WEST Adelaide top-ager Chelsea Newitt started the 2026 SANFL Women’s season in ripping form for the Bloods as the talented utility is looking forward to making every post a winner this year. Capable of being deployed in a number of roles, Newitt thrives on using her offensive traits to impact games, and she is gunning for a spot in the final Under 18s state squad.
We spoke to Newitt at the South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Chelsea, give us a bit of a rundown into your footy journey, the pathway you took to where you are now.
CN: “I started at Unley Jets maybe year six-ish, so it was kind of late on. I did a lot of school footy for Concordia and then I moved to Goodwood Saints about two years ago. During most of that pathway I’ve been doing the Westies Academy that they do with the young girls, which was a really fun experience – I loved that. Last year was my first league debut and now I’m here. I did under 16s stage two years ago but I got into the team and didn’t get to play in the end, so I’ve come back hoping to go further this time.”
Q: What’s your favourite position?
CN: “I don’t really feel like I’ve got a solidified position right now. Last year I played a lot of high half-forward which I really enjoyed as I had a lot more freedom. This year there are suggestions I might be on the wing, the offensive wing and forward line, rotating throughout there.”
Q: What are the strengths in your game?
CN: “I think I’ve got a good aggression towards the ball and I can help make paths for a lot of plays, especially in the forward line. Get a handball out to someone running through to kick a goal, help with link-ups, those things. I think I’m pretty fast. I can make aerials and ground balls so I like to think I’m versatile.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?
CN: “I’ve been doing so much kicking with my dad and my friends, so I’m really trying to improve my accuracy with short hard passes, that’s going to help with the fluidity of my game.”
Q: Which AFLW club do you support?
CN: “Crows, day one Crows. It starts in the family, you just have to continue.”
Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?
CN: “Women’s, my friend Lucy (Waye) got drafted this year so I look up to her, she’s an inspiration to me. But I really like Maddie Newman, I look up to her a lot, I love her gameplay and her aggression towards the ball. And then (Darcy) Fogarty — I’ve always loved Fog, he’s a really good player, just so easy to watch.”
Q: What goals have you set for yourself this year?
CN: “At the start of the year I like to write down my plan so I have some direction of where I’m going. I would really love to play some games for the under 18s state team – that’s my main goal. Then obviously it’s my draft year, so that’s something to look forward to if I make it there. But I’m just trying not to look too far ahead and take it one step at a time – get in the team first, play games, then progress from there.”
Q: Who has had the most influence on your career?
CN: “My dad. He influences me to strive for the best and know that nothing really limits me and to take full advantage of my opportunities. Otherwise my friends. I’ve got a lot of really close friends in my team and seeing them strive towards their goals encourages me. We kind of bounce off each other and help each other.”
Q: How are you feeling going into this year with West Adelaide?
CN: “I’m excited. We have a new coach so we’re using a lot of different gameplays that I’m still trying to get used to, but we’ve also got some new people in the team so it’s going to be exciting to see what we can do and see our new potential.”
