Ella Friend may be one of the youngest players in her draft class having just made the eligibility deadline by two days, but she’s arguably one of the most versatile.

The 175cm left-footer can play as either an intercept defender, a third tall forward or a midfielder, with the former position likely to be her key post while in St Kilda colours.

A powerful contested mark and a smart decision-maker, Friend’s footy nous shows all the right signs of pairing well with the likes of defenders Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Hannah Priest and Jayde Van Dyk.

Friend joins fellow GWV recruit and Ballarat Grammar boarder Renee Saulitis at RSEA Park for the upcoming AFLW season.

Occupation: Completed VCE at Ballarat Grammar