Tahlia Gillard
| Tahlia Gillard | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Tahlia Gillard | ||
| Date of birth | 12 December 2003 | ||
| Original team(s) | Calder Cannons (NAB League Girls) | ||
| Draft | No. 42, 2021 AFL Women's draft | ||
| Debut | Season 6, 2022 | ||
| Height | 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Key defender / Ruck | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2022– | Melbourne | 39 (0) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of the 2025 season. | |||
| Source: AustralianFootball.com | |||
Tahlia Gillard (born 12 December 2003) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Melbourne Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition.
Early life
[edit]Gillard played junior football with the Calder Cannons in the NAB League Girls competition. She also represented Vic Metro at national underage championships, developing her skills as both a ruck and key defender.[1]
AFLW career
[edit]Gillard was selected by Melbourne with pick No. 42 in the 2021 AFL Women's draft.[2] She made her debut during Season 6 (2022) and played three games in her first year.
In Season 7 (2022), Gillard became a regular in Melbourne’s defence. She played a significant role in the team's premiership win, including keeping Brisbane forward Jesse Wardlaw goalless in the Grand Final.[3]
In 2023, she was included in the 22under22 squad and was named in the All-Australian squad of 44 players.[2] By the end of the 2023 season, Gillard had played 39 games.[4]
Playing style
[edit]Gillard is known for her height (190 cm), defensive marking, and ability to match up on key forwards. She has also spent time in the ruck when needed.[1]
Statistics
[edit]As of the end of the S8 (2023) season:[4]
- Games: 39
- Goals: 0
- Average disposals: 8.1
- Average tackles: 1.8
- Average hitouts: 1.1
Honours and achievements
[edit]- AFLW premiership player: 2022 (Season 7)[3]
- 22under22 team: 2023[2]
- All-Australian squad nominee: 2023[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "AFLW 23 under 23: #21 Tahlia Gillard". Rookie Me Central. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Tahlia Gillard". Melbourne Football Club. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Not now, not ever: Gillard's shutdown job key to GF glory". AFL.com.au. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Tahlia Gillard". AFLW Stats. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
External links
[edit]- Tahlia Gillard's profile on the official website of the Melbourne Football Club
- Tahlia Gillard at AustralianFootball.com
- Tahlia Gillard's AFLW Stats profile
