THE CARLTON Football Club have welcomed four new Game Changers to the fold with Keeley Skepper, Mia Austin, Lily Goss and Jessica Jones all selected in this evening’s 2022 NAB Women’s Draft.
Skepper was Carlton’s first selection at Victorian pick No.8 (National pick No.17).
Hailing from Wodonga, the ball-winning midfielder has developed into a powerful prospect over the past couple of seasons which saw her take out Vic Country’s Most Valuable Player award at the national championships.
Skepper’s leadership credentials were on full display at the Murray Bushrangers, averaging over 24 disposals, four tackles and four inside 50s across her nine NAB League games.
A midfielder who breaks the lines, Skepper spent more time behind the ball in 2022, with her ability to read the game and provide run and carry from the back half that is most impressive to recruiters.
For a light build, Skepper continually puts her body on the line and wins the hard ball in the contest, and she led from the front for the Bushrangers in the NAB League and Vic Country at representative level.
With back-to-back picks, the Blues used Victorian pick No. 9 (National pick No.18) to select 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.
The Club selected from a known talent pool with the third pick of the draft, picking up VFLW-listed Blue Lily Goss with Victorian pick No. 26 (National pick No. 48).
Goss was one of the VFLW Blues’ best players in the 2022 VFLW season, coming runner-up in the best-and-fairest count last Friday in a season where she was as reliable and consistent as anyone.
An effective midfielder on both sides of the ball, Goss showcased her ability to make an impact offensively while also putting in a shift defensively. She averaged over 15 disposals per game this season, while also registering seven games with eight tackles or more.
The 22-year-old possesses a strong football IQ and has displayed unquestionable effort when it comes to both her preparation and in-game commitment, recording repeat efforts and doing whatever is necessary for the betterment of her team.
With Carlton’s final selection of the evening, the Club selected Jessica Jones with Victorian pick No. 37 (National pick No. 67).
Hailing from the North Melbourne VFLW team where Jones formed part of the leadership group, the Blues have added an experienced head to provide defensive cover leading into season seven.
Playing 12 of North’s 14 VFL games this season, Jones averaged nine disposals per game, but her key focus was on shutting down her direct opponent, often taking the opposition's key forward and doing everything in her power to keep them quiet.
Jones’ strength and determination shown throughout her time at North will be complemented in Carlton’s backline alongside the likes of Kerryn Peterson and Mua Laloifi.
Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro congratulated all four players on their selections and was thoroughly excited by the talent that is coming through the doors.
“We are thrilled with the level of talent we’ve been able to secure at the Draft this evening and feel these four players will fit in perfectly with the rest of our list,” Munro said.
“Keeley is a great pick-up for the program and I have no doubt that she will only add to the current talent we have in the program.
“She puts her all in every game, is an impressive kick and has great football smarts. We rate her extremely highly for what she brings on field just as much as what she brings off it.
“We also 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.
“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 about.
“We’ve seen Lily perform at a really high standard in the VFLW, and she’s done everything in her power to deserve this chance with our AFLW program.
“She settled into VFLW level and, very importantly, the Club immediately in her first season and really put in the hard yards. We’re confident that she’ll continue that upward climb in her development.
“And finally, Jessica is a great addition to the team with her ability to shut down her opponents and also play as a ruck when needed.
“She has earned her chance and we think she’s only going to get better in an AFLW environment, working with not only her teammates but also our new backline coach in Nicole Callinan.
“We are really excited to get all four players into the Club and integrated into our program ahead of season seven.”
