SOUTH Australia has announced its historic 30-player squad to represent the state against Western Australia in Perth on Saturday, May 4. The clash between the SANFL Women’s and WAFL Women’s will be a curtain-raiser for the West Coast and Essendon AFL men’s clash, and the first time a SANFL Women’s side has been formed.

The 30-player squad – which was decided after the internal trial on the weekend – features six former AFLW listed players and only those over 18 years-old. While eligible to make the team, coach Courtney Cramer and her panel of selectors that includes current SANFLW coaches Narelle Smith, Ben Hunt and Michael O’Connor, opted not to name any State Academy members.

Prior to the match, the state league squad will be trimmed to just 22 players, with a dangerous forwardline and rock solid midfield. Among those named in the squad are ball magnets Jessica Bates, Zoe Venning and Shelby Smith, while the WAFL Women’s will need to deal with the contested marking abilities of Jade Halfpenny, Katelyn Rosenzweig and McKenzie Dowrick up forward. Dowrick is of course familiar with the WAFL Women’s, having played in the competition prior to relocating to South Australia.

Woodville-West Torrens had the most representatives in the side with six players, ahead of reigning premiers Central District, and current ladder leaders Glenelg with five apiece. Norwood managed four, with West Adelaide having three. North Adelaide, South Adelaide and Sturt comprised the final six players in the squad with two each.

2024 SANFLW State Squad