SOUTH Australia will have a dedicated state-wide Under 18 Girls competition next year with the landmark announcement out of the SANFL today. Having previously run the Development League – essentially the reserves for the SANFLW for half of the League season – it will now be replaced by an exclusive underage competition like the Coates Talent League Girls in Victoria, or Rogers Cup in Western Australia.

The aim of the competition is to provide a more structured and sustainable pathway for emerging female talent in the state, with seven minor rounds – where each SANFLW side will play every other team once – and a three-week finals series. The league will run in a similar timeframe to the Development League, with the new competition wrapping up by the end of April.

SANFL Head of Talent and Football Operations Sean Toohey said the new competition is a critical step in strengthening South Australia’s female talent framework.

“The SANFL Under-18 Girls competition introduces a sustainable, nationally aligned structure that fosters talent, skill development, and broad participation across all levels,” Toohey said.

“South Australia remains the only major football state without a dedicated underage girls’ talent competition — this change addresses that gap and builds a strong foundation for future generations.

“The competition will also ensure girls in SANFL state talent programs will have greater access to elite-level, competitive football that supports their growth.”

KEY DETAILS:

SANFL collaborated with SANFL Club female football managers to fine-tune the competition’s structure and match conditions, including:

• Age brackets and overage permit allowances
• Team size and interchange numbers
• Application of anti-density rules
• Season format and finals structure

Competition Details:

• Eligible Age Range: Players turning 15 (minimum age) to 18 (maximum age) in the calendar year of the season
• Overage Permits: Up to four 19-year-olds per team per match, provided they are listed on a senior team list
• Team Format: 16 players on field, 5 interchange (21 total), consistent with SANFLW
• Anti-Density Rule: Enforced, with four players behind halfway at stoppages and kick-ins

The change is a positive one for the state’s youth, with the only main downside for those older players who previously competed for a senior spot through the Development League will now have to earn their place with form at local level instead.

However Toohey explained further the decision making behind the change from an open-age reserves league to a dedicated underage league.

“The Development League was introduced to strengthen club squads and talent pathways while maintaining connection and participation in community football,” he said.

“As our talent system matures, we now need a dedicated underage competition to give younger players the best chance to succeed at higher levels.”