Torquay teen rises to the occasion

TORQUAY prospect Greea McKeegan has taken another step toward the top level, featuring for the AFLW Academy in a breakthrough clash against Carlton’s VFLW side.

Selected in the squad last year, the forward-winger lined up in the academy’s first-ever match against a senior side, having previously faced All Stars teams made up of draft-aged talent.

The academy made a statement at Ikon Park, overpowering Carlton with a 46-point win, 14.18 (102) to 8.8 (56), and generating 32 scoring shots in a dominant display.

Wearing number 19, McKeegan added to her growing résumé, continuing to build her draft credentials with her trademark pressure and two-way running.

The 18-year-old represented Victoria Country as a bottom-ager last year, averaging 10 disposals and 5.7 tackles across the national championships.

She has carried that form into the Coates Talent League with Geelong Falcons, producing strong early-season returns.

In the Falcons’ round 3 win over GWV Rebels, McKeegan finished with 18 disposals, eight tackles and 1.4 on the scoreboard, before collecting 24 disposals and nine tackles in a loss to Dandenong the previous week.

The academy program wrapped up a three-day camp with the Carlton clash and will regroup over the King’s Birthday weekend for another camp and match against an All Stars outfit.