Quick Read
- Richmond selected Olivia Wolmarans as Pick 1, surprising many analysts who expected Scarlett Johnson.
- Gold Coast Suns matched bids on three academy products in the top nine picks.
- Adelaide entered the draft with three first-round selections, its strongest hand in a decade.
- Sydney Swans chose not to match a bid for Kiera Yerbury, allowing GWS to pick her.
- Clubs can fill up to two additional roster spots in the AFLW Pre-Season Draft.
Richmond’s Pick 1 Shock Sets the Tone
Every year, the AFLW Draft promises drama and anticipation, but few expected the jolt Richmond delivered at Marvel Stadium on December 15, 2025. With the first pick, the Tigers sidestepped the favorite, Northern Knights winger Scarlett Johnson, and instead placed their trust in Olivia Wolmarans—a tall forward out of Subiaco and Mt Hawthorn Cardinals. This late switch, reported by Fox Sports, instantly upended expectations and kicked off a night defined by strategic gambles and rapid responses.
Moments after Richmond’s decision, GWS Giants pounced on Johnson with Pick 2, capitalizing on the Tigers’ deviation from the script. The energy in the room, and across social media, was palpable—fans and pundits alike scrambling to assess how this twist would ripple through the rest of the draft order.
Academy Power and the Bidding Frenzy
As the dust settled on Pick 1, a new pattern emerged: club academies were flexing their muscles like never before. Gold Coast Suns, in particular, showcased their talent pipeline by matching bids on three prospects within the top nine. Sunny Lappin, daughter of former All-Australian Matthew Lappin, led the charge at Pick 4, reflecting a blend of legacy and fresh promise. The Suns’ aggressive bid matching saw Ava Usher and Georja Davies also join their ranks, with each move calculated to secure local talent and reinforce the club’s identity.
Other clubs weren’t idle. Sydney Swans opted not to match a bid for their academy product Kiera Yerbury at Pick 3, allowing GWS to seize the midfielder and further stoke the intra-city rivalry. The first round was a whirlwind of decisions, with Collingwood, Adelaide, and Essendon all making moves that signaled their strategic priorities. The list of selections—each with their own story—spoke to the depth and diversity of talent emerging in the women’s game.
Adelaide’s Draft Hand and Trade Strategies
Adelaide, according to AFC.com.au, entered the night with their strongest draft hand in a decade, thanks to a prolific trade period. Three first-round picks (Nos. 4, 13, and 17) gave the Crows unusual leverage. Pick 13 was acquired from Essendon in exchange for key position player Zoe Prowse, while Pick 17 came via a multi-club deal involving Brooke Boileau and Carlton. These moves weren’t just about numbers—they were about future-proofing the club after the retirement of Stevie-Lee Thompson and the delisting of Rachelle Martin and Abbie Ballard. The Crows’ calculated approach highlighted how the draft is as much about list management as it is about raw talent.
Adelaide’s selections—led by Chloe Bown at Pick 5—reflected the club’s intent to inject fresh energy into their midfield and forward lines. The new faces will join a team in transition, with fans eager to see how these draft choices will integrate into the established structure and culture.
Behind the Scenes: Guernsey Presentations and Media Buzz
While the drama played out on the draft floor, moments of celebration and pride unfolded behind the scenes. Richmond’s Gabrielle Seymour personally presented the club guernsey to Olivia Wolmarans, welcoming her into the Tigers’ fold and marking the start of a new chapter. Video highlights shared by RichmondFC.com.au captured Wolmarans’ reaction—equal parts excitement and determination. Such rituals underscore the human side of the draft: for every statistic and strategy, there’s a dream realized and a journey begun.
Meanwhile, club media and AFLW insiders offered glimpses into preparations and player reactions. From Pilates sessions with Tigers players to interviews with recruiting managers, the narrative extended beyond the picks to the broader culture of women’s football. These stories, often overlooked, are the heartbeat of the sport’s evolution.
What’s Next: Pre-Season Draft and Unselected Talent
The AFLW Draft isn’t the final word on player movement. Clubs are permitted to keep up to two spots open and fill them via the AFLW Pre-Season Draft, as outlined by AFC.com.au. Only those who nominated for the main draft and weren’t selected are eligible. This secondary draft offers a lifeline for overlooked talent and a strategic option for clubs seeking specific skills or depth.
For fans, the action continues online and on TV. Fox Footy and Kayo broadcast the drama live, while club websites and social channels serve up recaps, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. The AFLW’s growing media footprint ensures that every moment—from the first pick to the final guernsey presentation—is shared and celebrated.
The Changing Landscape of Women’s Football
The 2025 AFLW Draft is more than a list of names—it’s a reflection of a sport in transition. The prominence of academy products, the strategic use of bidding, and the rise of legacy players like Sunny Lappin point to a future where pathways are clearer and competition is fiercer. For young athletes, the message is clear: opportunity is expanding, but the challenge is greater than ever.
The draft also highlights the increasing professionalism of women’s football. Clubs are leveraging analytics, scouting networks, and trade deals to build squads capable of competing not just today, but for seasons to come. For the players, being drafted is both a culmination and a starting point—a chance to prove themselves at the highest level and to shape the next chapter of the AFLW story.
In summary, the 2025 AFLW Draft will be remembered for Richmond’s surprise at Pick 1, the dominance of club academies, and the intricate strategies that unfolded across Marvel Stadium. These developments signal a new era for women’s football—one defined by ambition, opportunity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.