ANOTHER season of SANFL Women’s action is just around the corner, and while the league year is a little later than usual, South Australian footy fans have the brand new AAMI Talent League to look forward to starting February 28. As has become an annual tradition for Rookie Me Central, we name our top juniors from the league to keep an eye on for the year ahead with the only criteria being either top-age or younger.

We continue our top 15 players to watch countdown – which will run over the three weeks to finish on the eve of the Talent League season – with the versatile North Adelaide tall Polly Turner – eligible as a father-daughter to both Adelaide and Carlton – next up.

North Adelaide Women's, South Australia GirlsTall Utility

Polly Turner

Height: 177cm

Weight: -

DOB: 16-01-2008

Positional Analysis

Turner has spent time up both ends, first as a contested marking forward, then down in the back half where she can both defend strongly, and take off with some offensive drive as well. The North Adelaide prospect felt at home behind the ball in 2025 and will likely slot in there again, but has the ability to flick the switch and become a target inside 50 too.

2025 Stats

SANFLW | 10.5 disposals | 2.4 marks | 3.3 tackles | 1.8 inside 50s | 1.1 rebound 50s | 9 goals (13 games)

AFLW U18s | 11.0 disposals | 2.0 marks | 2.0 hitouts | 1.8 tackles | 1.8 rebound 50s | 1 goal (4 games)

Key Strengths

Turner’s hands above her head are very good and her ability to weave between opponents also catches the eye. Not explosive as such, Turner has that basketball background made famous by the likes of Scott Pendlebury, so her ability to find gaps through traffic is a brilliant point of difference. A nice long and penetrating kick as well, she has the traditional traits for a tall utility of marking and kicking, but a few extra perks that make her an important player.

2026

Heading into her top-age season, Turner is primed to cement her spot likely in defence. She stands at 176cm and has the aerial ability to compete with even taller key position players. Tied to both Adelaide and Carlton through father Peter (Crows three games, Blues two), Turner is a member of the Crows Academy. She will look to contribute to North Adelaide going deeper in the finals series, as well as being a focal point for the Croweaters at the national championships.

Summary

Polly Turner is a valuable tall who has proven herself up both ends. Possessing strong hands and a booming kick, Turner is a handful for most opposition one-on-one. If she is able to continue to build her endurance and therefore consistency, she will have sustained impact on games for longer and go to another level again.