Tahlia Gillard

Tahlia Gillard
Personal information
Full name Tahlia Gillard
Date of birth (2003-12-12) 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

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

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

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

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

  • AFLW premiership player: 2022 (Season 7)[3]
  • 22under22 team: 2023[2]
  • All-Australian squad nominee: 2023[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "AFLW 23 under 23: #21 Tahlia Gillard". Rookie Me Central. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Tahlia Gillard". Melbourne Football Club. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Not now, not ever: Gillard's shutdown job key to GF glory". AFL.com.au. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Tahlia Gillard". AFLW Stats. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
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