Six new recruits bolster Saints side

21/03/2023

Dakota Mason, Meg Ginnivan, Jane Moore, Sera Kaukiono, Yara Taylor and Michelle Podnecky have all joined the Southern Saints for the 2023 season. 

Dakota Mason

Mason was part of the Sydney Swans AFLW academy and is destined for a long career in AFLW. She was apart of the Allies Under 18s squad in 2022, where she showed her team-first mentality and desire to improve. Mason is another recruit on the AFLW draft radar and we're excited to have her on board.

“Dakota is one of the most exciting, raw players I have seen in a long time. For a 20 year old, she shows maturity beyond her years and always puts the team first. I'm looking forward to having Dakota on board and being apart of her journey towards AFLW success," says Head Coach, Michelle 'Alpha' Densley. 

Meg Ginnivan

Ginnivan is new to us this year and what a pick up we have. She is a talented Castlemaine Magpie Women’s footballer and 2022 Premiership Captain who finished equal first in the Central Victoria Football League Best & Fairest Vote Count in 2022.

"Not only is Meg a sponge that wants to just learn and improve her craft, she is an amazing human that bleeds the culture we have at the Saints," says Densley. 

Jane Moore

Moore is an elite Gaelic footballer who came to us late in the preseason. She is not only an elite runner but her ability to attack is huge.

"For someone that has never played the AFL game, she has picked it up so quickly, and was dominant off half back in the practice matches. We are very excited to watch Jane grow as a player," says Alpha.

Sera Kaukiono

Kaukiono comes to us after dominating her local and state leagues in NSW.

"She is a natural back gone forward with probably the strongest physical game I have seen in women's football. She is not afraid of attacking the ball and that, coupled with her defensive pressure, means the ball won't be exiting our forward line easily," says Densley.

Yara Taylor

Taylor joins us from the Essendon District Football League.

"Yara came to us as a clear stand out at our Trial Day. With her natural kicking style and ability, the left footer will be handy coming out the middle," says Densley.

Michelle Podnecky

Podnecky joins us from Seaford where she was adjudged best on ground by the umpires in their 2022 South Eastern Women’s Football Premier Division Grand Final win against Coburg. She was also awarded the Premier Division Most Valuable Player at the South Eastern Women's Football awards night last season.

Written by Sandringham Football Club Media