IN a new series over the course of January, Rookie Me Central takes a look at some of the clubs across the nation that could be worth watching for a combination of AFL and AFLW Draft prospects, as well as being ultra-competitive or a title contender in their respective competitions.

Next up in our series is crossing to the SANFL Women’s where 2022 premiers North Adelaide Roosters are highlighted. The Roosters missed out on finals in 2023 having lost a stack of players to either the previous AFL Women’s Draft, injury or the VFLW, which meant continuity was difficult.

Heading into 2023 though, the Roosters are set to play a major role once again, with Glenelg premiership coach Jason Fairall taking over the reigns from premiership coach Krissie Steen having had a stint with the South Australian Under 16s state team this year.

North Adelaide missed the regularity of having the likes of Hannah Ewings, Amelie Borg and Jade De Melo in the lineup last season, with Ewings and Borg still featuring, but with limited appearances due to Port Adelaide’s preseason training.

Heading into 2024, while the limits to Ewings and Borg will still be in place, the Roosters have got proactive with recruiting once again. They have welcomed back winger Erica Greet after the premiership player had an impressive VFLW season with the Western Bulldogs, and their departures have largely been for greater opportunities at other clubs.

Along with Greet, the big signing was Woodville-West Torrens’ junior Jemma Charity who joined the Roosters alongside older sister, Chloe. The younger Charity earned All-Australian honours last season and looms as a potential top 30 prospect in 2024, with an ability to play on all three lines and possessing a deadly kick.

A member of the Eagles’ leadership group, Chloe will also be able to slot into a role be it in defence where she is most familiar, or attack where she was trialled in stints over the past 12 months. Both players headline a number of recruits, with Teagan Robins coming across from premiers Central District, while tall Letisha Ackland flew the coop to head to the kennel.

Of the departures, Chelsea Farr played the most games, racking up 12.3 disposals and 7.1 tackles per match across 11 of the possible 12 games for the Roosters and playing a key role through the middle. However expect Charity to step into that North Adelaide midfield for a huge boost, while Greet will be another outside option for the Roosters.

North Adelaide has had one of the most consistent defences headlined by co-skipper Kristi Harvey who even ventured up the other end of the field in 2023. She along with fellow co-captain Jessica Edwards who was a shining light through the midfield, added much needed experience in there. Tasmanian Aprille Crooks got better as the season went on and could be another midfield option in 2024.

From a youth perspective, Laela Ebert headlines North Adelaide’s draft prospects, with Jayde Visser and Sarcha Taylor another couple of talents for the future. Though Ebert played a largely defensive role across her state carnival, she has the potential to step up more offensively, and could show that in Roosters colours this season.

North Adelaide remains one of the teams to watch in the 2024 SANFL Women’s season, with reigning premiers Central District and runners-up South Adelaide up there again, but plenty of hopefuls looking to take the crown off the Dogs.