SANFLW Season 2024

[Bluedemon]

Hostplus SANFLW Semi-Final Match Wraps


South Adelaide 6.5 (41) d Glenelg 1.7 (13)
South Adelaide is just one win from creating Hostplus SANFLW League history after conquering Glenelg by 28 points in the second semi-final at Flinders University Stadium.

The Panthers, striving to be the first club to claim three SANFLW premierships, are the first team into the grand final after confirming their favoritism with the statement victory.

The Tigers have now lost four of the past five games and must overcome Norwood in the elimination final to earn a rematch with the Panthers.

Minor premiers after winning their final six games heading into the finals, the Panthers set the tone from the outset with their trademark defensive efforts being backed by improved attacking work.

Melissa Anderson has thrived this season and she nailed the only goal of the free-flowing opening quarter six minutes into the contest to give the Panthers the ascendency.

After keeping the visitors scoreless in the first term, the Panthers went on the attack early in the second quarter to establish the platform for the win. They bagged two goals within two minutes and another five minutes later to build a commanding 26-point buffer.

When the Panthers kicked their third goal for the quarter after seven minutes, they had had 30 possessions to just four for the under siege Tigers. Onballer Nikki Nield was her busy self, along with Caitlin Couch and Jordann Hickey, who had the challenging role of shadowing Tigers’ ball magnet Jessica Bates.

Eloise Mackereth nailed the Tigers’ first goal in the final seconds of the second term and they challenged the Panthers in the third quarter with a lift in intensity.

The influence of Bates, making her 50th appearance after returning from a foot injury, became an issue for the home side. The Tigers failed to capitalise, however, and they managed just four behinds for the term.

The Tigers closed to within 17 points early in the fourth term, but Couch capped an outstanding game to kick two goals and ensure the Panthers had the rest this weekend.


Central District 5.5 (35) lost to Norwood 6.4 (40)
Norwood kept its title hopes alive with a five-point victory over reigning champion Central District in a tense first semi-final confrontation at Flinders University Stadium.

The Redlegs nailed the only two goals of the final quarter, while keeping the Bulldogs scoreless, to come from behind at three-quarter time and earn a preliminary final battle against Glenelg.

After winning their final minor round contest to scramble into the finals, the Redlegs were under the pump early against a Bulldogs outfit switched on from the opening bounce.

The Bulldogs, with 14 premiership players from last year in the side, dominated clearances and spent the early minutes camped deep in attack, only to waste prime scoring opportunities, before Tarly Borgas kicked the first goal after nine minutes.

It took 10 minutes for the Redlegs to make an entry inside 50, such was the territorial domination of the Bulldogs.

Lana Schwerdt, the daughter of former Bulldogs’ star Stephen, kicked the first goal for the Redlegs 14 minutes into the quarter when she took advantage of poor defensive work from the Bulldogs.

Both sides added a goal in the second quarter to have the scores level at half-time.

Adrienne Davies gave the Redlegs the advantage with an early goal in the third term, before gun attacking weapon Katelyn Rosenzweig broke the game apart with three goals in four minutes to give the Bulldogs a 12-point lead.

Under pressure to respond, the Redlegs showed enormous fight to provide the answers. Coby Morgan goalled 14 minutes into the third term, and the Redlegs bagged the only two goals of the final quarter.

Emma Clark’s goal to put the Redlegs in front was again a result of sloppy work by the Bulldogs deep in defence.

Tahlita Buethke was brilliant for the Redlegs, amassing a game-high 26 possessions. Kiana Lee and Jade Halfpenny also had a massive impact for the victors.

Inspirational Bulldogs premiership captain Shelby Smith was chaired from the ground after the final siren by teammates after announcing her retirement.

[Bluedemon]

Saturday 29th June

Stratarama Stadium

Preliminary Final – 12:15pm

Glenelg v Norwood

[Bluedemon]

India Rasheed wins 2024 Hostplus SANFLW Powerade Breakthrough Player


Sturt sensation India Rasheed has won the 2024 Powerade Breakthrough Player award after an exceptional individual campaign in the Hostplus SANFL Women’s League.

The ultra-talented Double Blues midfielder relished spending more time in the midfield this season, averaging an impressive 24 disposals, five clearances and five inside 50s in her 12 Hostplus SANFLW League outings.

Nominated for her stunning performance in Round 2, the 17-year-old racked up 21 disposals, eight tackles, five marks and two goals against the Tigers as she put the competition on notice.

A key member of the South Australian Girls U18 team, Rasheed is the first Sturt player to win the Powerade Breakthrough Player since the award’s inception when the SANFLW competition began in 2017.

Rasheed, the daughter of former Double Blue and international tennis coach Roger Rasheed, was one of three Sturt players nominated this season with teammates Monique Bessen (Round 6) and Zara Walsh (Round 4) also earning acknowledgement.

Sturt’s No.6 was awarded with a $1,000 cash prize and trophy, courtesy of Powerade.

Sturt and South Adelaide led the way for nominations in 2024, with three players each featuring on the list of contenders.

To be eligible for the SANFLW Powerade Breakthrough Player Award, players must be aged 21 and under at the start of the year.

