Versatile defender Taya Oliver has been selected by the Gold Coast SUNS with Pick 44 in Monday night’s AFLW Draft.

Oliver joins the SUNS from QAFLW outfit Coorparoo where she was a key cog in the sides’ finals tilt in 2024, named as best-on-ground in almost half of her 15 games in 2022.

Oliver was named at half-back in the QAFLW Team of the Year after finishing inside the Top 5 of the league’s best and fairest count.

The 22-year-old also earned the opportunity to represent Queensland in the representative clash against Tasmania in July

With the ability to run off half-back or further up the ground on a wing, Oliver adds plenty of flexibility to her new squad.

“Taya had an outstanding QAFLW season, which was rightly rewarded, and we’re thrilled to see her earn this opportunity at an AFLW level now,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said.

“After training with our squad throughout pre-season, we have seen first hand the talent and potential she brings which we believe will be a great asset to our squad in 2024.”

Taya Oliver
DOB: 17/10/2001
Home State: Victoria
Position: Defender
Name Pronunciation: Tay-yah Oliver
Senior club: Coorparoo