AFTER going down to the Vics a year earlier, South Australia’s top female talent has triumphed in a two-point nail-biter in 2026. The SANFLW ground past the VFLW 3.4 (22) to 2.8 (20), making more of their seven scoring shots compared to their opponents 10 in victory at Stratarama Stadium.

The game was part of a double-header with the men’s match between the same opponents, and while the VFL got the chocolates in that one, the SANFLW were able to ensure both states walked away with some silverware. After a goalless first term from both sides, it did not take long for Collingwood VFLW midfielder and reigning Rising Star winner Tahlia Sanger to hit the scoreboard for the ‘Big V’.

She put her team 10-0 up at that stage, and it took until the ever-reliable Klaudia O’Neill made no mistake from a set shot eight minutes later. The star-studded midfields of both sides were going at it, and by half-time just three points separated the teams.

A third quarter goal to Glenelg recruit and former Norwood and Eagles sharpshooter Kiana Lee gave the home team a buffer, and when the naturally gifted Melissa Anderson made no mistake in the final term, the lead had stretched out to nine points.

However it was far from being done, with Stella Reid finally striking gold for the Vics, cutting the deficit back to just three points with more than 10 minutes left in the game. Eventual best on ground Dominique Carbone had a chance in the last six minutes, but the South Australian defence was up to the task.

Carbone finished with 28 disposals, four tackles and six inside 50s in a starring performance for the losing side, while Essendon VFLW skipper El Chaston showed similar leadership with 18 disposals, eight marks, three tackles and five inside 50s.

However it was the evenness of the SANFLW that stood out, with Central District over-ager Mikaylah Antony reminding AFLW clubs of what she is capable of at her best. The Bulldogs prospect had 21 disposals, six tackles and two rebound 50s in a best-on performance for her side.

South Adelaide tall defender Tiffany King (19 disposals, three marks and five rebound 50s) and Woodville-West Torrens’ Alice Tentye – in a defensive role compared to her midfield/attack position last season – both had pivotal moments coming out of the back 50. Sturt ball-winner Isobel Kuiper,, reigning league best and fairest winner Zoe Venning and Central District skipper Laitiah Huynh also caught the eye.

Alongside the already mentioned Victorians, ex-AFLW players Reid (18 disposals, three marks, two tackles, two inside 50s and a goal), Alana Barba (15 disposals, four tackles and two rebound 50s) and Kayley Kavanagh (14 disposals, two marks and six tackles) all looked good for their state.

SANFLW 0.0 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 3.4 (22)
VFLW 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 2.8 (20)

GOALS:
SANFLW: M. Anderson, K. Lee, K. O’Neill
VFLW: S. Reid, T. Sanger

BEST:
SANFLW: M. Antony, T. King, A. Tentye, I. Kuiper, Z. Venning
VFLW: D. Carbone, E. Chaston. S. Reid, T. Sanger, A. Barba