Rasheed was selected by a panel of judges which included SANFL General Manager Football Matt Duldig, SANFL Female Talent Manager Robbie Neill, SANFL Talent Coordinator – Female Programs Bek McMahon, SANFL Football Operations Coordinator Daniel Joyce, SANFL Head of Football Operations Sean Toohey, SANFL Football Operations Administrator Lucy Kroschel and SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank.


2024 SANFLW Powerade Breakthrough Player Nominees
Round 1 – Poppy Scholz (Glenelg)
Round 2 – India Rasheed (Sturt)
Round 3 – Violet Patterson (Glenelg)
Round 4 – Zara Walsh (Sturt)
Round 5 – Jasmine Evans (Central District)
Round 6 – Monique Bessen (Sturt)
Round 7 – Lucy Boyd (West)
Round 8 – Grace Martin (Woodville-West Torrens)
Round 9 – Kiana Lee (Norwood)
Round 10 – Laela Ebert (North Adelaide)
Round 11 – Layla Vizgaudis (South Adelaide)
Round 12 – Emma Charlton (South Adelaide)
Round 13 – Mel Anderson (South Adelaide)
Round 14 – Charlotte Riggs (Central District)

[Bluedemon]

2024 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year


South Adelaide’s determined quest for redemption has been reflected in the 2024 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, with five Panthers and coach Rick Watts selected in the elite line-up.

After losing last year’s Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final in agonising fashion, the Panthers have been on a mission while claiming the minor premiership with an 11-3 win-loss record and the competition’s stingiest defence.

Fellow finalists Central District (four), Glenelg (three) and Norwood (two) are also well represented as the Eagles (three) and Sturt (two) are the other clubs to have multiple selections.

All eight clubs have at least one representative in this year’s best-of-the-best collection as 2019 premiership mentor Watts is rewarded for steering South into first place with the strongest percentage in the competition at the end of the minor round.

The girls from Noarlunga are prominent in all sections of the ground as Emily Brockhurst (forward pocket) and Esther Schirmer (full back) line-up at either end as Soriah Moon (ruck) and Nikki Nield (ruck rover) command the centre square. Panthers’ vice-captain Jordann Hickey provides versatility from the interchange.

Reigning premier Central District has captain Shelby Smith returns to the midfield as skipper of The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year while Eagle Annie Falkenberg will be her deputy.

Joint-leading goal kicker Katelyn Rosenzweig is a natural fit alongside Brockhurst on the full forward line while exciting young Bulldogs Jasmine Evans and Charlotte Riggs earn their first Team of the Year selections.

Gifted Sturt utility India Rasheed takes her place across half-forward after a stunning season while West Adelaide’s Zoe Venning (half-forward flank) and North Adelaide’s Laela Ebert (half-back flank) are flying the flags for their team as sole selections.

Two Team of the Year debutants take their place on the wings after breakthrough campaigns, with Eagle Poppy Waterford and Double Blue Monique Bessen announcing themselves as players to watch in 2024.

Based on performance across the minor round, the 2024 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year was selected by SANFL Female Talent Manager Robbie Neill, SANFL Talent Coordinator Female Programs Bek McMahon, SANFL Competitions Specialist -State Leagues Daniel Joyce, SANFL Head of Football Operations Sean Toohey, SANFL Football Operations Administrator Lucy Kroschel and SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank.


2024 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year Profiles
FORWARD POCKET – Emily Brockhurst (South)
Making her debut in The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, Brockhurst was a significant offensive force behind the Panthers claiming the 2024 minor premiership. ”Brocky” drew level on 25 majors with Katelyn Rosenzweig on the leading goal kicker tally with a spectacular tackle and finish in the final term of Round 14.

FULL FORWARD – Kaitlyn Rosenzweig (Central)
SANFLW’s joint leading goal kicker is a natural fit at full forward after kicking four more majors across the minor round than her return of 21 in 2023. Equally dangerous at ground level or in the air, ”Rosey” has also won the competition’s leading goal kicker award last year with the Bulldogs and with North Adelaide in 2018.

HALF-FORWARD FLANK – India Rasheed (Sturt)
Boasting a lovely left-foot kick, the prolific ball-winner ranked first in the competition for inside 50s, fourth for total disposals and second for total marks despite missing two matches. Incredibly constructive with the ball, Sturt’s No.6 plays a vital role through the midfield and inside attacking 50m for the Double Blues.

CENTRE HALF-FORWARD – Jade Halfpenny (Norwood)
The milestones flowed for Halfpenny in 2024 as she not only reached her 50th SANFLW League match but featured for the SANFLW State team in its win against the WAFLW in Perth. The 22-year-old averaged 17 disposals and four marks in all 14 minor round matches for the Redlegs.

HALF-FORWARD FLANK – Zoe Venning (West)
Remarkably consistent is the ideal way to describe Venning’s stunning season which saw her rank second in the competition for total disposals and fifth for clearances. Showed that she can also play an attacking role after slotting in nicely across half-forward for the SANFLW State team in Perth.

WING – Poppy Waterford (Eagles)
Selection in the SANFLW State team was an indication of Waterford’s eye-catching rise in 2024. Averaging 17 disposals, three clearances and three inside 50s, the 26-year-old also showed off her defensive prowess by finishing third in the competition for tackles at an average of 9.5

CENTRE – Jess Bates (Glenelg)
No player in the Hostplus SANFLW League touched the ball more than Glenelg’s Jess Bates in 2024 as she averaged a league-leading 31.5 disposals across 12 games. Also leading the competition for total tackles and clearances, the 28-year-old created history by winning the SANFLW State team’s best-on-ground medal in Perth.

