Essendon VFLW will unveil highly touted youngster Georgia Patrikios in its clash with Williamstown on Saturday.

The Calder Cannons rising star will don the sash for the first time on the back of a stellar NAB League career and Under-18 National Championships MVP honours.       

Patrikios captained the Cannons in the team’s run to the grand final in 2019, averaging 23 disposals and four tackles.                

The star midfielder was also selected in the 2019 NAB AFLW Under-18 All-Australian team and has been touted as the top selection in this year’s AFLW draft.      

The 18-year old has been named the 23rd player and is set to add skill to the side, with her agility and goal sense a highlight.

 
All eyes will be on debutant Georgia Patrikios on Saturday. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)

Acting skipper Simone Nalder will return to the ruck, lining up alongside Shae Audley and Lauren Ahrens.

Georgia Nanscawen will look to continue her impressive form, recording an equal round-high eight clearances and team-high eight tackles in last week's win over Darebin.            

Kirby Hicks will once again act as a key defensive post, supported by Molly Warburton and Katherine McFadyen.       

Federica Frew and Sian Wilson sit on the interchange, while Alana Barba could potentially make her debut in the red and black after being included as an emergency.       

The VFLW Dons currently sit three spots above their opposition Williamstown on the ladder in 10th place.     

The final team will be announced ahead of the first bounce at 11:30am on Saturday at Williamstown Football Ground.    

Live match updates will be available via Essendon VFLW’s Twitter account.

ESSENDON VFLW ROUND 12 TEAM

Back

10. Eleanor Cornish

29. Chloe Laan

18. Kendra Heil

Half-back

7. Kirby Hicks

11. Molly Warburton

21. Katherine McFadyen

Centre

35. Marianna Anthony

46. Lauren Ahrens

28. Ruby Svarc

Half-forward

25. Lori Stepnell

39. Maighan Fogas

6. Alex Quigley

Forward

23. Maddy Collier

31. Jessica Stassi

5. Cecilia McIntosh

Ruck

30. Simone Nalder (C)

43. Georgia Nanscawen

13. Shae Audley

Interchange

17. Federica Frew

33. Elizabeth Hosking

45. Eloise Ashley-Cooper

 

24. Sian Wilson

Emergencies

20. Alexa Madden

42. Alana Barba

3. Monique DeMatteo

 

22. Natalie MacDonald

23rd player

44. Georgia Patrikios

In: Patrikios

Out: Fry

Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.