By Oliver Lees
Sunbury’s Georgie Prespakis has been selected by the Geelong Cats with the second pick in the AFLW draft.
The 18-year-old has impressed recruiters with her stand out performances this year playing for the Calder Cannons, Essendon in the VFLW, and as a member of the Vic Metro under-19’s championship squad.
Prespakis was selected as the number one Victorian player in the draft, as the Gold Coast Suns held the first pick and selected Charlie Rowbottom.
Prespakis averaged 23 disposals and more than eight tackles a game across 17 matches for the Cannons this season.
Speaking to Geelong media, Prespakis said she was grateful to be picked up by the Cats.
“All the other girls [in the draft] can agree it’s just an awesome feeling and we’re all looking forward to getting started,” she said.
“I’m just looking forward to showcasing how I can play and to playing the best I can.”
The Cats will hope Prespakis can make an immediate impact in the midfield, after they finished the 2021 season in second last place, with just one win from nine games.
Across four matches in the VFLW, Prespakis averaged 17 disposals and upped her physical presence with almost 10 tackles per game.
That form continued into her play for as part of the Vic Metro Girls squad, where she collected an average of 28 disposals.
The Cats said the 18-year-old’s stoppage skills were elite and her kicking was an added strength to her game.
“Prespakis is a strong clearance player with great overhead ability,” the club said.
Prespakis was one of four Calder Cannons players that earned their spot on an AFLW list during last Tuesday’s draft.
Cannons teammate Zali Friswell will join Prespakis at the Cats after she was taken with pick seven.
Emilia Yassir was selected by Richmond with the 16th overall pick and Tahlia Gillard went to Melbourne with pick 42.
Prespakis started her football journey as an under-10’s player at the Romsey Redbacks before joining the Sunbury Lions.
She played a part in two premierships with the Lions in the Essendon District Football League, which included a best on ground performance in 2018.
The midfielder also took out the under-18’s girls division 1 EDFL best and fairest.
In earning her spot on an AFLW list, Prespakis will be following in the footsteps of her sister, Madison, who was selected with third overall pick by Carlton in the 2018 draft.
Madison has developed into a star since entering the league, winning the AFLW rising star award in 2019 before taking out the league best and fairest in 2020.
Georgie Prespakis told Geelong media she’d enjoyed having her sister around for guidance.
“[She’s] Definitely very supportive,” she said.
“She’s been great to have around so I know what to expect and what it’s going to be like.
“She’s just made me really enjoy the process and make sure it’s fun and enjoyable but also work hard.”
The next AFLW season will begin in December this year.
