NORWOOD earned a second shot at Woodville-West Torrens Eagles for the 2026 SANFL Women’s premiership after defeating North Adelaide by 13 points in the preliminary final. The Redlegs kicked clear after 11 lead changes, eventually getting up, 8.4 (52) to 5.9 (39).

We took a look at how each of the State Academy members performed in the preliminary final with notes the opinion of the inidvidual author.

NORWOOD:

#8 Lani Cocks (Midfielder/Forward)

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks (1 contested), 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 goals

It was an enormous performance from Cocks who was everywhere during the game, leading her side for disposals throughout the contest and providing a hard-running option between the arcs. The bottom-ager loves to take the game on, tucking the ball under the arm and often opts for the give-and-go, making the most of the opposition on the stand rule, before driving the ball inside 50. She kicked a couple of goals – one from point-blank range after a 25-metre penalty and then another with a ripping strike out of congestion – in the second and fourth terms, while being a valuable contributor both around the stoppages and in transition.

#14 Kate Alexander (Forward/Ruck)

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 hitouts, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Alexander provided a target in teh front half, then got her turn in the ruck, and while she did not win a stack of hitouts, competed admirably. She is strong overhead, and while not the most athletic tall, is effective below her knees, and her ability to put the ball into goal-scoring positions opend the door for her teammates to capitalise such as Steph Simmonds in the third term.

#21 Elke Cameron (Midfielder/Forward)

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Cameron rotated between midfield and attack, and had an early goal assist to her name thanks to a nice pass inside 50 to Kaianne Colbung-Ware, while also getting her hands dirty around the stoppages. She is clean in congestion, powerful at extracting the ball, and will always bring the defensive pressure to-boot. A really valuable player for the Redlegs who is having a sneaky good year in her top-age season.

#24 Ella Anderson (Defender)

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks (1 contested), 3 rebound 50s

The double bottom-ager was her usual composed self out of the back half, providing rebounds from defence and pushing up the ground to get involve as well. She had eight disposals at quarter time – the equal most of anyone on the ground – and while she might have just finished with 15, is capable of playing a dual offensive-defensive role.

#37 Mia Wood (Wing)

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 mark 6 tackles, 1 clearance

A lower volume game from the talented youngster who again featured across the wing for the Redlegs and worked hard to get into good positions. She spread well – often without reward – and applied great fantastic pressure. Though she was quieter, her run and work rate never dims regardless.

NORTH ADELAIDE:

#5 Polly Turner (Forward)

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks (1 contested), 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 3 behinds

It was an imposing performance from the dual club-tied father-daughter prospect who finished the year off in style. She is so strong in the air and a natural in front of the big sticks, with her ability to use either side of her body a real plus. She started strongly and never slowed down, with a nice goal – winning a one-on-one against the experienced Georgie Jaques – and also a massive run-down tackle on Cocks on the wing.

#14 Maya Fuller (Wing)

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50

Similar to Wood, the ball did not venture outside too often, with the inside ball-winners and runners racking up the bulk of the touches. While Fuller did not stuff the stats sheet, she competed well one-on-one and showed some nice quick hands when under pressure. One to watch develop for next year.

#30 Isabella Beaumont (Ruck/Defender)

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 mark, 13 hitouts, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Was forced to be a makeshift defender in the absence of Jamie Parish – though she has played that role before and even won All-Australian honours in the position for the South Australian Under 16s state side – while being a relief ruck around the ground. Her aerial reach poses a problem for any opposition, and she was rewarded with a goal when sneaking forward to win it at the top of the goalsquare and slam it home from point-blank range.

#35 Caitlin Hardin (Midfielder)

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Ever the workhorse around the ground, Hardin’s defensive pressure and ability to be accountable while also winning her own ball is a real positive. She found plenty of the pill during the game, and while there were a couple of times where she got caught trying to extract it, continued to battle on with great confidence. Clean at ground level and fought the fight in her final bottom-age game for the Roosters.

#37 Chloe Nettle (Forward)

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks, 1 clearance, 1 goal

A really exciting talent for the future, Nettle again hit the scoreboard with a nice goal in the fourth term, keeping the Roosters’ slim hopes alive at that stage. She won a free kick for presenting well, and made no mistake with a lovely conversion. Prior to that, Nettle looked dangerous inside 50, pumping the ball deep to give teammates opportunities to hit the scoreboard as well.