AS PART of a new countdown series leading into the 2023 South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s season, we will name 23 players to watch who are under 23. We are only looking at those players who were born January 1, 2000 or later, have played a SANFL Women’s senior match and have never been on an AFL Women’s list. Today we are up to number #13 and it is competition leading goalkicker, Norwood’s Alana Lishmund.

#13 Alana Lishmund (Norwood)

DOB: 13/08/2003
Height: 168cm
Position: Medium Forward
Local club: Hope Valley

Alana Lishmund has had quite the footballing journey coming through the South Australian pathways and at the Redlegs. After predominantly playing through midfield, Lishmund was thrown forward in 2022 with great success. She not only held her own inside 50, but went so far as to win the leading goalkicker award. In a side that narrowly missed out on finals and lacked a real key position type like other teams, Lishmund shone as that medium type who lead out and hit the scoreboard consistently.

>> 2023 FEATURE | Confident Lishmund thrives in front of goal
>> 2021 FEATURE | Lishmund one of the Valley’s great hopes

It was a remarkable revival in many ways for the naturally gifted Lishmund. She averaged the 14.7 disposals, 3.3 marks, 2.0 rebound 50s and just over a clearance and inside 50 per game at the 2021 AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships. Though having obvious traits as a midfielder, Lishmund branched out to trial up forward, and it was an overwhelming success. In the 2022 SANFL Women’s season, the Norwood talent kicked 18 goals in 11 games, averaging 10.4 disposals, 2.4 marks and 3.9 tackles.

Incredibly despite the move forward, Lishmund won more of the ball, and had a far more consistent impact in the game. In a remarkable run, the over-age talent kicked a goal in each of her first 10 games, including a four-goal haul against Glenelg and three-goal effort against West Adelaide, outscoring both opposition sides by herself. She also kicked two goals in different games against Sturt, and another two goals against West Adelaide, only going goalless in the final round defeat to South Adelaide.

Lishmund is a simple, yet effective player. She is strong overhead, has the footy smarts inside 50 and is both a booming and accurate kick. She can launch goals from outside 50 if required, with her typical shot coming from the 35-40m range. When she does kick a goal, she brings natural enthusiasm to the group, celebrating in her own unique style.

In 2023, Lishmund turns 20 so is still quite young, and will only get better from the experience. Showcasing her consistency against quality defenders, she will hope to build on her 2022 with even greater impact this season, looking to get further up the ground. A readymade talent should an AFLW club turn to her, Lishmund remains a player to watch for the upcoming SANFL Women’s season.

2021 ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW AT THE AFLW UNDER 19 CHAMPIONSHIPS: