“I think my younger self would be pretty proud”: How a local Victorian town (and an AFLW star) have shaped top draft prospect Ash Centra

Gippsland Power star Ash Centra is projected to be selected with Pick 1 in this year’s AFLW Draft.

After wowing talent scouts with 47 disposals, four goals and 11 marks in Round 2 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition, Centra’s skills are undeniably similar to those of big names in the AFLW.

However, one big name specifically, Richmond star Mon Conti, has assisted Centra in a multitude of ways, particularly helping her build her confidence and be less reserved.

“Being recognised as a projected pick 1 is pretty cool, and I am so grateful to be in the position I am in, but I’m going to have to put myself out there more and put more confidence into myself,” Centra told SEN.com.au.

“I guess looking back on my year last year I kept to myself a little bit and I was pretty introverted and didn’t put myself out there.

“But Mon Conti actually reached out to me not long ago wishing me luck for the draft.

“She told me to try not to let all the pressure get to me too much because getting drafted only happens once.

“She said to be grateful for everyone who has helped along the way, and to not let everything get to me. She said the draft night is amazing and to soak it all in.

“But honestly I think being on an AFLW list and being surrounded by that type of environment will help build my confidence and to be a bit more extroverted which is something I am definitely working on.”

Alongside the words of wisdom from Conti, 18-year-old Centra also mentioned the love and support from those back home in Seaspray near Sale in Gippsland that have shaped her football journey.

“I started when I was pretty young. I was about five and there wasn't a girls competition so I played with the boys in Aus Kick until top age (under) 14s,” she said.

“I finally found a girls club and transferred over to Gippsland … I can’t emphasise enough how important Gippsland Power and Vic Country have been throughout my footy journey.

“And my Mum and Dad, I wouldn’t be here today without them. Obviously living out in Gippsland they have had to drive numerous hours around the country for me so it is a huge credit to them.”

While Collingwood, who hold Pick 1, seems the front-runner to secure the 2024 Coates League Best and Fairest, Centra remains focused on what’s ahead of her and what she can control.

“To be honest I just want to try to get on an AFLW list, and wherever I go I will make the most of it,” she said.

“At the start of the year I was happy to go anywhere, but as it gets closer it’d be nice to stay in Victoria.

“You only get drafted once in your life so I’m really trying to soak it all in and whatever happens happens, but I think my younger self would be pretty proud so that’s pretty cool.”

The AFLW Draft will commence on Monday, December 16 from 7:00pm AEDT.