THE SANFLW finals series is here, with a blockbuster double-header at Revo Fitness Oval deciding who advances to the Grand Final and who sees their campaign come to an end.

Minor premier Woodville-West Torrens has an immediate chance to atone for its 38-point Round 14 loss to Norwood in the Second Semi Final, where the winner advances directly to the premiership decider and the loser earns a preliminary final lifeline. North Adelaide and Sturt face off for the second week in a row in the First Semi Final, but this time there is no margin for error: the winner advances to meet the loser of the Second Semi Final and the defeated side is eliminated.

SANFLW SEMI FINALS FIXTURE:

Woodville-West Torrens vs. Norwood | Revo Fitness Oval, Sunday August 16, 11:00am
North Adelaide vs. Sturt | Revo Fitness Oval, Sunday August 16, 1:10pm

SEASON SO FAR

Woodville-West Torrens (9-3-2) claimed the minor premiership but enters finals on the back of a 38-point loss to its opponent Norwood, at Coopers Stadium. Lucy Moore battled hard with 25 disposals, nine tackles, six inside 50s and six clearances, while Maia Freemantle (17 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s), Jedah Huf (four rebound 50s) and Ruby Lynch (17 disposals, five inside 50s) were all solid. It was a rare off night for the Eagles, who were held to 16 inside 50s fewer than the Redlegs and will need to respond quickly against the same opponent.

Norwood (9-4-1) stormed into second spot – and the double chance – off the back of that 38-point triumph. Lani Cocks was best-on with three goals, 27 disposals and seven inside 50s, while Jade Halfpenny (23 disposals, nine tackles and five rebound 50s), Coby Morgan (18 disposals, eight inside 50s) and Stephanie Simmonds (15 disposals, four marks) led from the front. The Redlegs had nine individual goalkickers and made a significant statement after finishing seventh in 2025.

CHANGES

Woodville-West Torrens make four inclusions, welcoming back Marie Martino, Zahlia Niemann, Chanel Rugari and Mia Smith. Asha Gooley is the only out, omitted.

Norwood also makes four changes, with Emma Clark, Sharmaine Crosby, Sophie Palmer and Mykaela Walker coming into the side. Sophie Arkun is the only confirmed out.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

Lynch and Moore are the headline State Academy prospects for the Eagles, and both have earned invitations to the National Draft Combine after brilliant campaigns. Lynch’s ability to win the ball at the coalface and move it forward with purpose makes her a central figure, while Moore’s well-rounded Round 14 effort was a reminder of her work rate and consistency through the midfield. Freemantle’s clearance work and two-way running give Woodville-West Torrens another exciting bottom-age option, while Julia Faulkner – invited to the State Draft Combine – supplies pressure and team-first moments around the ball. Double bottom-ager Anika Tran produces some elite speed and a damaging left foot.

Cocks’ All-Australian national championships campaign has been backed up by a remarkable SANFLW season, and her Round 14 performance showed she is more than capable of owning a final. Elke Cameron is the other State Academy name to watch, bringing speed, creativity and scoreboard impact whether used through the middle or forward of the ball. Kate Alexander in her forward-ruck role, and double bottom-agers Ella Anderson (defender) and Mia Wood (wing) are also holding their places in the team well.

PREDICTION

The Eagles have been the benchmark all season, but Norwood was far too good when these sides met only nine days ago. Woodville-West Torrens will be better for the loss and has the comfort of a second chance, but the Redlegs’ pressure, spread and ability to generate 41 inside 50s last round looks the blueprint to trouble the minor premier again. The Eagles rarely play two bad games in a row but Norwood was super last round. Will go with an Eagles bounce back by in a narrow one.

SEASON SO FAR

North Adelaide (9-5) surged into third place with a 28-point win over Sturt at Revo Fitness Oval in the final round. Polly Turner kicked three goals, while Ella Metcalfe (18 disposals, six marks, five tackles), Laura Niejalke (18 disposals, nine tackles), Aprille Crooks (nine tackles) and Jamie Parish (20 disposals, seven rebound 50s) were all instrumental. The Roosters carried their best form into finals and have now won five consecutive games.

Sturt (7-4-3) finished fourth after that loss, with Isobel Kuiper again leading from the front with 18 disposals, seven clearances, six marks and six tackles. Georgia Swan (14 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances), Lily Whitcombe (six tackles) and Imogen Szegedi (five tackles) were all resolute, while Madeline Nuss and Alexandra Ballard found late goals. The Double Blues have a quick opportunity to reverse the result, but defeat would end their campaign.

CHANGES

North Adelaide welcomes back Lauren Hoffmann, Zara Molloy, Chloe Nettle, Krystal Thompson and Jayde Visser. Teagan Robins and Shannon Thompson are omitted.

Sturt welcomes back Aaliyah Fox, Gemma Grivell and Zina Hunt, with no confirmed outs.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

Turner has become one of North Adelaide’s most dangerous match-winners, and her three-goal haul last round was another reminder of the top-30 candidate’s marking strength and ability to influence games forward of centre. Caitlin Hardin brings consistency and composure through the midfield, while Maya Fuller offers running power and versatility as the Roosters’ other State Academy names to follow.

Nuss takes 17 goals into the finals after a remarkable debut SANFLW season, supplemented by an All-Australian national championships campaign. Her capacity to find the ball in congestion and make the most of scoring opportunities makes her Sturt’s defining forward prospect. Lily Whiteman adds another State Academy option with her toughness, aerial work and ability to play through different parts of the ground.

PREDICTION

North Adelaide’s Round 14 performance was simply too polished, and its five inclusions only strengthen a side that is peaking at the right time. Sturt has the midfield class of Kuiper and the scoring threat of Nuss to make this competitive, but the Roosters’ recent form and depth should see them advance. North Adelaide to set up a preliminary final berth by a couple of goals.