MORGAN STEVENS SOARS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE AS AFLW DREAM DRAWS CLOSER
From the local football fields of Canberra to competing alongside Australia's brightest young footballing talents, Resolute Strength & Conditioning athlete Morgan Stevens has continued her remarkable rise towards the elite level, producing an outstanding performance at the 2026 AFLW National Draft Combine.
For aspiring AFLW footballer Morgan Stevens, the journey towards achieving her childhood dream has been built on years of dedication, determination and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
The talented GWS GIANTS Academy prospect has steadily established herself as one of the ACT's most exciting emerging footballers, earning recognition through the national talent pathway and demonstrating the athletic qualities that have captured the attention of recruiters across the country.
Her latest achievement came at the 2026 AFLW National Draft Combine in Melbourne, where the country's leading draft prospects gathered to showcase their physical capabilities ahead of December's AFLW Draft.
AMONG THE NATION'S BEST
Competing against some of Australia's most promising young footballers, Stevens delivered a series of exceptional testing performances, finishing inside the top five nationally across three key athletic assessments.
Her results included:
20m Sprint: 3.202 seconds — 5th overall
Vertical Jump: 59cm — Equal 2nd overall
Running Vertical Jump: 74cm — 2nd overall
The results reinforced Stevens' reputation as an exceptionally athletic prospect, combining impressive acceleration, explosive lower-body power and outstanding aerial ability. Standing at approximately 177cm, Stevens possesses a rare combination of physical attributes that allow her to compete effectively in the air, cover ground quickly and influence contests across multiple positions. Her performances at the Combine were another significant milestone in a journey that has seen her progress from community football to the national stage.
FROM CANBERRA TO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Stevens' football journey began with a strong family connection to Australian Rules Football, with both parents playing an influential role in introducing her to the game and supporting her development.
Representing Tuggeranong Valley at community level, she progressed through the GWS GIANTS Academy pathway, where her performances and athletic potential opened the door to increasingly significant opportunities. Her emergence saw her selected in the prestigious 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy, placing her among a select group of Australia's most highly regarded young footballers. She also represented the Allies and gained valuable experience competing against elite opposition, further developing the skills and confidence required to succeed at the highest level.
In 2025, Stevens was selected to participate in the AFL National Futures Girls match, another important opportunity to test herself against the country's leading emerging prospects. Throughout 2026, her development continued to accelerate, with the versatile defender expanding her game beyond her established role across the backline.
Opportunities on the wing and in the ruck allowed Stevens to showcase her athleticism in different situations, while her defensive development, ball use and ability to influence contests became increasingly prominent features of her game.
MORE THAN JUST ATHLETIC ABILITY
While her outstanding Combine results have attracted attention, Stevens' development extends well beyond her physical attributes. Known for her penetrating kicking, ability to read the play and willingness to take the game on, she has continued to develop into a more complete and versatile footballer.
Her ability to combine defensive accountability with attacking run and carry has become an important feature of her game, providing coaches with flexibility in how she can be utilised. The progression reflects the considerable work undertaken throughout her junior career and the growing maturity of a player determined to make the most of every opportunity.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
With the 2026 AFLW Draft approaching, Stevens now finds herself within touching distance of a goal she has pursued for years. Her performances throughout the national talent pathway, combined with her exceptional results at the Draft Combine, have strengthened her credentials as an exciting prospect ahead of one of the most important moments of her footballing journey.
For Morgan, the Combine represents far more than a collection of impressive numbers. It is a reflection of the countless training sessions, sacrifices and years of commitment that have helped shape her development. Regardless of what unfolds on draft night, her journey from Canberra community football to the national stage is already an achievement worth celebrating.
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