Western Australia’s top prospect Zipporah ‘Zippy’ Fish is in a three-horse race to be the first selection in this year’s AFLW Draft, according to WA’s talent manager.
The East Fremantle product is considered one of a trifecta alongside Victorian Ash Centra and Queenslander Havana Harris, with the trio expected to go 1-2-3 in the now-national draft in December.
“All three are completely different players,” Trent Cooper, the state’s women’s talent manager, told The West Australian.
“It could just come down to what club needs what.
“If they need that bigger midfielder, Harris is going to be the one. If they need a super clever forward, then Sentra is going to be the one.
“If they need a player who can run and break lines and play multiple positions, then Zippy could be the one.”
Fish is one of five WA prospects invited to the AFLW national draft combine this month, which will be held on the same weekend as the AFL Draft combine on October 4-6.
However, unlike the men’s, the women’s combine will run concurrently alongside the AFLW season.
Highly touted WA prospect Claudia will not do physical testing after suffering a broken leg before the national championships but Cooper doesn’t expect it to hurt her draft chances too much.
“She had a really solid year for Claremont,” Cooper said of Wright.
“Once she got injured, she’s been fantastic in her diligence in her rehab, getting around the group, and providing great leadership for the players playing in the national champs.
“She didn’t drop her head or feel sorry for herself, she got really involved. I think that’s an attribute clubs would like to see and like to have around their AFLW teams.”
Cooper also backed South Fremantle defender Molly O’Hehir to rocket back up the rankings at the combine as one of the state’s most athletic prospects.
“I think in some ways you just put a line through her championships, she had that many injuries and illnesses through that time,” Cooper said.
“A player of a lesser character wouldn’t get out there, but she just wanted to get out there and be a part of the team.
“Her performances earlier on in the year were more indicative of what she’s capable of and as long as her health gets better, I think she’ll test well.
“She could be an absolute bargain for whichever team takes her if she does slightly slide down the order.”
Fish, O’Hehir and Wright will attend the national combine alongside East Fremantle’ Taya Chambers and Swan Districts’ Lily Paterson, while another eight West Aussies will test at the state combine on October 13.
