Young-guns Thrive in AFLW Transition

MTM young-guns Ellie McKenzie and Tyanna Smith have now begun their AFLW journeys as training recommenced in Melbourne, with clubs operating in groups of ten. The pair were selected with picks one and six respectively in the 2020 AFLW National Draft last month.

The highly touted McKenzie went to the Richmond Tigers where she will look to bolster the midfield with class and pace around the ball and hit the scoreboard when she plays up forward. 

Standing at 173cm McKenzie is tall for an AFLW midfielder with the ability to be a marking target around the ground and in the attacking fifty. 

“It’s just been great to get out on the track with my group of ten” said McKenzie,

“Coming into the start of preseason I’m feeling super excited to get to know the other girls just as well as my group.”

Smith’s name was called shortly after McKenzie’s. The Saints will welcome her clean hands and elite ball use. The Dandenong Stingrays product is a weapon bursting out of packs and uses her foot-skills to slice through opposition defences. 

Smith’s transition to the AFLW has also been smooth with the Saints’ professionalism and facilities a point of excitement.

“I loved getting to know the girls and working with the coaches who have such extensive knowledge of the game” she said.

McKenzie and Smith are in the midst of their year 12 studies but are enjoying their footy as a release from the pressure of upcoming exams.

Congratulations to both Ellie and Tyanna on their draft selections, we wish them all the best in their AFLW career!