Bendigo trio earns spot at 2025 AFLW State Combine

Selections for the Combines were based on nominations provided by AFLW clubs. Photo: AFL Photos

Three Bendigo Pioneers have been invited to the upcoming 2025 AFLW State Draft Combine, which is set to be held in Melbourne in October.

Ava Bibby (Sandhurst), Ella Jeffrey (Kyneton) and Olivia Lacy (Sandhurst) will represent the Pioneers and boost their hopes of being taken in the draft later this year.

Bibby is a 186cm key forward and ruck who has averaged 10.9 disposals, 12.4 hit outs and 3.9 marks in her eight games this season for the Pioneers. She also represented Victoria Country in the recent under-18 Championships.

Jeffrey also donned the Big V and is a 167cm midfielder-defender. She has averaged 16.2 disposals and six tackles so far for the Pioneers.

Lacy is also a midfielder-defender, listed at 167cm. Despite not playing for Victoria Country, she has impressed for Bendigo and has earned herself a State Combine call-up thanks to an 18 disposal and 5.5 tackle average in her six games this season.

There will be three State Draft Combines, held in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth for 45 draft hopefuls not named in the Draft Combine. The Melbourne event, where the trio will attend, features players from ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria.

Testing will include vertical jumps, a 20-metre sprint and the agility test, which is set to be held at the State Hockey & Netball Centre on October 3rd. A 2km time trial will also take place at Collingwood’s AIA Centre.

Selections for the Combines were based on nominations provided by AFLW clubs.