Australian rules football journalist and draft expert Emma Quayle has become the first female recruiter in the AFL after joining Greater Western Sydney.

Quayle has been covering the AFL draft for Fairfax Media, including The Age newspaper, for 15 years and is well regarded for her ability to identify young talent.

“Emma’s deep understanding of the next wave of AFL players sees her perfectly placed to embark on a career as a recruiter with the Giants – the first female recruiter in the AFL,” the club said on its website.

Quayle has also written a book called The Draft, following five players, including Cyril Rioli and Trent Cotchin, as they progressed through the system in 2007.

It comes in a summer during which women have been making strides in the AFL and the inaugural female league, the AFLW, has won widespread support.

While the female presence on boards and in club administration has been increasing, it is still rare for women to work in the football department.

Peta Searle works for St Kilda as a development coach, while Michelle Cowan filled the same role at Melbourne before signing as head coach of Fremantle’s women’s team.