Bendigo Pioneers star Eden Zanker drafted by Demons in AFL Women's draft; Reni Hicks headed to Carlton

STAR midfielder Tiahna Cochrane has followed the procession of Bendigo Thunder players to AFLW club Carlton.

The 19-year-old, who started her football career as a junior with Castlemaine, joins the Blues after being selected with pick number five in Friday’s AFLW Rookie Draft.

Cochrane was the joint winner of the Thunder’s best and fairest in their 2017 premiership season.

Her co-winner Kerryn Harrington was rookied by the Blues earlier this year.

Women’s senior coach Damien Keeping said Cochrane was an outstanding person both on and off the field.

“Tiahna is such a vibrant and resilient person. I know she’ll give her all every time she pulls on the navy blue jumper,” he told carltonfc.com.au. 

“She goes very hard at the ball, she’s a great competitor and is very clever around stoppages." 

She is the fourth Thunder player to be drafted to the Blues after they took Sarah Last and Bella Ayre in last season’s inaugural draft and Reni Hicks earlier this week.

There was joy also for a former Bendigo Lady Braves and Spirit basketballer Anna Teague, who was drafted with pick six by Melbourne.

Teague, who more recently played SEABL basketball with Geelong Supercats, made her football debut for Geelong’s VFLW side this season.

Her new teammates will include former Bendigo Pioneers TAC Cup Under-18s star Eden Zanker, who was drafted with pick six by the Demons in Wednesday’s draft.

Demons AFLW talent manager Todd Patterson said Teague had done a great job transitioning to football this season.

“She was rarely beaten as a key defender this year,” he said.

“We see Anna as someone who can add plenty as a rookie, particularly with her leadership.Anna is a teacher by profession.”