Collingwood welcomes star midfielder Ash Centra as the number one selection at the Telstra AFLW Draft this evening.
Playing for the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League Girls competition, the basketballer-turned-footballer started the 2024 season in full stride, collecting 47 disposals and four goals in her first game of the season against the Murray Bushrangers.
The 18-year-old went from strength to strength, going on to have more than 30 disposals in six matches.
The Seaspray local had outstanding performances, including 30 disposals and four goals against the Western Jets and two goals and 34 disposals against the Rebels to name a few.
Centra ended an impressive 2024 season averaging 27.1 disposals, 4.3 marks, 4.2 clearances, 4.1 tackles and kicked 18 goals, earning herself umpires’ votes in 10 of her 12 matches.
Centra, shares her excitement of joining the black and white.
“Being selected as the number one draft pick is an honour, and I’m excited to be welcomed into the team with such a passionate and dedicated fan base,” Centra said.
“I pride myself on my ability to make quick decisions and control the play to best suit my team’s game style, so I’m looking forward to bringing that energy to the Pies.
“It’s a childhood dream come true to play at the AFLW level, and I’m looking forward to learning from the experienced players and coaches around me to further develop my craft.
“The opportunity to be the first pick is something I’ll never take for granted, and I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m fully committed to bring my best.”
The ball-magnet is a two-time All Australian at under-18 level, received the Victoria Country’s MVP as a bottom-ager at the 2023 Marsh AFL National Championships and this year presented at the Australia under-18 team as a member of the Marsh AFL National Academy Girls.
Adding another accolade to her resume, she was crowned the 2024 Coates Talent League Best and Fairest winner this September pulling 25 votes, becoming the first Gippsland Power player to do so.
General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger excitedly welcomed Centra to the Club.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ash to Collingwood as the Club’s number one draft pick,” Burger said.
“Her ability to read the play with exceptional decision-making and execute fundamentals under pressure allows Ash to be a genuine playmaker. She possesses an outstanding ability to take the ball from the inside to outside and her finish in attack will also provide a welcomed boost to our side.
“At just 18-years-old, Ash represents a bright future for the Club, and we are excited to further develop her game within our elite four walls.
“Ash isn’t simply just a talented player, her dedication and passion for her craft is inspiring, and she is truly deserving of the touted number one draft selection.”
It has been 25 years since Collingwood has received a number one draft pick, with Josh Fraser being selected in the 1999 National Draft.
Fraser went on to have an incredible career with the Pies, earning a Rising Star nomination in his debut year, going on to play 200 games and kicking 156 goals for the side.
Fraser is currently the Head of Development at the Club, and alongside current Collingwood AFLW Vice Captain Brittany Bonnici, presented the black and white stripe guernsey to Centra upon her name call.
