Club/Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Position: Ruck/forward
Height: 178cm
DOB: 22 April 2004
WITH pick No.18 (Victorian pick No.9) in the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, Carlton has welcomed exciting key position prospect Mia Austin.
A graduate of the Eastern Ranges, Austin is just as capable up forward as she is in the ruck, which she displayed in resounding fashion throughout her NAB League season.
Named in the ruck in the NAB League Team of the Year, Austin was a standout performer for the Ranges over the course of the season, earning Vic Metro selection in the process.
Her versatility and scoreboard impact was best demonstrated in a mid-season run of form which saw her kick nine goals from four games, stamping her reputation as one of the standout tall talents in the country.
Over the course of the season, Austin averaged over 19 hitouts per game, with her running capacity and hunt on the football also seeing her impact resemble that of an extra midfielder: she averaged just shy of 12 disposals and six tackles per game.
Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro said the chance to welcome someone of Austin’s talent was a great result for the Club at the draft table.
“We couldn’t be happier in welcoming Mia to IKON Park. She is someone whose talent was there for all to see at NAB League level and also at the national carnival,” Munro said.
“We regard her as the best young talent in her position, so to now have the chance to bring her to the Club as a Carlton player is something that our members and supporters should be really excited by.
“We were really keen to maximise our strong draft hand and by welcoming Mia, we feel like we’ve done exactly that. She proved herself to be one of the best young key position talents in the country over the course of the season, whether that was in the ruck or up forward.
“She’s a quality player and a quality person. We think she’s going to be an integral part of our future here with the Game Changers, and we know she’ll grasp the opportunity to work with best-and-fairest winners Breann Moody or Darcy Vescio in whichever role the coaching staff play her in.”