The Sunshine Coast’s Maggie Harmer is a Lion, with the defender taken at Pick No.18 in Tuesday night’s 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.
A homegrown talent developed through the Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy and the NAB AFL Women’s Academy, the 18-year-old comes to the Lions as a versatile defender with a high football IQ.
Harmer got her start at the Maroochydore Football Club where she quickly demonstrated strong marking prowess which has allowed her to develop into a dangerous intercept defender.
Those aerial talents were on show in Queensland’s sole U19 National match this season where she took five marks in the defensive 50 to complement her 15 disposals and 5 tackles.
Having already made a name for herself alongside her Academy and Maroochydore teammates as a reliable defender, AFLW Head Coach Craig Starcevich believes she will slot nicely into the Lions.
“Maggie’s athleticism and willingness to learn will fit perfectly with our group,” Starcevich said.
“She’s most comfortable as an intercepting defender, but we think over time she could play a number of roles further up the ground.
“She’s been successful in a number of sports across her teenage years, and we’re glad her time with the Lions Academy has convinced her to focus on footy.”
