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The Western Bulldogs has selected Victorian talent Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner as the No.1 pick in the 2023 AFLW draft.
A tall forward, Weston-Turner’s ability to run and create in her appearances for the Western Jets and Vic Metro attracted the Bulldogs’ interest.
Known for her speed and agility, the 18-year-old impressed at the draft combine, regularly featuring in the top 10 results of multiple tests.
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After enthusiastic approval from friends and family, Weston-Turner was presented with her guernsey by Dogs star Ellie Blackburn.
The Melburnian spent nearly three months on the sidelines in 2023 after breaking her wrist playing football at school.
A life-long Bulldogs supporter, Weston-Turner was lost for words at taking out the top honour.
“I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be in this position. No way,” she told AFL.com.au.
“I think it’s a credit to myself and my resilience and I am proud of myself I’ll admit.
“I wouldn’t have thought pick one but here we are and I’m just so glad it’s the Doggie — it’s a team I’ve barracked for my entire life.”
Weston-Turner also paid tribute to her family, in particular her Grandpa.
“I know there is someone looking down on me tonight, my Grandfather,” she said.
“He’d be so happy.”
Weston-Turner has been mentored by Bulldogs’ head of football Chris Grant and his daughter Isabella.
“Someone who’s played at that level knows so much and has been a great player at that level, you don’t actually understand how much you learn from them,” Weston-Turner told AFL.com.au of her relationship with Grant ahead of the draft.
“I just feel so grateful I had that chance to have that bond with him. If I do end up with the Bulldogs, I know I have that personal connection, rather than him just being someone who pops up here and there.”
It was a busy evening for the Bulldogs with the club possessing three picks inside the top 10.
The club’s draft hand was bolstered following a mega 11-club deal in the closing stages of the trade period on Thursday. This saw 12 players traded and several first-round picks swapped.
2023 AFLW Draft Top 10
1. Western Bulldogs, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner (Western Jets)
2. West Coast, Jessica Rentsch (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
3. Greater Western Sydney, Kaitlyn Srhoj (Peel Thunder)
4. Western Bulldogs, Brooke Barwick (Glenorchy)
5. Melbourne, Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges)
6. Western Bulldogs, Elaine Grigg (Central Districts)
7. Carlton, Lila Keck (Bendigo Pioneers)
8. Collingwood, Georgia Clark (Glenorchy)
9. Collingwood, Lucille Cronin (Oakleigh Chargers)
10. St Kilda, Kiera Whiley (Hillside)
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