AFLW Draft 2021: Injured Subiaco Lion Charlotte Thomas has plenty of talent

CHARLOTTE THOMAS Who are WA’s top AFLW draft prospects? Get to know the state’s brightest talent in our draft profiles series, with full profiles of leading draft contenders. Here, we look at Charlie Thomas, the skilful Subiaco talent who’s talent is undisputed despite an injury-interrupted season. Club: Subiaco From: Carine JFC Date of birth: 05/09/2003 (age 17) Height: 175cm Position: Forward, midfield AFLW player comparison: Kate Hore Strengths: Decision making, marking, ball use Question mark: Will injury impact her draft rank? THE WEST AUSTRALIAN’S ELIZA REILLY SAYS: A dangerous forward with clean skills and knack for goal, Thomas could only manage one appearance for Subiaco in the WAFLW with a fractured arm ending her season before it had really started. A member of WA’s Under-19 squad and the AFLW national academy, Thomas evidently has talent and formed a key part of Subiaco’s premiership push in 2020. A clever user of the ball, Subiaco intended to use Thomas on the wing this season, winning three votes in the only game she played, but she’s also shown her capabilities up forward. The 17-year-old will still likely find an AFLW home but may slip slightly down the pecking order due to her injury. SUBIACO WAFLW COACH MICHAEL FARMER SAYS: “She’s such a natural user of the footy who makes really good decision. She reads the play really well but more importantly, her disposal by foot sets her apart. “Our plan was actually to play her off halfback. That’s where we thought her best footy would be this year before she was obviously injured. “She’s so versatile but she’s also a very bubbly kid. She’s a lot more mature than her age shows and she loves the game and talking about football.” Projected draft range: Top three in WA