WING – Monique Bessen (Sturt)
Sturt’s skillful 17-year-old emerged to receive a nomination for the Powerade Breakthrough Player award in 2024. Registering averages of 16 disposals and five tackles, Bessen put the competition on notice when she racked up 32 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles and five clearances against top-ranked South Adelaide in Round 6.

HALF-BACK FLANK – Tahlita Buethke (Norwood)
Versatility is a key advantage for Buethke, who can play on a wing or provide plenty of drive from half-back where she averaged 17 disposals and four marks across 14 matches. The 22-year-old was also an important role player in SANFLW’s win against the WAFLW in Perth.

CENTRE HALF-BACK – Charlotte Riggs (Central)
The Central District premiership defender continues to grow in confidence at senior level, as evidenced by her penchant for taking intercept marks across the half-back line. Earning a Powerade Breakthrough Player nomination in Round 14, the 17-year-old also showed she can be thrown into the ruck in 2024.

HALF-BACK FLANK – Laela Ebert (North)
The sole North Adelaide representative this year, Ebert showed off her class in 2024 as she blossomed without injury restriction to register an average of 17.5 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency. The 17-year-old is one to watch after also earning a Powerade Breakthrough Player nomination.

BACK POCKET – Annie Falkenberg (Eagles)
The Eagles’ consistent captain returns to The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year after averaging nearly 18 disposals and more than four rebound 50s per game in 2024. Named vice captain of the team, the same role she played for the SANFLW State Team in May.

FULL BACK – Esther Schirmer (South)
In just her third season of senior SANFLW football, Schirmer has reinforced herself as an integral cog in the Panthers’ defence despite being just 17 years of age. The SA U18 team member gains selection for the second year in succession on the back of averaging 14 disposals and five marks.

RUCK – Soriah Moon (South)
Moon retains her place as the SANFLW’s premier ruck, averaging 30 hit outs per game in 2024. Incredibly mobile, the Panthers’ No.32 also moved around the ground in effective fashion to also average 13 disposals, four tackles and four clearances.

RUCK ROVER – Nikki Nield (South)
Nield returned full-time to her beloved Panthers which proved to be a seamless move as she found the Sherrin with ease, racking up averages of 22 disposals, 10 tackles and five clearances. The 23-year-old stamped herself as one of the premier midfielders in the competition.

ROVER – Shelby Smith (Central)
A fitting selection as captain of the 2024 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, Smith is a fearless leader for her Bulldogs. Averaging 21 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances, the Central skipper was also joint vice-captain of the SANFLW State team.

INTERCHANGE – Violet Patterson (Glenelg)
The Tigers’ running machine presents great flexibility coming off the interchange bench, with an ability to play on the wing, through the midfield, or at either end of the ground. Earned a Powerade Breakthrough Player nomination while also averaging 19 disposals and eight tackles in 2024.

INTERCHANGE – Jasmine Evans (Central)
One of the most consistent medium forwards in the competition, booting 15 goals for the season, Evans can make an impact further up the field if required. The 18-year-old premiership player kicked majors in half of her 14 games this season.

INTERCHANGE – Grace Martin (Eagles)
Extremely highly-rated by her coach Narelle Smith, Martin blossomed in 2024 to enjoy her most consistent campaign with averages of 16.5 disposals and five tackles. The SA U18 girls team member earned a Powerade Breakthrough Player nomination in Round 8.

INTERCHANGE – Jo Miller (Glenelg)
Glenelg’s quiet achiever through the midfield came under notice when she racked up impressive averages of 24 disposals, 10 tackles and five clearances. The 25-year-old has formed a lethal centre square combination with fellow Tiger Jess Bates in 2024.

INTERCHANGE – Jordann Hickey (South)
Originally making her name in the SANFLW as a key forward, Hickey has relished her new role working further up the field to rack up averages of 17 disposals and five tackles in 2024. South’s vice-captain has led from the front this season while helping the Panthers to the minor premiership.

COACH – Rick Watts (South)
South’s 2019 premiership mentor has impressively steered his Panthers toward the minor premiership, registering an 11-3 win-loss record while also forming the competition’s best defensive line-up. Highly-rated for his ability to build relationships with his players, Watts is now the most successful SANFLW coach in terms of total wins, registering 47 victories in five seasons.

[Bluedemon]

Nikki Nield wins 2024 SANFLW Best and Fairest


A fairytale homecoming for South Adelaide’s Nikki Nield is a step closer after winning the 2024 Hostplus SANFLW League Best and Fairest Award in a pulsating count at Adelaide Oval on Monday night.

The first Panther to win the most prestigious individual SANFLW prize, Nield (nee Gore) hit the lead in Round 13 when she polled three votes against Glenelg, to leapfrog competition pacesetter, Tiger Jess Bates.

Polling a total of 27 votes after landing another two in the final minor round match, Nield finished three ahead of 2022 SANFLW Best and Fairest Bates, who missed the last two matches with a foot injury.

Named ruck rover in The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, Nield will be aiming to finish her 2024 campaign in style by playing in her third premiership with South Adelaide on Saturday July 6.

Returning to Noarlunga after playing with AFLW clubs Adelaide and Fremantle, the 23-year-old attracted the umpires’ attention in all but two of her minor round matches to illustrate her exceptional consistency.

South’s No.2 was adjudged best afield on six occasions – in Rounds 1, 3, 9, 11, 12 and 13 as she finished with significant momentum heading into the SANFLW major round.

A dual title-winning midfielder with the Panthers in 2018 and 2019, Nield claimed the Powerade Breakthrough Player award in 2018 as the competition’s most promising player aged under 21 at the start of the season.

Averaging 22 disposals, four clearances and four marks per game, Nield also displayed her willingness to defend by averaging an outstanding 10 tackles per game in 2024.

Starting her career with the Christies Beach Football Club, Nield was a talented surfer before choosing to concentrate on her football journey.

Making her debut for South in 2018, Nield is fast approaching her 50-game milestone with the Panthers, having appeared in 41 matches.

Sturt sensation India Rasheed placed third with 19 votes while retiring Central District premiership skipper Shelby Smith was fourth on 17, three ahead of West ball magnet Zoe Venning, who rounded out the top five.


Kia Coaches Award
Glenelg’s Jess Bates added to her lengthening list of accolades by claiming honours in the 2023 SANFLW Kia Coaches Award.

Cruising to victory with 91 votes ahead of runner-up Nikki Nield (South) on 69 votes, Bates’ win becomes even more meritorious considering she missed the final two matches of the season with a foot injury.

Not only did the 28-year-old earned the ultimate respect of the SANFLW coaches she was also runner-up in the 2024 SANFL Best and Fairest Award whilst also being named in The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year.

Attracting votes in all of her 12 outings this season, the Bays’ prolific ball-winner earned the highest praise of the SANFLW mentors by being named best afield with maximum votes in Round 1, 3, 6 and 9.

Bates wins a $500 cash prize and a trophy courtesy of Kia.

Behind Nield in second place, Sturt sensation India Rasheed placed third with 64 votes while Central District premiership captain Shelby Smith was fourth with 57 votes.

Norwood’s Jade Halfpenny (54 votes) and Eagle Poppy Waterford (52 votes) rounded out the top six placings.


AAMI Leading Goal Kickers
Central District’s Katelyn Rosenzweig and South Adelaide’s Emily Brockhurst are joint winners of the 2024 AAMI Leading Goal Kicker Award.

Each booting 25 goals across the minor round, Rosenzweig and Brockhurst created history as it is the first time the SANFLW League has had joint winners of the prestigious trophy.

Rosenzweig led the race for the majority of the minor round until Brockhurst equalled the tally with an eye-catching goal against the Bulldogs in Round 14.

Amazingly, Brockhurst’s 25th major came early in the fourth quarter of their final clash before the major round, creating an exciting finish.

It is the third time Rosenzweig has won the SANFLW Leading Goal Kicker trophy, having also saluted in 2018 while playing with North Adelaide and last year with the Bulldogs.

Originally from the Hamley Bridge Football Club, Rosenzweig was also selected at full forward in The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year.

Brockhurst, who booted 63 goals for Flagstaff Hill last year, made a fairytale return to SANFLW ranks in 2024 with the Panthers, claiming her first Leading Goal Kicker Award whilst earning selection in the forward pocket of The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year.

Rosenzweig and Brockhurst were both awarded $500 cash prizes courtesy of AAMI.


SA Power Networks Leadership Award
Woodville-West Torrens captain Annie Falkenberg has won the SA Power Networks Leadership Award after being nominated by the Eagles for her outstanding team-first approach in 2024.

Introduced in 2021, the SA Power Networks Leadership Award recognises players for their off-field attitude as much as their on-field achievements.

Retiring Sturt skipper Maya Rigter, won the inaugural award while Norwood captain Alison Ferrall claimed honours in 2022 before Double Blues captain Kate Harris last year.

The award was developed from the Female Personal Pathways program – a series of workshops and forums covering leadership, financial and career development, club culture and mental health education.

SANFL clubs nominated a player based on a number of criteria, including demonstrating care in mentoring younger players at their club, inspiring and encouraging personal development and having values that reflect those of their club.

Falkenberg, who was named vice captain of The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year and joint vice-captain of the SANFLW State Team, will receive a $1ooo cash prize courtesy of SA Power Networks.

[Bluedemon]

Hostplus SANFLW League Preliminary Final Preview & Teams


By The Numbers
Overall Record
Played: 13
Glenelg: 4
Norwood: 8
Drawn: 1

Finals Record
Glenelg: 1
Norwood: 0

2024 Meetings
Round 6 – Glenelg 8.4 (52) d Norwood 7.6 (48) at Stratarama Stadium
Round 10 – Glenelg 4.3 (27) drew with Norwood 4.3 (27) at Prospect Oval

Finals Meeting
2021 Second Semi Final – Glenelg 4.7 (31) d Norwood 1.2 (8) at The Parade

Interesting Stat
Glenelg’s highest score of 13.9 (87) was against Norwood in Round 1 of 2022 at The Parade

Placed Teams
GLENELG

F: Jorja Eldridge (28), Shay’Lee Dayman (4)
HF: Sam Franson (5), Jordan Horne (11), Grace Duffy (10)
C: Madi Freeman (2), Violet Patterson (6), Georgie Fielder (59)
HB: Ellen Tyminski (18), Marie Martino (15), Tamsyn Morriss (12)
B: Lauren Edwards (34), Alex Walker (24)

