Tara Murray
Young Essendon ruck Stephanie Wales has earned an AFLW Rising star nomination for her performance against Sydney.
Wales had 21 hit outs and seven tackles in Essendon’s four-point win against the Swans on Saturday afternoon.
The 19-year-old is averaging 12 hit outs per game across the season having played every match this year.
A cross-code athlete with a background as an elite basketballer, the 19-year-old was playing local football at the Oakleigh Dragons in the South Metro Junior Football League at the start of the year before signing with the Casey Demons in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition.
Continuing her meteoric rise through the football ranks, Wales was drafted from Casey Demons VFLW side with pick number 32 in this year’s AFLW draft.
Following Jorja Borg’s season-ending foot injury, Wales has stepped up to carry the ruck load and has embraced the experience of taking on the league’s best rucks.
Essendon coach Natalie Wood said the nomination was a recognition of Wales’ dedication and investment into her own development.
“This is a fantastic acknowledgement of Steph’s growth mindset and diligent work on and off the field to improve her craft,” she said.
“Steph has taken on some of the league’s top-tier rucks this year and has taken these challenges on with real curiosity and dedication to learn off her opponents.
“She’s taken tremendous steps forward this year and I’m really excited to see how she continues to grow and improve.”
Wales’ twin sister Lucy Wales, who plays for Hawthorn, received a nomination in round seven.
Wales is the second Bomber this season to receive a nomination, with Paige Scott earning one in round one.
