The Saints have added a dynamic trio of talent to their list via the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft in Zoe Besanko, Kyla Forbes and Alana Gee.
Tonight’s draftees join trade signings Charlotte Baskaran, Amber Clarke and Nicola Barr as the newest members of St Kilda’s 2025 AFLW line-up.
Dandenong Stingrays skipper Besanko kicked off proceedings with St Kilda’s first selection of the night at pick No. 32. The former netballer is an athletic ruck/forward who has the ability to use her speed to play a range of roles across the ground.
Molly McDonald visited our new Saint Zoe Besanko 😇 pic.twitter.com/ZmVQCyaTuO
— St Kilda FCW (@stkildafcw) December 16, 2024
One of the most versatile prospects in tonight’s draft, Forbes played across all three lines for both the Calder Cannons and Vic Metro in 2024. The pick No. 55 is known for her penetrating left foot and contested game.
Meanwhile, former Suns product, Gee will now call Moorabbin home after three seasons on the Gold Coast.
One of the most highly-rated prospects in her draft year (2022), the Northern Queenslander has had an injury interrupted start to her senior career, playing seven games in her second season for the Suns before sustaining an ACL rupture at training during the early weeks of the 2024 AFLW season.
Most commonly plying her trade on the wing, Gee is a versatile weapon on field who brings a dangerous mix of athleticism and footballing ability.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Zoe, Kyla, Alana and their families to St Kilda,” AFLW List and Recruiting Manager/Head Analyst Anthony Tang said.
What a reaction for Zoe Besanko! pic.twitter.com/0acaMV29a8
— St Kilda FCW (@stkildafcw) December 16, 2024
“With the much discussed depth of this year’s draft, we're pleased to have done most of our work during the Trade Period bringing in midfield depth and game experiences through Amber, Charlotte and Nicola.
“Coming in with picks 32, 55 and 58 we had a simple strategy of just taking the best player available at each pick, and we feel fortunate to have made a few selections that will help our long term vision.
“Zoe brings incredible versatility both on and off the field. A key position player that can pinch hit in the ruck, we look forward to seeing her athleticism and strong marking ability in Saints' colours.
“Whether it's at halfback or half forward, Kyla is another versatile player that possesses an elite kick. As the competition continues to expect more from players regarding pure football skill, her ability to use the ball effectively is something we highly rated heading into tonight's draft.
“Along with the players we brought in during the trade period, Alana is another former first-round talent that we hope will unlock her full potential at Moorabbin. A natural midfielder who is comfortable off both sides and covers big yardage at her best, she adds further depth to our young midfield group that we hope will grow together for years to come.”
2024 Telstra AFLW Draft Selections
Pick No. 32 - Zoe Besanko (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)
Pick No. 55 - Kyla Forbes (Calder Cannons / Vic Metro)
Pick No. 58 - Alana Gee (Gold Coast Suns)