football family with a strong association with Geelong West Giants and has featured in AFL Barwon’s under 18s.
Standing at 165cm, Gardiner averaged a whopping 34.5 disposals and 11.5 tackles in two NAB League games this year.
At selection 21 the Cats picked 185cm, high-marking forward Olivia Barber, who transitioned from basketball to football just two years ago.
The 18-year-old was named All-Australian full forward last year as a bottom-ager.
At selection 27 the Cats picked Larrakia woman Stephanie Williams, who hails from the Northern Territory but has called Geelong home for three years.
The Cats said the 171cm forward has great speed and skill, takes the game on and is not afraid of the contest.
Williams, 18, missed the Geelong Falcons season due to injury, but managed to play a handful of games with St Joseph’s under 18s.
Cats picked another former basketballer, Carly Remmos, at selection 39.
After a distinguished junior career at Geelong Supercats, Remmos, 18, is relatively new to football.
The developing 174cm midfielder’s quick hands and power are among her key attributes, according to the Cats.
Remmos played both NAB League matches averaging 15 disposals and five tackles as a forward-midfielder.
