WA Skipper Playing the AFLW Draft Waiting Game Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 8:45 AM

A WAFLW Premiership and captaining WA have been part of a hectic season for local Draft contender Anjelique Raison.

The recently turned 18-year-old wants to forge a career in the AFLW, despite having a strong passion for basketball.

“My year has been a bit of a roller coaster,” she said.

“Captaining WA and winning the WAFLW flag with East Fremantle were obvious highlights, but that came with a frustrating last month or so where I busted my thumb heading into finals and then was sick for the last two state games.

“I found out I was playing with a perforated duodenum and ended up in hospital for a week after emergency surgery straight after the last game.

“Overall, I was solid, finishing top 5 in the WAFLW comp for goals.

“I kicked a goal in 17 or 18 straight games spanning over twelve months and given a lot of games I was not playing permanent forward; it shows I impact the scoreboard consistently.

“The improvement for me will come from being able to do extra work on my body and running power which, I was not able to do this year.

“I have always split my time with basketball and this year did not really have a day off from January to September between WAFLW, State 18s and NBL1 commitments but I have decided that to take my footy to the next level.

“I will park basketball so I can focus on what I need to do to prepare my body for footy.” 

Whether it is as a forward or a defender, Raison has reason to believe she can make be a strong addition to an AFLW club.

“I would like to think I would because I am clean and skilful for someone at 181cm and have size and strength on my side which would be a good starting point if given an opportunity.

“I can and have played every position on the ground, am confident my skills and IQ are transferrable to the next level, and I know what I do has scoreboard impact, “Raison said. 

The next week will produce anxiety and stress for most players who have nominated, and Raison is no different.

“It is the same for most of the girls, it is exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

“The process speaking to clubs has been great.

“It was a little nerve wracking for the first couple, but now I know a little more of what to expect I am really enjoying each one.

“Each club has a different take on what is important to them, so it is great getting to understand each one a bit more.

“I can’t really control anything from here, so I’m just happy to roll with it.”

Trent Cooper, Coaching Specialist – Female Talent Pathways at the West Australian Football Commission, is confident Raison could make her mark at an AFLW club.

“Over the last two seasons, Raison kicked a competition record goal in 16 consecutive WAFLW league matches,” he said.

“She showed in last year’s National Championships that she is also capable of playing as a key defender and has also displayed midfield craft that can make her a very versatile player at the next level.”