Local AFLW players’ 2023 season comes to end but recognition received for efforts

The AFLW home-and-away season has come to an end and finals are now in full swing, and while no local players are still alive in the premiership race, some have received recognition for the 2023 season. Representing the Gascoyne region is Fremantle ruck and Exmouth-born Mim Strom, who had a career-best year in her fifth season. Strom was named in the initial 44 of the AFLPA’s under-22 squad, which recognises the best young talent in the league, for a third straight year. The 22-year-old had her best year to date, appearing in all 10 games for Fremantle. Strom averaged 11.9 disposals, with five kicks, just under five tackles, two clearances and 25.7 hit outs per game, which are all career highs for the young ruck. Fremantle finished 13th on the ladder after a 4-6 win/loss record, but Strom managed to put together a strong season despite the team’s lows. Mid West-born Julia Teakle was named Port Adelaide’s most improved player, receiving the coaches award at the team’s awards night. The 20-year-old forward played six games in her second season after suffering an injury in round two. She returned to a struggling Power side in round seven and played out the rest of the year. They finished 15th after going 2-7-1. During her second season, Teakle improved her form, averaging 7.8 disposals, 4.5 kicks, taking one mark and making 2.8 tackles per game. Her breakout game came in the round eight draw against Gold Coast, where she kicked a career-high three goals and was named in the AFLW team of the week. A voting panel, which included the likes of Power coach Lauren Arnell and head of AFLW Juliet Haslam, voted Teakle as the most improved player for the side.