FOOTBALL

AFLW EXPORTS

By TOM HAYES and BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

SALE City’s Ash Centra has become the first Gippsland Power women’s product to be selected with the first pick of an AFLW Draft, going to Collingwood Magpies.

The 2024 AFLW Draft is the first-ever national women’s draft.

Centra spoke to the Express ahead of the draft.

”It has been a big day. I have the most beautiful support system around me. Feeling grateful and excited to see what the future holds for all these girls,” she said.

”Considering the talent in this years draft it feels great to be recognised. Regardless of the number I’m just excited to be on the list and play some footy.”

The Sale City product is on her way to Collingwood, joining up with former Power teammate Amber Schutte.

Centra will be a welcomed addition to the Magpies who finished the 2024 season on the bottom of the ladder.

Centra said she was grateful for the support she has received throughout her football career so far.

“Coming from a small country town I feel like it’s a massive achievement for the club. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the club and their support,” she said ahead of the draft.

”Anything could happen and it always plays on my mind but to be there with my family and friends provides me with so much comfort to be proud of myself no matter what happens.”

Despite the attention she has garnered from potential clubs, Centra told the Express she would prefer to stay in Victoria after draft night, her wish granted by Collingwood.

“At the start of the year I was happy to go anywhere but as the draft has got closer I have realised that I would prefer to stay in Victoria to be closer to my family and those who matter to me,” she said.

She models her game off seven-time club best and fairest Monique Conti (Western Bulldogs and Richmond), who has quite the resume at the age of 25.

The versatile on-baller took home the Coates Talent League best-and-fairest award in her top-age season with Power, boasting averages of 27.7 disposals, 4.4 marks, and 4.2 tackles. She booted 18 goals for the year at an average of 1.4 a game.

Centra also played in the last two Under 18 National Championships for Victoria Country, once again bolstering her distinction.

Coming from a basketball background (like so many young AFL/AFLW players these days), Centra played for her local association in the Sale Sonics – included in their CBL women’s line-up as recently as last year.

 

WARRAGUL’S Jas Sowden was picked up later in the draft to Port Adelaide.

The Power selected her with the 52nd pick during the third round.

She joins a pool of girls who will be the first-ever to move interstate, following the first fully-national AFLW Draft.

Sowden is also a Port Adelaide fan, granting her the wish to play for the club she already adores.