Euro-Yroke will unveil two fresh faces against Sydney this weekend, with Jade McLay and Maya Louvel-Finn set to pull on the red, white and black for the first time in their AFLW careers.
Both members of the club’s 2025 draft class, the pair have impressed since arriving at RSEA Park, bringing an exciting mix of skill, athleticism and football insinct to the Saints’ squad.
Jade McLay was the first name called by the Saints at pick No. 26 in last year’s draft. The former Calder Cannons captain follows in the footsteps of fellow Cannons skipper Georgia Patrikios, who St Kilda selected with its first pick in 2019.
The 177cm utility earned All-Australian honours in her draft year and brings plenty of versatility, with the ability to play across multiple lines as a tall, midfielder or ruck.
Hard-running defender Maya Louvel-Finn joined the Saints with pick No. 60 after establishing herself as one of the standout defenders of the 2025 draft class.
The West Australian finished third in East Fremantle’s best and fairest, while also earning All-Australian honours despite missing six games during her draft year.
Louvel-Finn’s athleticism was a major feature of her draft campaign, highlighted at the state combine where she finished second in the running vertical jump and inside the top five across three sprint categories.
That speed and power evident in her ability to intercept and rebound from defence.
“Jade and Maya have both put in a mountain of work since they walked through the doors and have really earned their opportunity this weekend,” GM of AFLW Jessie Mulholland said.
“They both bring their own strengths to our side, but what’s been equally impressive is the energy and personality they’ve brought to the group.
“Your first AFLW game is an incredibly special moment and we know all of their teammates will be right behind them when they run out in Coffs Harbour this weekend.”
The Saints will take on Sydney in Coffs Harbour this weekend before returning home to host reigning premiers North Melbourne at RSEA Park in Round 4.
