Midfield prodigy Ash Centra has headlined the first AFLW national draft, being taken as the number one pick by Collingwood.

Centra was taken on the historic night for the league, with its first national pool; as opposed to previously, when aspiring draftees could nominate for their preferred state to play in.

However Centra will remain in her home state of Victoria, as the powerful midfielder/half-back hails from Seaspray, a small town just south of Sale.

Centra had an inkling she might go as the top pick, after some positive feedback from Collingwood, but said she still couldn't quite believe it.

"Nothing's set in stone, so to be read out as number one, I'm super grateful," Centra said. "It hasn't really sunk in."

The 18-year-old will make a handy addition to the Magpies, who have achieved just one win this year.

Across 12 matches for the Gippsland Power in this year's Talent League, she averaged 27.1 disposals, 4.2 clearances and 1.5 goals. 

Centra started the season with an impressive four-goal, 47-disposal performance and finished with a starring role for Vic Country in the Under-18 National Championships.

She earned a second consecutive Under-18 Women's All-Australia honour, cementing herself as a top prospect. 

"I sat down with my Gippy [Gippsland] coach at the start of the season and my goal was [to] try and be recognised as the number one prospect, and looking back, so thankful for the support," Harris said.

At pick two, Gold Coast matched Melbourne's bid to take Suns Academy product Havana Harris.

Former inaugural player and commentator Kate McCarthy referred to Harris as a "football unicorn", able to play as a ruck, forward and midfielder with a high jump and explosive speed.

Harris said having a slew of other Suns Academy prospects in this year's draft — including Mia Salisbury, Tara Harrington, Nyalli Milne and Heidi Talbot — made the experience less daunting.

"I've already had a lot of girls reach out, so it's made it a lot easier for me," Harris said.

Following Harris, Melbourne took South Fremantle rising talent Molly O'Hehir at number three, Greater Western Sydney took Sara Howley at number four and Sydney took Zipporah "Zippy" Fish at number five.

O'Hehir said she was lost for words.

"I'm a yapper and usually I talk away, but I don't even know what to say right now," O'Hehir said.

"I didn't believe it, like I kind of forgot to get up at first. I just heard it and was shocked but I'm so, so happy. So excited."

Fish was a name that drew a lot of attention leading into the draft. The Larrakia, Wongi, Noongar and Nunga woman from West Australia is already known for her speed and athleticism — reflecting her nickname well.

Poppy Scholz was taken by Carlton next at pick six, her last name already a famous one within the AFLW after her sister Matilda won the 2024 Rising Star and Mark of the Year.

Another familiar name, Sophie McKay, was taken by Carlton, who matched Geelong's bid to take her as a father-daughter selection at pick 17.

McKay's older sister Abbie was the first player selected under the father-daughter rule in 2018 by Carlton.

Rounding out the top 10, West Coast took Lucia Painter at pick seven, the Western Bulldogs took Emma McDonald with pick eight, Essendon took Grace Belloni with pick nine and Geelong chose Alexis Gregor at pick 10.

Former Bomber Paige Scott was taken by Richmond at pick 31. 

Scott was taken at number eight in the 2022 draft and was an emerging talent at the club. However, after a deal fell through during the trade period this year, they chose to nominate for the draft rather than sign another contract with Essendon. 

The Bombers said while they were disappointed to lose Scott, there was no animosity between the club and player.