CASEY Wynne has taken a huge step towards playing in the AFLW.

The former Coffs Harbour Breakers player has been invited to take part in the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft Combine.

The NAB AFL Women’s Draft Combine is held before the AFLW Draft in July, and puts draft prospects through their paces giving AFLW clubs a chance to see and consider a player’s physical abilities and readiness for the AFLW.

Wynne currently plays for Coolangatta but started her football career with the Coffs Harbour Breakers playing against the boys before becoming a founding member of the club’s Youth Girls team in 2018.

While playing for the Breakers she represented the North Coast Force regional team which led to her selection in the NSW All Schools Under 15 side.

The Coffs Harbour product then moved to the Gold Coast in 2019 to attend boarding school and play for the Southport Sharks.

The 18-year-old’s parents and younger sister still live in Coffs Harbour and she is a regular visitor to town whenever her football commitments permit.

This year has been a breakthrough one for the former Breakers player, having been inducted into the Gold Coast Suns Academy and earning a place in the Queensland team for next month’s 2021 NAB AFLW Under 19 National Championships.

AFL North Coast’s Community Football and Competition Manager Paul Taylor said Wynne would have the chance to nominate for this year’s AFLW draft.

“Casey has been invited to be part of the AFLW Draft Combine which is the physical and skills testing program that precedes the national draft,” he said.

“Following the Combine players will have the chance to nominate for the draft which is their path to landing a contract with an AFLW club.”

AFL General Manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the talent available in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, which could include Casey Wynne, will make for an exciting season six of the NAB AFL Women’s Competition.

“We look forward to recognising and celebrating the many talented footballers who will be selected as part of the NAB AFLW Draft next month,” she said.

“What we’re seeing year on year is great talent coming through women’s football pathways across the country, and I can’t wait for football fans to witness the next generation of talent to impact the NAB AFLW Competition.”

The NAB AFLW Combine will be held prior to the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft which will take place on Tuesday, 27 July.

 

By Aiden BURGESS