The 15-year-old’s emergence at senior level has been one of the highlights of the season for the side in the navy blue, with coach Di Hanslow having nurtured her skills throughout the campaign.
In total, Ratcliffe has played 10 games for the seniors, lighting up Mooroopna Recreation Reserve with her energetic and intelligent displays in both the goal attack and goal shooter roles.
The Cats’ A-grade outfit lost just once across the home-and-away season, with teenager Ratcliffe having made significant contributions en route to securing passage to the finals.
The latest prospect to emerge off of the Cattery’s production line, Ratcliffe featured in the 17-and-under grand final a year ago, while also earning Jacqui Hudgson GVL best and fairest prize in the 15-and-under division in a bumper 2025.
Incredibly, she played two Grand Finals in a single day in those age grades, while notching an astonishing 683 goals across 27 matches to announce herself as one of the region’s standout talents.
Fast forward nearly 12 months and it is clear that the prodigy has been determined to use these accomplishments as the launchpad for further success after making her A-grade debut against Tatura back in round two of the 2026 term.
Mooroopna ended the league season in strong form, finish as runners-up in the standings - clocking up victories over Euroa and Mansfield, with the clash against Echuca ending in a draw.
Despite her tender age, Ratcliffe made significant contributions to the Cats’ cause during the month of August, tallying up 12 goals against Mansfield and three against Echuca before netting 14 against Euroa on her A-grade finals debut.
Starting off their finals campaign with a 43-40 qualifying final defeat to the Magpies, the Cats got back on track in their semi final versus Seymour on September 5 down at Kings’ Park, emerging as 53-36 victors.
Ratcliffe featured during one quarter in that triumph, as Mooroopna booked its place in the preliminary final.
Providing insight into the youngster’s development over the course of the season, coach Di Hanslow expressed her delight at how the teenager has risen to the challenge of competing at senior level.
“Layla has been a fantastic addition to the seniors side, providing depth in the shooting circle,” she said.
“She is very strong and calm for her age, it is hard to believe she is 15 from her demeanour.
“It’s a huge credit to her that she has been able to step in and provide depth and combinations - especially with the level of competition this year, and she has matched that.”
Now, Ratcliffe will be hoping to play her part as the Cats continue to chase a spot in the all-important showpiece on Sunday, September 20 down at Deakin Reserve.
“We’ve been competing in finals for a number of years now,” Hanslow said.
“It’s about making it our focal point to step things up, the girls are motivated to be there.
“We’ve got to get through this game by focusing on what we need to do and hopefully the result will come.”
