As the football world keeps a keen eye on the AFLW Draft on Monday night, one Shepparton player will be praying to see her name up in lights.
Shepparton United and Murray Bushrangers star Holly Egan has been a force to be reckoned with in 2024 and is hoping to cap her stellar season with selection in Monday night’s draft.
Egan was captain for the Bushrangers and won their best-and-fairest award in 2024.
The skilful and athletic defender-midfielder also represented Vic Country at the Under-18 National Championships.
Egan will be hoping to join her sister Grace — a former Carlton and now Richmond gun midfielder who has played 57 games — in the AFLW.
Draft guru Kevin “Shifter” Sheehan released his top 30 prospects for the AFLW Draft last Tuesday and said Egan was part of the top end of this year’s crop.
“(Egan is a) versatile defender and midfielder who had an excellent year for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League, winning the club’s best-and-fairest award and selection in the Team of the Year after averaging 23.5 disposals, four marks and six tackles,” Sheehan said.
“Was also impressive playing for Victoria Country in the national championships, averaging 15.3 disposals (seven contested).
“Has the talent to join her sister, Richmond star Grace, as an AFLW player.
“Her natural leap caught the eye at the National Draft Combine.”
Egan came fifth in the running vertical jump test at the National Draft Combine which was held in early October — also coming tied for eighth in the standing vertical jump.
In 2023, the AFLW Draft used an opt-in model when it came to potential draftees whereby they could choose whether they were willing to join an interstate club.
With an increase in player payments, potential for relocation allowances and a minimum two-year contract after getting drafted, the AFLW has made the 2024 draft a fully national model.
The draft will be held on December 16 at 7pm and will be broadcast on AFL.com.au, the AFLW App and the Official AFL Live App.