New Talent League in town for South Australian juniors
A FRESHLY named AAMI Talent League will kick off later this month with the announcement of the South Australian junior fixtures. AAMI has extended its support of football in the state to all SANFL talent programs, which means the Under 18s – boys and girls – and Under 16 boys, will fall under the recently minted name.
While the boys competitions have taken place before, the Under 18 Girls’ Talent League will begin its inaugural season. The league replaces the previous SANFLW Development League, with the emphasis on the future of South Australian female talent. It also aligns with the WAFLW’s structure of having the Rogers Cup – Under 18s competition – alongside a senior league.
The AAMI Talent League might create some confusion amongst readers given the Victorian equivalent is also named the Talent League – previously sponsored by Coates – the South Australian version starts earlier with the Under 18s Girls on February 28. The Under 18 boys begins as a midweek fixture on Wednesday, March 18, while the Under 16s season commences on Friday, March 27.
The Under 14s Boys league will begin on the same date as the Under 18 Girls, but will retain the title of ‘Hostplus SANFL U14 Boys’ competition name.
SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said the expansion of AAMI’s partnership with SANFL was an enormous boost for talent development in South Australia.
“AAMI has been a proud supporter of football at all levels in South Australia and we are absolutely thrilled to have them come on board to support our talent development programs and the AAMI Talent League,” Chandler said.
“The new partnership is set to take the AAMI Talent League to a new level in 2026 and further strengthen our premier underage competitions.
“The AAMI Talent League provides the best possible talent pathway for boys and girls, as well as coaches and umpires, giving them the best opportunity to participate at either SANFL or AFL level in the future.”
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