Young Eagle flies north

Local young gun Sara Howley with GWS midfielder Alyce Parker on draft night. (GWS Giants)

Newtown & Chilwell young gun Sara Howley is now a Giant.

The 18-year-old midfielder was taken at pick four by Greater Western Sydney in the AFLW draft on Monday night.

The prodigious Geelong Falcons product won the best and fairest as a 16-year-old in 2022 and then again in 2023 as well as winning the league’s best and fairest.

She was named All Australian this year and wasn’t worried by the move north.

“I’m just so keen to get into it,” the 173cm Howley said.

“I think it’ll be a good opportunity to do something different and meet all the girls. I can’t wait.”

“Sara was one who stood out during our recruiting process given her high quality character and football resume that stacks up as one of the best to have come through the pathways,” GWS list manager Tyson Bourke said.

“We think her running power, decision making and foot skills will add value to our group and we are very excited to bring Sara into our football club.” 

St Mary’s live wire forward Rebecca Clottey was drafted by Hawthorn with pick number 50.

The Hawks can afford to give the 166cm Clottey time to develop and won’t rush the youngster one bit.

Meanwhile Geelong selected key position player Alexis Gregor at pick 10, defender Sienna Tallariti at 16 and 21-year-old ruck Piper Dunlop from its VFL program at 37.