Calder Cannons captain Georgia Patrikios and midfield counterpart Krstel Petrevski are ready for the next challenge.
The talented duo were selected at yesterday’s NAB AFLW Draft – Patrikios with pick No. 5 (St Kilda) and Petrevski with pick No. 78 (Melbourne).
It caps off an exciting year for the budding AFLW stars, who were both instrumental in leading the Under 18 girls program to the 2019 NAB League grand final.
Patrikios was long touted as a top prospect at this year’s draft after averaging nearly 23 touches, three clearances and five tackles per game in the 2019 NAB League Girls competition.
The classy mid was this year named Vic Metro and AFLW Under-18 Championships MVP and was also selected in the NAB AFL Women’s Under-18 All Australian team.
Patrikios went on to play four matches for Essendon’s VFLW side following her NAB League success and was named in the best players on all four occasions, averaging 19 disposals and five tackles per outing.
The 18-year-old will go down in history as the Saints’ first ever female draftee, with the club entering into its inaugural AFLW season in 2020.
“Georgia’s speed, agility and natural skillset is going to hold the Saints in good stead,” Female Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.
Petrevski is a talented on-baller who plays with an exciting, innate ability to make something from nothing.
Her clean hands at ground level, precise kicking and poise with the ball in hand stuck out to the Demons when their final selection came around.
Petrevski also featured for the VFLW Bombers this season and led the club for total 2019 goal assists despite playing just three matches.
“The club was thrilled to learn of Krstel’s drafting by the Demons,” Humphrey said.
“It’s a testament to the constant hard work and commitment she showed throughout the season.”
Humphrey said the club was proud to see both girls realise their AFLW dreams.
“Congratulations to both girls, we are immensely proud to have two girls drafted,” he said.
“It’s a great effort by the coaching staff this season and it’s finished off what’s been a very successful year for us.
“Both girls have the qualities to make an impact at AFLW level and will be handy additions to their respective lists.”