Meet our Round Eighteen Women’s Rising Star Nominee, Frances Walsh, Sydney University

Player Profile:

Name: Frances Walsh

Nickname: Frank/Frankie

AFL Sydney Club: Sydney University

Junior Club: Glebe Greyhounds

Position: Wing/Utility

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club?

It’s a common debate who is the better Walsh sister.

What role do they play for the club(s) both on and off the field? 

It’s amazing to have Frankie playing with us this season. We’ve had her around the program for a little while now, often coming down to training with big sister, Emma over the past few years.

Frankie is a young player that has always sought to improve her game and challenge herself to be better. She sets a high standard at training and is a popular member of the squad, surprising many by the fact that she is only 16 years old.

Reason for nomination this round:

Frankie has hit the ground running since coming into Prem Div. She’s now played 9 matches and has been in the best 7 times and kicked 5 goals off the wing. This weekend against the strongest team in the competition Frankie had a best on ground performance, running all day to rack up a heap of possessions and kicking 2 classy goals.

Frankie is a player with great skills and footy smarts. Her kicking skills and clean hands make her a handy player wherever she plays.

In the match against East Coast, Frankie was great on the outside providing us with plenty of run both ways, she set up play well when we needed it and impacted offensively making a number of Forward 50 entries.

Coach quote on Performance:

“Frankie is in only her first season of playing senior football. She is another of our pathway players. Frankie came in to play some U20s games and after 2 matches with the Cubs she was selected in our Prems side.

As a coach, you really couldn’t ask for a better player. Frankie listens and applies herself, consistently performing at her best in whatever position we ask her to play. Her team mindedness and consistent effort are outstanding.

As a coaching group we are incredibly proud of Frankie’s talent and commitment and are excited to see how far she can take her footy!” – Sydney University Women’s Premier Division Coach – Jon Dyster