NORWOOD has undergone a series of change over the last few seasons, from reaching the grand final in 2024 to slumping to seventh on the ladder last season. A change of coaches sees Central District premiership mentor Ben Hunt take over the reigns of the Redlegs who will look to build back up the ladder again.

LAST SEASON

Norwood struggled to string together consistency, and winning just two games in their first seven proved too much to overcome, before finishing with three losses to end the year. The Redlegs have enough talent on the list, but it is about bringing through the next core group of talent.

2026 FIXTURE:

Round 1: vs. South Adelaide | April 18 @ Magain Stadium
Round 2: vs. North Adelaide | April 25 @ Revo Fitness Stadium
Round 3: vs. Glenelg | May 2 @ Coopers Stadium*
Round 4: vs. West Adelaide | May 9 @ X Convenience Oval
Round 5: vs. North Adelaide | May 23 @ Coopers Stadium
Round 6: vs. Central District | May 30 @ Thomas Farms Oval*
Round 7: vs. Sturt | June 8 @ Thomas Farms Oval
Round 8: vs. South Adelaide | June 20 @ Revo Fitness Oval*
Round 9: vs. Woodville-West Torrens | June 27 @ Maughan Thiem Kia Oval
Round 10: vs. Glenelg | July 4 @ Stratarama Stadium*
Round 11: vs. Central District | July 18 @ Coopers Stadium
Round 12: vs. Sturt | July 25 @ Richmond Oval*
Round 13: vs. West Adelaide | August 1 @ Richmond Oval
Round 14: vs. Woodville-West Torrens | August 8 @ Coopers Stadium

* Denotes full-league four-game day at one venue

CHANGES

Norwood has had a massive overhaul from its 2025 list with a number of experienced players changing scenery. Sophie Armitstead (North Adelaide), Tahlita Buethke and Jiarna Zerella (Woodville-West Torrens) and Adrienne Davies (West Adelaide) have departed for other SANFLW clubs and left and experience hole, while Candice Belbin headed home to the Apple Isle to play with Tasmania Devils and Charli Hazelhurst was picked up by Fremantle in the AFLW Draft.

The Redlegs do regain speedster Coby Morgan from Port Adelaide, while Ashley Baker has crossed from the Eagles, and Amy Gaedtke followed coach Hunt from Elizabeth to The Parade. Local talent Abby Klaebe also comes with big wraps.

DRAFT WATCH

The Redlegs will look to the classy Charlee Brooksby and towering ruck Kate Alexander as their top two draft prospects in 2026. Brooksby has serious class and is dual-sided much like her older sister Molly, hoping to join the Port Adelaide player at the elite level. She is more of a half-back/wing with some damaging outside traits, while Alexander imposes herself on the contest with her height and physicality.

Another top-ager in the State Academy is Elke Cameron who has had League experience before, while the Redlegs have a stack of bottom-age talents to watch. Without a doubt the top name to keep in mind is Lani Cocks who is not only in the conversation for best South Australian prospect of 2027, but pushing the very top names in the country. She oozes class and skill, with comparisons to another country kid who moved to the city for more footballing opportunities, Shineah Goody.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Despite the loss of experience, the Redlegs still have a core group of really good players who will compete with quite a few sides. Defender Emily Bartsch should remain in AFLW Draft conversations, while Jade Halfpenny is a proven top state leaguer who has shown she can also step up at the top level. Sarah Branford, Steph Simmonds and Georgie Jaques are rock solid players who are amongst the best in the state, while Lana Schwerdt and Sophie Arkun are always consistent contributors for the Redlegs.

PREDICTION

There is a lot of change afoot at the Redlegs, so expect it will take Norwood time to gel. They have a good core of players and some exciting young prospects coming through, but it’s tough to see them challenging for a flag this season. They could surprise some teams along the way in 2026, but the early rounds will tell if the Redlegs will be challenging for finals or not.