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

WEST ADELAIDE:

Abbie Ballard
Midfielder | Over-ager

The over-age talent has a potent left foot that can impact a game when she is able to find time and space. She attacks the contest hard and is a natural ball-winner, racking up big numbers week-in, week-out. Unfortunately Ballard has missed the final cut of 30 for the Academy due to an ankle injury which required surgery lately, and is racing the clock to impact later on this season.

Scarlett Griffiths
Forward | Top-ager

A talented forward with some nice upside, Griffiths uses the ball well and can take good grabs overhead. Possessing some athleticism, she is one who could really step up in 2021 as a top-ager and have an even greater influence on the contest after some promising performances last season.

Abby Hardwick
Forward | Top-ager

Much like Ballard, Hardwick is racing the clock to be fit sooner rather than later. Having strained her quad in the preseason, Hardwick is expected to be back much sooner, and as another forward with good athleticism and strong overhead, is a crucial player to the West Adelaide setup.

Keeley Kustermann
Defender | Bottom-ager

One of the most talented teenagers in the competition, Kustermann earned SANFLW Team of the Year honours in her first season last year, and has such a well-balanced game. She is equally impressive in the air or at ground level and is able to read the ball off half-back and drive it forward. As a 2022 draft prospect, Kustermann stands as one of the top ones to watch for next year, with an ability to hit targets under pressure.

Tamika May
Defender | Top-ager

A raw talent compared to some of her other teammates, May is coming into her second season having had experience at League level last year. Still developing her fundamentals, May is another Bloods defender who could step up with the absence of Madison Newman and other AFL Women’s teammates.

Zoe Venning
Midfielder/Forward | Top-ager

A tenacious midfielder/forward, Venning attacks the contest hard and is not afraid to take on much bigger opponents. Speaking to Draft Central in the preseason, Venning said her goal was to improve her skill to round out her intensity and work rate, also being one of the better athletes across the competition. She had a huge impact for the Bloods last season, and now as a top-ager could take the next step up in her development.

WWT EAGLES:

Charlotte Dolan
Utility | Top-ager

Entering what will be only her second season at SANFL Women’s level, the Eagles utility has shown great progression throughout 2020 and will look to build on that in 2021. Having played as a running defender, wing and also on the inside, Dolan has the traits to be a versatile player with a high-level endurance base from her surf lifesaving and soccer.

Jamie Parish
Defender | Top-ager

Parish had a solid season in 2020 with a strong finish to the year, stepping up in the back 50 for the Eagles. Not a huge ball-winner, but Parish makes the most of her chances and is strong overhead and not afraid to play both offensive and defensive roles out of defence.

Jaida Tabb
Midfielder | Top-ager

The younger sister of former Adelaide talent Jaimi, Tabb is one who got a taste of SANFL Women’s action last season and will be looking to build on that in 2021. Much like her sister, Tabb possesses a mix of power and speed that will help her attack the contest with vigour. She is expected to play an increased role in 2021 after a couple of strong seasons at local level for SMOSH West Lakes.

Picture credit: Karley J Photography