SOUTH Australia announced its Summer squads at Under 18s and Under 16s level, with the former looking to return to its winning ways for a third title in four years, while the latter is searching for back-to-back trophies.

A total of 94 players were named across the two Academies with 45 Under 18s and 49 Under 16s prospects included, with those squads to be trimmed down to 30 ahead of the national championships. The squads will begin training in mid-December with an internal trial also taking place, while further sessions will continue throughout the midyear including taking part in a physical testing day on February 9.

Plenty of the Under 18s Girls Academy featured both for the tri-colours as bottom-agers this year, as well as for their respective clubs. Among the names to remember are 2023 Under 16s MVP Sophie Eaton, Glenelg sharpshooter Eloise Mackereth, classy Sturt midfielder/forward Monique Bessen, and hard-running utility Lily Baxter, all of whom are members of the AFLW Academy.

Also representing South Australia at the national carnival this year were Central District defender Mikaylah Antony, Eagles utility Imogen Trengove, West Adelaide tall Chloe Tonkin and Studt duo Edwina Thornquest and Sophie Thredgold.

From a bottom-age perspective, Emily Mableson was South Australia’s best at the Under 16s Development Championships this year, while Charlee Brooksby – sister of Port Adelaide’s Molly – and Polly Turner – daughter of former Crow and Blue Peter – are familiar names in the squad having impressed at the same national carnival. Talls Miyu Endersby and Kate Alexander already have plenty of experience at SANFLW level, as does the smooth-moving Georgie Fielder.

The full squads are listed below.

2025 SA U18 Girls Academy

2025 SA U16 Girls Academy