IN the third of four SANFL Women’s Ones to Watch, we take a look at those South Adelaide and Sturt players inside the South Australian Under-19 State Academy, and what they could offer to their club.

SOUTH ADELAIDE:

Tahlita Buethke
Midfielder | Over-ager

Of the over-agers still in the Academy, Buethke could be one of the biggest movers in terms of her progression in 2021. She has a lot of potential, and felt at home for the Panthers, with her speed and marking among her strengths. She hopes to play on a wing where she can use her strengths to advantage and take the game on.

Lauren Clifton
Forward | Top-ager

As a bottom-ager, Clifton showed her potential to compete against older opponents last season, stepping up to be named in the All-Stars match where she slotted a goal up forward. A player with plenty of potential and a high work rate, Clifton can use the ball well and run hard to get to the right positions.

Gypsy Schirmer
Forward/Midfielder | Top-ager

The most exciting player to keep an eye on from a top-age perspective, Schirmer went from strength to strength last year and was deservedly added to the AFL Women’s National Academy. She has plenty of upside and her nous around goals is terrific. She can push up and play on a wing, with her overhead marking and impact among her best traits. We spoke with her at the preseason testing.

Sarah Wright
Defender | Over-ager

Unfortunately Wright suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her top-age year, so will return to try and impact in 2021. Now as an over-ager, Wright is one who is a strong defender and will be keen to have better luck to add extra depth to a strong back six at the Panthers.

STURT:

Alex Ballard
Utility | Over-ager

With a knack to play anywhere on the field, it was Ballard’s performance in the All-Stars game last year that reminded spectators what she is capable of. She plays as a loose intercepting defender with a penetrating kick and an ability to move the ball quickly, which helps transition the ball from one end to the other. Looking to improve her fitness this year, Ballard is one that is more than capable at League level and remains a talent to keep an eye on in 2021.

Hannah Prenzler
Defender | Over-ager

The reliable defender is a natural leader, and possesses a pinpoint kick. Having spent some time at half-forward, the teenager is most suited to half-back where she is able to read the ball in flight, intercept and then drive the ball forward making the right decisions. As someone who has proven to be incredibly coachable over the years, Prenzler is looking to iron out improvements and build on her game.

Zoe Prowse
Ruck/Midfielder | Top-ager

The highly-touted top-ager who is in her second year in the AFL Women’s National Academy is set for a new role in 2021. Speaking to Draft Central at the preseason testing event, Prowse said she would roll through the midfield rather than be the number one ruck, and show off her versatility and athleticism for a taller player. Able to play just about anywhere, Prowse is the top South Australian prospect in 2021.

Georgia Swan
Forward | Top-ager

A talented forward who has shown some real promising signs over the past couple of years, Swan is a crafty forward who adds a different dimension to the Double Blues’ front half. She is strong overhead and knows where the goals are, but often roams up the ground to win the ball and doubles back to aide teammates. One to watch as an improver this year.

Picture credit: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images