R: Alex Pearce (30), Jo Miller (32), Matilda Wilmore (19)
INT: Ash Dyer (1), Ellie Kellock (8), Eloise Mackereth (9), Jess Bates (29), Mel Hinge (17), Renee Wurfel (3), Alice Bradley (21), Poppy Scholz (20)
IN: Poppy Scholz
OUT: Jess Searle (broken nose)


NORWOOD

F: Jade Halfpenny (22), Adrienne Davies (8)
HF: Amelia Rusden (10), Shai Hiscock (13), Elle Lineage (50)
C: Kiana Lee (28), Candice Belbin (26), Tahlita Buethke (1)
HB: Sarah Branford (9), Charli Hazelhurst (39), Charlotte Nenke (44)
B: Sophie Arkun (43), Nicola Burns (23)

R: Rosie Boon (46), Stephanie Simmonds (17), Sophie Armitstead (36)
INT: Kate Alexander (61), Coby Morgan (2), Georgina Birchall (37), Lana Schwerdt (41), Emma Clark (7)
EMG: Grace Whittaker (60), Kyah Jaffer (63), Jazmine Egan (19)
IN: Elle Lineage
OUT: Mykaela Walker

MILESTONE: Kiana Lee (50 games), Adrienne Davies (50 games), Lana Schwerdt (50 games)

[Bluedemon]

Hostplus SANFLW Prelim Final Match Wrap


Glenelg 5.6 (36) lost to Norwood 8.7 (55)
Norwood will confront South Adelaide in the Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final after conquering Glenelg by 19 points in an intriguing preliminary battle in testing conditions at Stratarama Stadium.

The Redlegs responded in emphatic fashion to a third quarter surge from the home side to dominate the final term and stay alive in the race for the flag.

And in a boost for the Redlegs’ hopes of conquering the minor premiers, the season finale will be played at The Parade in a twilight timeslot which requires television broadcast-level lighting.

The Redlegs scrambled into the finals, but have overcome Central District and the Tigers to give themselves a chance of securing a second premiership, having won the inaugural crown in 2017.

The platform for the victory was built in the second quarter on the back of a stunning goal kicking display from Kiana Lee, who bagged three brilliant goals in her 50th SANFLW League appearance.

Lee’s outstanding individual efforts backed up a highly productive minor round when she was the third highest goalkicker with 16.

While the Redlegs added 3.2 with the wind at their backs for the second quarter, they also kept the Tigers scoreless for the term. They repeated the feat in the final term when the game was on the line.

Staring down the barrel of defeat following Lee’s supreme performance, the Tigers took advantage of the wind in the third quarter with a fighting response to raise their hopes.

Although losing the hitouts, the Tigers had control of the clearances and inside 50m count. After missing several prime scoring opportunities, the Tigers bagged three unanswered goals to hit the lead.

However, the Redlegs hurt the Tigers on the scoreboard late in the quarter when Stephanie Simmonds took advantage of a rare attacking foray to snap a goal.

The visitors then shut down the Tigers in the final term, overwhelming the home side with their pressure and dominating territory.

The statistics truly advertised a terrific team performance from the Redlegs with Lee being the highest possession winner with 14.

As has been her way all season, Tigers onballer Jessica Bates amassed 33 possessions, kicked two goals, finished with 10 tackles and had 14 clearances.

[DOC]

Grand Final this weekend.

Obviously the top side South gets home ground advantage. Actually that’s silly. Will be played at Thebarton which is used all year as its neutral.

What am I thinking? Norwood will get the home ground because they finished fourth.

[wenchbarwer]

Grand Final this weekend.

Obviously the top side South gets home ground advantage. Actually that’s silly. Will be played at Thebarton which is used all year as its neutral.

What am I thinking? Norwood will get the home ground because they finished fourth.

How the hell does that work???

I hope South take the home rooms

[Big Phil]

Grand Final this weekend.

Obviously the top side South gets home ground advantage. Actually that’s silly. Will be played at Thebarton which is used all year as its neutral.

What am I thinking? Norwood will get the home ground because they finished fourth.

How the hell does that work???

I hope South take the home rooms

Game is being broadcast by Channel 7, who drive the start time.

They want it at 4:05pm and therefore need a venue that has adequate lights for TV broadcast.

This decision was made months ago. It is unfortunate for South that Norwood got through and have it as a home final.

[Pseudo]

TL;DR: Channel 7 calls the shots.

Tell me, is the SANFL paying channel 7 for the honour of having it be the party which dictates terms about the Womens' final?

[Bluedemon]

Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final Preview


By The Numbers
Overall Record
Played: 15
South: 10
Norwood: 5
Drawn: 0

Finals Record
South: 2
Norwood: 0

2024 Meetings
Round 2 – Norwood 6.9 (45) d South 3.7 (25) at Flinders University Stadium
Round 8 – Norwood 4.4 (28) d South 0.3 (3) at The Parade

Finals Meetings
2018 Grand Final – South 4.6 (30) d Norwood 4.1 (25) at Thomas Farms Oval
2019 Second Semi-Final – South 5.4 (34) d Norwood 3.3 (21) at The Parade

Interesting Stat
Norwood is aiming to be the first team to win a SANFLW premiership from outside the top two at the end of the minor round

GENERAL
South Adelaide only incurred 3 losses so far this season, 2 were to Norwood.

