Zippy Fish named in U18 All-Australian Team

Four WA players have been rewarded for strong performances in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Girls with All Australian selection.

Evie Cowcher, Zipporah ‘Zippy’ Fish, Molly O’Hehir and Kaitlyn Srhoj were named in the 23-player team.

Cowcher was WA’s MVP for the Championships and as a bottom-age player earned selection in the 2023 AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls All-Australian team earlier this year.

The 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Girls All-Australian team and best and fairest was selected by a panel comprising Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy Coach/Manager), Jess Smith (AFL National Female Talent Manager) and AFLW club representatives Tyson Bourke (GWS Giants), Darryn Fry (Fremantle), Cameron Joyce (Gold Coast Suns) and Ben Waller (Geelong Cats).

The AFL National Championships – U18 Girls are the highest level of state and territory representative football featuring the country’s most talented under 18 female footballers.

WA player profiles:

Back Pocket
Evie Cowcher
(Western Australia/Peel Thunder/Pinjarra)
Intercepting defender who was strong overhead, provided run from defence and used the ball very effectively by hand and foot. Was named in the AFL National Development Championships U16 Girls All-Australian team earlier in the year and looks an outstanding AFLW prospect in two years’ time. Won Western Australia’s MVP award despite having just turned 16 years of age after averaging 17 disposals, including 6.7 contested, across the Championships.

Half Back Flank
Zipporah ‘Zippy’ Fish
(Western Australia/East Fremantle)
Defender/midfielder with blistering pace who showed she was prepared to take the game on and create opportunities for her team. A bottom-aged player, she is a good decision-maker with neat disposal skills. Played some exciting football averaging 16.7 disposals at 66 per cent efficiency, six inside-50s and 3.7 tackles per game playing in defence and through midfield.

 
Wing
Kaitlyn Srhoj
(Western Australia/Peel Thunder/Halls Head)
Winger who can also play on the inside and use her running capacity and footy smarts to consistently win the ball. Shows courage in her attack on the ball overhead and at ground level. She averaged 17.3 disposals (seven contested) and 4.7 marks. Featured among the best players against South Australia and the Allies.

Interchange
Molly O’Hehir
(Western Australia/South Fremantle/South Coogee)
Bottom-aged tall defender who is extremely athletic and strong overhead. Shows composure and uses the ball well on the way out of defence. Averaged 13.7 disposals at 78 per cent efficiency, which included an impressive 18-disposal showing in a strong performance against Victoria Country to conclude the Championships.