AFLW Draft: Collingwood Magpies make Gippsland Power midfielder-forward Ash Centra top draft pick

Joanna Guelas

AAP

2 Min Read

3 hours ago

Victorian midfielder-forward Ash Centra has been chosen by Collingwood as the No.1 pick in the first national AFLW draft. Credit: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Collingwood have chosen Gippsland Power midfielder-forward Ash Centra with the No.1 pick at the 2024 AFLW draft.

Coming off a wooden spoon under first-year coach Sam Wright, the Magpies selected Centra in the first national draft in the women’s competition on Monday night.

The former basketballer joins Collingwood as their second-ever No.1 pick.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

She was presented the jumper by their only men’s first draft pick Josh Fraser - selected in 1999 - and vice-captain Brit Bonnici.

“Being selected as the number one draft pick is an honour,” Centra said in a club statement.

“I pride myself on my ability to make quick decisions and control the play to best suit my team’s game style, so I’m looking forward to bringing that energy to the Pies.

“It’s a childhood dream come true to play at the AFLW level.

“The opportunity to be the first pick is something I’ll never take for granted, and I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m fully committed to bring my best.”

Centra starred in this year’s Talent League, hitting the ground running with 47 disposals and four goals in her first game of the season against the Murray Bushrangers.

She finished the campaign with an average of 27.1 disposals, 4.2 clearances, and a haul of 18 goals.

Gold Coast matched Melbourne’s bid for Havana Harris and selected the academy product with pick No.2, while the Demons took Molly O’Hehir over fellow West Australian talent Zipporah ‘Zippy’ Fish.

The Suns had previously traded the No.2 pick to Melbourne as part of the six-club deal that landed Lily Mithen.

“Today’s weather (in Melbourne) was terrible. It was absolutely terrible so thankful to be with the Gold Coast,” towering ruck-forward Harris joked.

Highly-rated Fish - likened to Richmond powerhouse Mon Conti - went to Sydney with pick five, while GWS took Sara Howley (No.4).

Carlton had the sixth selection and took Poppy Scholz, sister of Port Adelaide Rising Star winner Matilda.

The Suns have four other academy prospects: Mia Salisbury, Tara Harrington, Nyalli Milne and Heidi Talbot.