HAVING just passed the halfway mark of the SANFL Women’s season a fortnight ago, the competition is shaping up as one of the tightest finishes yet, with seven of the eight teams still in realistic finals contention. All bar the winless North Adelaide have a shot at making the post-season series, which makes for an entertaining last six rounds of the regular season.
HISTORY
It is the first time the SANFLW has gone to 14 rounds before, so history is sure to be made this year. Last season six wins (from 12 games) was enough to make the top four, though in the end only percentage separated the fourth placed Sturt from the fifth placed Glenelg.
Based off that, it is safe to assume that seven wins will be around the mark, with eight a likely figure to secure the spot. With six rounds remaining, it means the likes of Woodville-West Torrens and Sturt cannot afford too many slip ups, while Glenelg is potentially one win away from confirming a spot in the top eight.
TOP SIDE
Glenelg
The Bays are sitting pretty after eight rounds with a healthy 7-1 record and the second highest percentage of anyone in the league. Bar a slip up to South Adelaide, Glenelg has maintained its place as the side to beat this year, and now has a two-game gap on the Panthers, Central District and West Adelaide.
CONTENDERS
South Adelaide
Coming into Round 8, South Adelaide was on a five-game winning streak which included an ominous win over the Bays. Looking like the best side in the comp, the Panthers were humbled by Norwood in a reminder just how tight the competition is. They remain one of the top contenders and will be hungry to bounce back this week.
Central District
The reigning premiers have not quite found the air of dominance they had in patches last season, but are the team that no one really wants to play when they are up and going. The Dogs can go cold in matches, but when they are hot, they are near-unstoppable. Their ability to score quickly and catch just about any deficit is a quality that opposition sides are aware of.
West Adelaide
The Bloods have bounced back from three consecutive losses to post back-to-back wins in the games prior to the bye to now sit at 5-3 for the season and on level pegging with the Panthers and Dogs. The win over Norwood could end up being the difference between making and missing finals, though their percentage is far lower than the Redlegs who are ready to pounce.
Norwood
New coach Brad Ferrall has his team ready to strike and the Redlegs are coming off an incredible win over South Adelaide a fortnight ago. They have the third best percentage in the league and such a well-balanced team, no one can write them off. They can get it done both offensively and defensively too depending on the individual match.
ON THE VERGE
Woodville-West Torrens
No doubt many are willing the Eagles on to grab their breakthrough fourth win and officially call 2024 their best season yet. They have been agonisingly close in a couple of losses and still boast a percentage better than Central District and West Adelaide. The Eagles need to transform those honourable losses into wins if they are to make finals for the first time though.
Sturt
On paper, the Double Blues are a finals side, the only problem is, you could say the same for most of the seven other teams. They have a young defence which has transformed this year, but their midfield can fire and there are dangers up forward. Slow starts can hurt, but if they can start hitting their best form, they are a danger. Need to get moving and notch up some wins as they do not have the luxury of percentage.
FINDING THEIR FEET
North Adelaide
The Roosters sit anchored to the bottom of the ladder winless with eight straight losses to start the 2024 season. They have seemed to improve at times, but also not quick clicking for four quarters. Like Sturt on paper, the Roosters have some outstanding players, and are blooding youngsters to give them senior experience. It is a case of how many apple carts they can upset in the run home.
