ANOTHER season of SANFL Women’s action is just around the corner, and while the league year is a little later than usual, South Australian footy fans have the brand new AAMI Talent League to look forward to starting February 28. As has become an annual tradition for Rookie Me Central, we name our top juniors from the league to keep an eye on for the year ahead with the only criteria being either top-age or younger.

We continue off our top 15 players to watch countdown – which will run over the three weeks to finish on the eve of the Talent League season – with Woodville-West Torrens tall Ruby Lynch who is set for a big year for the Eagles.

South Australia Girls, Eagles Women'sTall Utility

Ruby Lynch

Height: 181cm

Weight: -

DOB: 14-11-2008

Positional Analysis

The athletic key utility could play on any line, but a focus through the ruck will be one such area that Lynch focuses on in 2026. Learning under the tutelage of ex-AFLW player and veteran Leah Cutting last season, Lynch seems destined to take over the ruck role at SANFLW level, but having the flexibility to also hold down a key position post.

2025 Stats

SANFLW | 7.9 disposals | 1.4 marks | 3.1 hitouts | 2.6 tackles | 0.8 clearances | 0.8 inside 50s | 4 goals (9 games)

AFLW U18s | 7.7 disposals | 1.0 marks | 4.4 hitouts | 2.7 tackles | 0.7 clearances | 2.0 inside 50s | 1 goal (3 games)

Key Strengths

A natural athlete, Lynch has a terrific vertical jump and moves exceptionally well for a player of her size. She can tuck the ball under the arm and burst away, and clearly on upside, could be right up the top end of the list. She has a powerful left foot as well, and while she is still building that consistency in her game, has the potential to do a lot of damage at her best.

2026

As mentioned above, Lynch is ready to lock herself into a permanent best 21 spot at the Eagles, and have a big year with both Woodville-West Torrens and South Australia. Highly rated internally across both programs, Lynch’s athleticism and ability to move seamlessly around the ground makes her a prestigious talent, and while perhaps a touch more raw than some others, has enormous upside and potential that is waiting to be filled.

Summary

Ruby Lynch is a developing key position player who ticks a lot of boxes. Her athleticism, booming left boot and terrific upside all bodes well for a huge 2026. If she can build that confidence and consistency throughout the year, it will be exciting to see just what she can accomplish for club and state this season.