The last time the Panthers played at the Parade they were held to their lowest ever score 0.3 (3). They were also
scoreless in the last quarter of their encounter previous to that (Rd 2 at Flinders University Stadium).

Norwood’s six losses this year
: were by a total of 27 points an average of 4.5 pts per loss. The largest loss was a 9pt defeat by West Adelaide.
: were to six different clubs. The only club they did not lose to in 2024, South Adelaide.

Norwood are the only club in SANFLW this season to defeat all of the seven other clubs.

Norwood have played 16 games this year, 10 of them decided by 9 points or less. (3-6-1 record)

South lead the head to head against Norwood 10-5, . At Norwood Oval, South have a 6-2 record against the Redlegs.

South have a 6-5 finals record. Norwood are 5-7 in the post season.

South are in their 5th Grand Final (from seven seasons in SANFL) with a 2-2 record.

Norwood are in their 3rd Grand Final, this is their first since 2018. They have 1-1 record.

Despite starting in the second season of SANFLW, the Panthers have the most all time wins with a 64-25-1 record.

Norwood are second with a 57-37-3 record.

Jaslynne Smith’s (South) record for most SANFLW games played will reach 94 on Saturday. Should she play in 2025
she would be just six matches away from being the first player in the league to play 100 games.

IF SOUTH WIN
3rd premiership, the most of any SANFLW club, their first since 2019.
Nikki Nield & Jaslynne Smith would win their 3rd SANFLW premiership after playing in Souths 2018 & 2019 triumphs.
If selected, six other Panther players, Nicole Campbell, Doreen Hansen, Tiffany King, Nicole Mark, Samantha Pratt
and Sarah Wright would claim their second SANFLW premiership medal.
It would be the second SANFLW premiership for coach Rick Watts. Not including this Saturday he holds the
SANFLW record for most games coached (66) and won as coach (48). His record is 48-18.

IF NORWOOD WIN
2nd premiership, first since inaugural year in 2017, would tie them for most with South & North.
First team outside of the top two at the end of the minor round to win a premiership.
If selected, it would be the second SANFLW Premiership for Nicola Burns.
Norwood Brad Ferrall would claim his first SANFL premiership as coach. He has coached two premierships with Morphettville Park

[Bluedemon]

Stage set for Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final


The 2024 Hostplus SANFL Women’s League culminates in the Grand Final this Saturday from 4:05pm, with South Adelaide taking on Norwood in the title-decider at The Parade.

Minor premier South Adelaide will be eager to claim its third SANFLW premiership, while Norwood is chasing its second crown, having won the inaugural SANFLW Grand Final in 2017.

The two sides have only met twice this year, with Norwood winning both fixtures, by 20 points in Round 2 and by 25 points in Round 8.

Led by their 2019 premiership coach Rick Watts, the Panthers will feature five players selected in the 2024 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year – Esther Schirmer, Soriah Moon, vice-captain Jordann Hickey, joint SANFLW leading goal kicker Emily Brockhurst and 2024 SANFLW best and fairest Nikki Nield.

Watts, who now holds the SANFLW record for coaching a team to the most wins, was fittingly named coach of the Team of the Year.

Norwood, coached by Brad Ferrall, features Team of the Year players Jade Halpenny and Tahlita Buethke.

Redlegs utility Kiana Lee is also one to watch given her stunning form, having claimed the Coles Value Player Award in both of her team’s finals matches this year.

SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said there was a real air of excitement around the Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final, with the twilight event set to be a celebration of women’s and girls’ footy in SA.

The afternoon will kick off with all-girls AFL Auskick and Little League games on the ground as a curtain raiser to the big game, followed by Coles Mini League games at half time.

“With over 11,000 female participants in SA across community football and Auskick, the Hostplus SANFLW Grand Final is a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase women’s and girls’ footy in this State,” Duldig said.

“For the third year in a row, we’re also thrilled to have the SANFLW Grand Final beamed live across the State on Channel 7 and streamed on 7plus, in addition to the SANFL Now live stream.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to maximise exposure for our women’s State League and is a great recognition of the strength and reputation of the competition.”

In addition to the on-field action, the Grand Final will provide a festival atmosphere for fans, featuring SANFL Super Match activations. Among the activities will be The Advertiser Family Zone with mini-golf, giant games, inflatable goals, McDonald’s giveaways and Hostplus celebration goal cards for both teams.

There will also be the AAMI Lucky Zone with deck chairs for spectators to sit back and watch the Grand Final action unfold and the chance to win an instant $100 food and beverage voucher for the venue.

Fans will also have a chance to test their skills and win on-field during the quarter and half-time breaks in the Macca’s Chip for Cash and AAMI Kick for Cash.

2024 HOSTPLUS SANFLW LEAGUE GRAND FINAL
MATCH AND BROADCAST DETAILS

Saturday 6 July | 4:05pm | Coopers Stadium
South Adelaide v Norwood
Live and Free television broadcast on Seven & 7Plus from 4pm
Live stream on SANFL Now
Live radio on 1629 SEN SA & SEN App | Women’s Australian Rules Football Radio website


TICKETING INFORMATION

Adults: $15
Concession: $10
U18s: FREE

Tickets can be pre-purchased on the SANFL website at http://www.SANFL.com.au/tickets and will be on sale at the gates.


