Murray Bushrangers' Madison Ibrahim has been drafted to Essendon AFLW.
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Rechelle Zammit
Yarrawonga teenager Madison Ibrahim has earned her opportunity at the highest level, signing with Essendon’s AFLW side following an impressive 2025 campaign in the VFLW.
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The former Murray Felines (now Corowa Rutherglen) junior has steadily progressed through the ranks since she first represented Yarrawonga in the North East Border competition.
Madi joins an elite group of local players, including sisters Cathy and Ruby Svarc, Olivia Barber and Airlie Runnalls, who have gone on to play in the AFLW.
The 19-year-old’s achievement is particularly significant for her junior clubs, becoming the first Murray Felines/Corowa Rutherglen Women’s player to be drafted.
A talented and athletic defender, Madi’s background in basketball has helped shape her football, developing hand-eye coordination, agility and ability to read the play.
Speed and defensive pressure have become key features of her game.
Madi was part of the Murray Bushrangers program from 2022 to 2025 and established herself as one of the club’s most consistent players.
In 2024 she was named the Bushrangers’ Most Determined Player.
Long-time club coach Brad Nicholson coached Madi and watched her progression closely.
“You could play Madi anywhere on the ground and she would do well.”
“You could play Madi anywhere on the ground and she would do well,” Nicholson said.
“Being our first girl to be drafted, it could not have happened to a nicer kid; we are absolutely delighted as a club.”
Madi’s rise continued in 2025 when, as an over-ager with the Bushrangers, she began playing VFLW football with Essendon while also training with Melbourne’s AFLW program.
Madi Ibrahim with the ball for the Murray Felines.
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That experience gave her the opportunity to test herself against stronger and more experienced opposition and further demonstrated her potential at the elite level.
She got her chance at the Bombers after Brooke Brown sustained a season-ending injury.
Essendon AFLW List and Recruiting manager, Josh Moore highlighted Madi’s speed, defensive ability and work rate when announcing the signing.
“Madi has genuine speed, which she uses for elite repeat efforts, a really promising defensive profile and loves to apply pressure,” Moore said.
“She’ll fit right into our program.”
At just 19, Madi Ibrahim journey from Yarrawonga and the Murray Felines to the AFLW stage marks a significant milestone for the young footballer, and a historic moment for the clubs that helped shape her career.
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