Introduction: The lure of a bargain in AFLW
In the AFLW, as in any professional league, the real surprises often come later in the draft. While the spotlight frequently shines on top picks, history shows that savvy talent identification and patient drafting can yield far bigger returns. This piece delves into the 10 biggest draft bargains in AFLW history, highlighting players who emerged as cornerstone performers long after their initial selections.
1) The early gold rush: 2016’s hidden gems
Many of the headline bargains hail from the league’s inaugural 2016 draft, when 145 local footballers stepped into AFL surroundings for the first time. Clubs that hit on late rounds or overlooked contenders began forging identities, and the ripple effects are still felt today. These players demonstrated that geography and timing could be as powerful as draft order.
2) A late bloom: mid-to-late picks that became core workers
Several standout AFLW performers arrived with modest draft buzz, only to blossom into dependable midfield generals or stalwart defenders. For teams, the lesson is clear: the pipeline of talent isn’t limited to the first or second rounds; late picks can carry a franchise for years.
3) A forward who found his/her footing later
Striking goals from unexpected places is part of AFLW’s storytelling. A handful of bargain forwards developed into reliable targets, turning sprees into season-defining moments. Their journeys underscore the value of patience and belief in a player’s development curve.
4) Midfield engines from the middle rounds
Midfield depth is the heartbeat of any AFLW side. The best bargains often come from players who were overlooked as they transitioned from junior leagues to state leagues, then to the big stage, where their work rate and decision-making became unmistakable assets.
5) Versatility as a currency
Some bargains didn’t fit a single role but demonstrated exceptional adaptability—shifting from half-back to centre, or from wing to inside-midfield. Clubs that valued flexibility over rigid positional expectations reaped the benefits when injuries or form dips hit during the season.
6) The impact of a supportive environment
Beyond raw talent, the right club environment accelerates a bargain’s impact. Coaching clarity, list depth, and club culture can unlock a player’s ceiling in ways that raw metrics at draft time cannot capture.
7) The role of medicals and resilience
AFLW bargains often survive setbacks, with medical resilience proving as important as athletic talent. Players who overcome injuries or adversity to perform at high levels become fan favourites and club ambassadors alike.
8) The ripple effect: leadership from unlikely places
Leadership isn’t always about veteran status. Some late-drafted figures emerged as locker-room anchors, guiding younger players, modelling professionalism, and lifting team morale when it mattered most.
9) Statistical outliers that defy expectations
In recent seasons, a handful of bargain picks posted elite disposals, pressure acts, or goal contributions per game, challenging conventional wisdom about draft value. These cases fuel debates about talent identification and the predictive power of junior football metrics.
10) A blueprint for future drafts
What can aspiring clubs takeaway? Look for players with transferable skills—tenacity, endurance, and football IQ—especially those who show improvement curves in their state leagues. The most transformative bargains often arrive with a clear plan for development and a supportive system to help them flourish.
Conclusion: The enduring value of a well-timed pick
In AFLW history, the biggest bargains aren’t always the brightest stars at selection. They are the players who match or exceed expectations through opportunity, culture, and continuous growth. As teams look to build durable, competitive lists, the legacy of these ten bargain picks offers a pragmatic playbook: talent is often found where you least expect it, and patience pays dividends when the right people are given a chance.
