The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have inked deals with three more open-age recruits leading into their inaugural season.
Alison Drennan, Taylor Mesiti and Jess Trend are the latest to secure a spot with the Roos, bringing the list to 24 in the lead up to the AFLW National Draft in October.
After spending time in the USA’s college basketball system, Drennan crossed to AFL and played for the Southern Saints in the VFLW. In only her second year of football, Drennan established herself as an impactful inside midfielder.
Standing at 175cm, Mesiti can play as a defender or forward. Also with a basketball background, the athletic Casey Demon has gained experience through her time with the VU Western Spurs and St Kilda Sharks.
Particularly impressive off the wing and across half-back, Trend joins the royal blue and white stripes from Essendon’s VFLW outfit. Her decision making under pressure and courage making her another valuable addition to the North team.
“We are confident Alison, Taylor and Jess will transition into the AFLW competition really well,” North football operations manager Laura Kane said.
“They’ve each had only a few years’ experience but they are natural athletes and have all shown an ability to learn quickly and can impact the game.”
The signings take the club’s primary list to 23 (the pre-draft maximum) meaning North will have five selections in the draft and one cross-code rookie spot available.
Jess Trend (Essendon VFLW)
163cm - Midfielder/Defender
Open Age Recruit
With a wealth of footy experience, Trend is sure to be a threat with her knowledge, form and speed.
“Trend has put together a really solid season for Essendon in the VFLW, with her form in the back half of the year really impressing us,” North's AFLW List Manager Rhys Harwood said.
“She has performed in all areas on the ground at different stages of the season, and has been particularly impressive off a wing and across half-back given the way she moves across the ground.
“Combined with some real speed, Jess is strong overhead, generally quite robust for her size, and makes good decisions with ball-in-hand.
“We envisage Jess being able to compete at AFLW level quickly and think her attributes really suit the way we want to play.”
Alison Drennan (Southern Saints)
176cm - Inside Midfielder
Open Age Recruit
A tall, inside midfielder, Drennan’s ability to find the ball in a contest combined with her craft in tight, and significant aerobic capacity, will make her an asset.
Drennan has played around two dozen games since being in the American basketball system but has made up for lost time and is dominating for the saints in the VFLW.
“Drennan topped the VFLW for contested possessions, and was second overall for clearances and disposals, which highlights the impact she has had around the ball this year,” AFLW List Manager Rhys Harwood told North Media.
“We are excited by the upside and development in her game in seasons to come.”
Taylor Mesiti (Casey Demons)
175cm - Defender/Forward
Open Age Recruit
Mesiti has the speed and strength to allow her to impact the game both in the air and at ground level.
“At 175cm we feel she’s shown really good form at both ends of the ground this season, with her movement and marking allowing her to play multiple roles,” North's AFLW List Manager Rhys Harwood said.
Mesiti’s versatility a huge advantage.
“She will add to both our immediate and long term stocks at either end, which was certainly something we were mindful of in this pre-draft period.”
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