Three new Magpies joined Collingwood at tonight’s 2024 AFLW Telstra Draft.
For the first time since 1999, Collingwood held the number one pick, which was used to select Gippsland Power’s Ash Centra.
Arriving at the Pies alongside Centra was Georgia Knight at pick 26 and father-daughter selection Violet Patterson at pick 42, matching North Melbourne’s bid.
Centra is a uniquely talented player who has dominated at Coates Talent League level and throughout the National Carnival.
Calm and composed throughout the midfield while also having the potential to be damaging up forward, Centra’s clean skills and football IQ make her an excellent addition to Collingwood’s AFLW side.
With an impressive resume from her junior career, Centra is a two-time All-Australian, claimed the 2024 Coates Talent League Best and Fairest and was a member of the Marsh AFL National Girls Academy.
Joining Centra in black and white is crafty and damaging forward Knight from the Eastern Ranges.
The Vic Metro and All Australian bagged an impressive 27 goals from 16 games across the Coates league season, finishing runner up in the goal kicking for 2024.
With the 42nd pick, Collingwood matched a bid to secure its second-ever father-daughter selection, with Violet Patterson joining her father, Stephen, as a Magpie.
Playing for Glenelg in the SANFLW and representing South Australia, Patterson’s speed and defensive pressure have made her a versatile player throughout the midfield and across the wing.
Patterson has many attributes that reflect her father’s playing days, with the 18-year-old’s running ability and endurance being standout parts of her game.
Stephen Patterson played 96 games for Collingwood throughout the 90’s, scoring a career total of 88 goals.
General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger said the Club was thrilled to have selected the trio.
“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, I want to warmly welcome Ash, Georgia and Violet, who all became Magpies at tonight’s draft,” Burger said.
“They all have unique and different attributes that will be great additions to our team, and we look forward to seeing how they grow and what they can achieve in the black and white.
“At pick one, we selected Ash Centra, a midfielder with elite skills, exceptional decision-making, and incredibly composed. Ash was highly regarded throughout her time at Gippsland Power and Vic Country, so we are thrilled to have her join Collingwood.
“With pick 26, Georgia Knight joins us from the Eastern Ranges, boasting finesse and fire power up forward. With the ability to finish on both sides of her body, Georgia possesses elite fundamentals and goal sense that allows her to impact the game.
“With pick 42, we’ve welcomed Violet Patterson, daughter of past player Stephen. Violet has played fantastic football for Glenelg and South Australia, and her speed, work rate and ball use will be an excellent addition to our team.”