MATCH DAY KEY TIMES

1:30pm | Gates Open
2:30pm | Auskick and Little League mini games on field
4:00pm | National Anthem followed by coin toss.
4:05pm | First bounce for 2024 Hostplus SANFL Women’s League Grand Final
6:00pm | Grand Final concludes. Presentation of Best on Ground medal, Premiership team and umpires by Chairman of the SA Football Commission, The Hon. Rob Kerin.

[Bluedemon]

Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final Teams


SOUTH

F: Jordann Hickey (4), Doreena Hansen (26)
HF: Lily Baxter (56), Lucy Northcott (12), Emily Brockhurst (13)
C: Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap (11), Mel Anderson, (6), Emma Charlton (25)
HB: Sam Pratt (22), Esther Schirmer (23), Carly Milsom (45)
B: Tiffany King (14), Jaslynne Smith (35)

R: Soriah Moon (32), Caitlin Couch (10), Nikki Nield (2)

INT: Taya Maxwell (19), Lauren Clifton (41), Shae Archbold (17), Charlotte Dolan (28), Bri Cleggett (27), Layla Visgaudis (20), Morgan Johnston (1), Chelsea Farr (21)

IN: Charlotte Dolan, Morgan Johnston, Bri Cleggett, Chelsea Farr

OUT: Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap (knee)



NORWOOD

F: Jade Halfpenny (22), Adrienne Davies (8)
HF: Amelia Rusden (10), Shai Hiscock (13), Elle Lineage (50)
C: Kiana Lee (28), Candice Belbin (26), Tahlita Buethke (1)
HB: Sarah Branford (9), Charli Hazelhurst (39), Charlotte Nenke (44)
B: Sophie Arkun (43), Rosie Boon (46)

R: Kate Alexander (61), Stephanie Simmonds (17), Sophie Armitstead (36)

INT: Nicola Burns (23), Coby Morgan (2), Emma Clark (7), Lana Schwerdt (41), Georgina Birchall (37)

EMG: Grace Whittaker (60), Kyah Jaffer (63), Jazmine Egan (19)

[Pseudo]

Turned the GF on just as the second quarter started. Don't reckon the ball left Norwood's half at all in the first 8-10 minutes but they couldn't score. Then South dominated the rest of the term. Kicked a couple of goals, coulda kicked more if not for some poor choices up forwards. Leading 3.0 to 0.1 at the half. Game a bit scrappy but quite watchable.

[Bluedemon]

South Adelaide win 2024 Hostplus SANFLW League Premiership


South Adelaide 3.0 (18) d Norwood 2.1 (13)
South Adelaide is the champion of the Hostplus SANFLW League after conquering Norwood in a tense grand final at The Parade on Saturday night to claim a record third premiership.

The Panthers, scoreless in the second half, were forced to withstand a spirited charge from the Redlegs to triumph by five points and add another title to its flag victories in 2018 and 2019.

Panthers coach Rick Watts described the win as phenomenal and praised the resilience and grit of his players to fight back from the shattering disappointment of last year’s controversial grand final defeat to Central District.

“All the emotion from last year sort of came out,” Watts said. “It wasn’t until the final 10 seconds I knew we had it.

“Last year has been in the back of our minds and this feels unreal, the girls have been so brave.”

The Redlegs, aiming to be the first side to win the flag from fourth, settled best and tested the highly regarded Panthers’ defence early, camped deep in attack for the opening seven minutes.

Having withstood the early assault, the Panthers then took over the territory battle, although they failed to create a serious scoring opportunity until late in the quarter.

South’s Jordann Hickey, named MVP for her influence in the victory, attacked the ball with venom, enabling Mel Anderson to swoop and blast her kick from just inside 50m towards an open goal. The ball bounced through for the opening goal.

In a repeat of the opening term, the Redlegs put the Panthers defence under the pump in the opening minutes of the second quarter. But the Panthers continued to stay composed.

And again, the Panthers were able to wrestle control. When Shae Archbold took an uncontested mark and nailed the goal, then Lauren Clifton held on to a terrific mark and kicked truly, the Panthers had built a 17-point buffer.

Such was the effective defensive work of the Panthers, the Redlegs were restricted to a behind for the first half.

However, it took only three minutes of the third quarter for the Redlegs to finally nail a goal when Adrienne Davies’ kick kept bouncing and through for a major.

It was the only score for the term, with the Panthers unable to threaten the goals despite having plenty of possessions inside 50.

