SOUTH Australia has cast an eye to the next two drafts with the announcement of the 2026 Under 18 Girls Academy announced yesterday. The 46-player squad features the Croweaters’ four National Academy members and countless players who have already impressed at SANFLW level.

Among those in the squad are South Adelaide duo Emma Charlton and Taya Maxwell who both loom as potential top five picks in next year’s draft. Charlton, the younger sister of Adelaide’s Teah, won the state’s Under 18s MVP as a bottom-ager as well as best on ground in the Panthers’ premiership win. While Maxwell’s season ended early due to injury, the towering utility is right in the mix for pick one contention.

The other two National Academy members are athletic utility Miyu Endersby (Central District) and 2024 AFLW U16s MVP Emily Mableson (West Adelaide). A couple of familiar names in Polly Turner – daughter of Peter who is eligible to both Adelaide and Carlton – and Charlee Brooksby – sister of Port Adelaide’s Molly are also among first round chances in next year’s draft.

South Australia has the potential to produce a massive draft haul next season, with the likes of Eagles trio Lucy Moore, Julia Faulkner and Ruby Lynch, South Adelaide pair Hope Taylor and Layla Vizgaudis, and Glenelg ball-winner Georgie Fielder all in the top 40 prospects in the 2026 draft crop at this stage.

Looking ahead to 2027 and Norwood star Lani Cocks and Eagles’ talent Maia Freemantle are two names to jot down. They have already shown experience beyond their years. Classy Centrals left-footer Charlotte Maurits and Sturt duo Lily Whiteman and Madeline Nuss are just a couple to remember from that draft crop.

From a team perspective, Norwood leads the way with nine representatives in the squad, one more than Central District, while North Adelaide (seven) is in a clear third spot. South Adelaide, Sturt and Woodville-West Torrens all have three apiece, while Glenelg (four) and West Adelaide (three) round out the eight sides.

2026 SA U18 Girls Academy