AFLW Draft: Essendon Bombers draftee Taya Chambers ‘proud’ of WA crop after six players taken in 2024

AFLW draftee Taya Chambers says she’s “ridiculously proud” of the state’s draft crop after six West Australians were picked up this week. The East Fremantle defender was selected by Essendon with pick 30, the fifth WA product taken after Molly O’Hehir (Melbourne), Zippy Fish (Sydney), Claudia Wright (Brisbane) and Lily Paterson (Port Adelaide). Indi Strom, the younger sister of Fremantle star Mim, rounded out the state’s crop, selected by the Dockers with pick 51. Chambers said it was reward for effort following a packed season for the women’s talent program. “I’m ridiculously proud of this group. We’ve had to endure a lot this year,” she told The West Australian. “We came off the WAFLW season, had a week’s break and then went into the champs, which is considered probably the most stressful footy we’ve played in our lives. “I’m so proud of what WA has been able to put up in terms of talent.” Chambers was one of two Sharks taken, with Fish selected by the Swans with pick 5. The highly-touted midfielder was narrowly edged out at the pointy end by South Fremantle utility O’Hehir, who was snared by Melbourne at pick 3. Claremont’s Wright (pick 16) and Swan Districts’ Paterson (pick 19) were also taken in the first round, while Chambers was the sole WA player taken in the second round. While she had a longer wait than her state teammates, Chambers said she felt “relief” when she heard her name called out. “I was just like ‘oh my goodness’. In all honestly, I’ve had a massive year and this was the final piece in the puzzle in terms of finishing my year,” she said. “I cannot believe I’ve ended up at Essendon. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I’m about to be given.” The 18-year-old spoke to all but three AFLW clubs ahead of the draft, with significant interest from both West Coast and Fremantle. While it was flattering, Chambers admits it was a lot to take in. “Having lots of interviews was, in all honesty, an overwhelming process,” she said. “Having that national combine invite gave me an inkling in terms of interest from clubs. “Essendon came over to Perth to have an interview and meet my family and it just gave good energy and was a really positive conversation between us... The picks fell my way and I’m very happy.”