2024 SANFLW Grand Final Best on Ground Medal Votes
PLAYER VOTES
Jordann Hickey (South) 14
Esther Schirmer (South) 8
Candice Belbin (Norwood) 4
Jade Halfpenny (Norwood) 3
Nikki Nield (South) 1

[Bluedemon]

SANFLW Premiers

2017 - Norwood 9.11 (65) d North 6.2 (38)
2018 - South 4.6 (30) d Norwood 4.1 (25)
2019 - South 4.7 (31) d North 1.3 (9)
2020 - North 5.5 (35) d South 4.4 (28)
2021 - Glenelg 5.10 (40) d West 2.5 (17)
2022 - North 7.6 (48) d Sturt 4.6 (30)
2023 - Centrals 4.7 (31) d South 4.4 (28)
2024 - South 3.0 (18) d Norwood 2.1 (13)

[mots02]

SANFLW Premiers

2017 - Norwood 9.11 (65) d North 6.2 (38)
2018 - South 4.6 (30) d Norwood 4.1 (25)
2019 - South 4.7 (31) d North 1.3 (9)
2020 - North 5.5 (35) d South 4.4 (28)
2021 - Glenelg 5.10 (40) d West 2.5 (17)
2022 - North 7.6 (48) d Sturt 4.6 (30)
2023 - Centrals 4.7 (31) d South 4.4 (28)
2024 - South 3.0 (18) d Norwood 2.1 (13)

South replicating their success in the early years of the mens league comp..... hope it doesn't trend the same way as the years go on.

[saintal]

Noticed an Advertiser headline this morning which had South CEO Neill Sharp lamenting the lack of support the AFL provide 'feeder' clubs. Anybody got a copy of the story?

[wenchbarwer]

My Two Cents: AFL funding needed to support SANFL women’s growth, clubs say
They’re nation-leading producers of top talent but they’re being short-changed where it counts, writes Andrew Capel.

The players are coming but the money isn’t.

As the eighth season of the AFL Women’s competition prepares to kick off at the end of the month, SANFL clubs are asking the question, “what about us?’’

The SANFL Women’s League has become a huge breeding ground for AFLW talent but the financial investment isn’t floating back from the big league, putting the state league clubs under increasing pressure in their bids to continue to produce star talent.

Take South Adelaide for example.

Boasting the SANFL’s most successful women’s program, having last month won a record third SANFLW premiership when they beat Norwood by five points in the grand final, the Panthers have had 16 players drafted to the AFLW since 2018.

Eleven are still on AFLW lists and a couple more are likely to find AFLW homes at December’s draft.

But apart from the satisfaction of helping young players achieve their national league goals and being recognised as a great breeding ground, South doesn’t have any lasting financial legacy to show for its stellar AFLW hit rate.

Unlike their men’s teams, who were once financially rewarded for having their players drafted to the AFL (this money now goes into a general talent pool of funds spread evenly among the clubs), there is no direct talent funding going towards the female talent programs at the eight standalone state league clubs.

So they get zero financial reward for producing AFLW players.

South chief executive Neill Sharpe believes that needs to change to ensure the clubs can continue to invest in their women’s programs and add to the production line of young talent AFLW clubs feed off.

“There’s been significant growth in female football and the proliferation of the AFLW teams (which rose to 18 in 2022) and we at South Adelaide would be leading the pack in terms of producing AFLW talent in South Australia, which we are proud of,’’ Sharpe said.

“But we receive no extra funding from the AFL for having so many players drafted, which is disappointing.

“Our female football programs are very important to us but to give the girls the resources they need costs a lot of money and is becoming more and more financially challenging,

“Our facilities for female football are not where they need to be and we’d love to be able to invest more in them in the future, but from a cost point of view, without extra funding, it’s very hard for us to do that.

“We feel let down by the fact we are not getting more support from the AFL and I know we’re not the only club that feels that way.’’

Sharpe said that while the SANFL contributed $87,000 annually to each club to fund a female football manager, most clubs would be spending about $200,000 on their women’s programs.

This goes towards staffing, coaching, apparel and medical expenses while there are also extra lighting and oval maintenance costs.

The introduction of a women’s development league three years ago has increased costs while the main competition grew from 12 to 14 minor round series this year.

A salary cap of $30,000 will be introduced to the SANFLW for the first time next season but this expense will be offset by additional grants from the SANFL.

South has been a SANFLW trailblazer.

Apart from winning SANFLW premierships in 2018, 2019 and 2024 and two Development League flags in 2023 and 2024, it has a rich history of developing AFLW players.

Those to have made the jump include Nikki Nield (nee Gore) - who won this year’s SANFLW medal - Lisa Whiteley, Montana McKinnon, Nicole Campbell, Cheyenne Hammond, Courtney Gum, Hannah Munyard, Teah Charlton, Indy Tahau, Tahlia Meyer, Jess Waterhouse, Taylah Levy, Elise Barwick, Brooke Boileau, Alissa Brook and Holly Ifould, with most hailing from the southern suburbs.

Three of them were selected with the Adelaide Crows’ first pick at a draft - Nield in 2018, McKinnon in 2019 and Charlton in 2020.

2024 premiership pair Esther Schirmer and Lily Baxter are in line to be drafted in December when the AFLW draft will become fully national for the first time.

The national women’s league continues to evolve, with a pay increase as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

From this year, AFLW draftees can earn up to $83,837 a year in salary and relocation allowances.

But the SANFLW teams are doing it tough.

SANFL executive general manager football Matt Duldig said he recognised there was a “great need’’ for more funding for women’s football to meet the growth of the game.

He said SANFL clubs were playing a significant role in the development of female talent but that they needed to be supported with additional investment.

“Our SANFL clubs are doing an outstanding job in developing female talent and are really building a strong base. This is supporting the 18 AFLW clubs and strengthening the elite competition,” Duldig said.

“However, it’s important to consider additional investment as part of the bigger picture of women and girls football in South Australia.”

It’s time for the AFL to act.