WINNING the AFL Women’s Under 16s Development Championships for a third straight year, South Australia continued its unbelievable form at the level. After a tight victory over Western Australia on the road, the Croweaters returned home to take care of the Brisbane Lions Academy.

RESULTS:

South Australia 8.5 (53) def. Western Australia 6.4 (40) | Scouting Notes
South Australia 12.8 (80) def. Brisbane Lions Academy 3.6 (24) | Scouting Notes

TOP TALENT:

#8 Maia Freemantle
Woodville-West Torrens | 168cm | 13/04/2009

It was a really even team performance with Freemantle one of the top prospects from the Croweaters. Already having gained SANFLW experience with Woodville-West Torrens in 2025, Freemantle put those learnings to good use against her peers. She moves well in traffic, has great awareness of the game and usually makes good decisions with ball in hand. Her ability to cover the ground is very good, and can lower the eyes going inside 50 to hit forwards.

NAMES TO REMEMBER:

#2 Lillian Thomas
Norwood | 163cm | 07/09/2009

Is a livewire in the forward half and has the balance between offensive and defensive traits that catch the eye. Thomas averaged 10 disposals, four tackles and a goal at the championships, so not numbers that necessarily jump off the page, but she played her role to perfection. Thomas’ footy IQ inside 50 allows her to get into the right positions and her work rate does the rest. She could have had one or two more goals with luck, but has exciting natural talent.

#4 Charlotte Maurits
Central District | 166cm | 19/03/2009

In terms of upside, Maurits might have the most of the top-age South Australians and her form was rewarded with a debut at Central Districts in today’s Good Friday clash. In the win over the Lions Academy, her performance looked reminiscent of the work ex-Dog Jasmine Evans did as the pair bear similar traits. Both are incredibly classy and skilful, and are capable of playing either midfield or forward. She kicked a couple of really magnificent goals including one tight up against the boundary threading the eye of a needle.

#7 Lani Cocks
Norwood | 161cm | 15/09/2009

Cracked in across both games and was able to find plenty of the ball and be involved across all thirds of the ground. She has some great speed off the mark, and her contest-to-contest work is what underpins her game. She applies plenty of defensive pressure and though only small, punches well above her weight. An unassuming hard worker who makes her teammates better, Cocks is one who will likely push for senior selection at SANFLW level soon enough.

#31 Lara Gribben
Norwood | 184cm | 02/07/2010

Incredible to think that the powerful Gribben is only a bottom-ager, but the ruck-forward looms a key of the future. She is strong overhead, competes in the air then is happy to get her hands dirty at ground level like another midfielder. When she gets front position she is too tall and strong to move, and she averaged 6.5 disposals and hitouts, while kicking three goals across the two games. Importantly takes the ball at the highest point and will only get better over the next few years.

OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED:

There were a heap of Sturt prospects who caught the eye including Madeline Nuss and Lily Whiteman which shows the Double Blues are set for the future. Already having debuted at SANFLW level, Iris Newman was rock solid throughout, while Caitlin Hardin was consistent and has been knocking on the door of a senior level debut.