NORTH Adelaide became the surprise packets of 2025 with the Roosters incredibly rising from wooden spooners to finalists within a season. They have kept the team relatively stable in 2026, but with some extra additions look to forge deeper into the post-season.

LAST SEASON

North Adelaide had a brilliant first full season under new coach Kelly Barltrop. The Roosters were not expected to do too much coming off a wooden spoon the year before, but instead surprised quite a few teams, reaching the finals in third spot. They began to stumble a little after losing Laela Ebert mid-season, but still reached the final four where they bowed out to Sturt in the elimination stage.

2026 FIXTURE:

Round 1: vs. Central District | April 18 @ Maughan Thiem Kia Oval
Round 2: vs. Norwood | April 25 @ Revo Fitness Stadium
Round 3: vs. South Adelaide | May 2 @ Coopers Stadium*
Round 4: vs. Woodville-West Torrens | May 9 @ X Convenience Oval
Round 5: vs. Norwood | May 23 @ Coopers Stadium
Round 6: vs. Sturt | May 30 @ Thomas Farms Oval*
Round 7: vs. West Adelaide | June 6 @ Richmond Oval
Round 8: vs. Central District | June 20 @ Revo Fitness Oval*
Round 9: vs. Glenelg | June 27 @ Revo Fitness Stadium
Round 10: vs. Woodville-West Torrens | July 4 @ Stratarama Stadium*
Round 11: vs. West Adelaide | July 18 @ Revo Fitness Stadium
Round 12: vs. Glenelg | July 25 @ Richmond Oval*
Round 13: vs. South Adelaide | August 1 @ Magain Stadium
Round 14: vs. Sturt | August 8 @ Revo Fitness Stadium

* Denotes full-league four-game day at one venue

CHANGES

With the exception of Ebert departing mid-season, North Adelaide has ultimately kept a relatively stable list heading into the 2026 SANFLW season. In a bid to try and take the next step, the Roosters brought in former Norwood skipper Sophie Armitstead to add further depth to the group. She is joined at Prospect Oval alongside Woodville-West Torrens duo Audrey Holt and Julia Watson, while Glenelg youngster Lakeisha Sheffield has also crossed to the red and whites.

DRAFT WATCH

All eyes will be on top-age tall Polly Turner this season, with the dual-position prospect eligible as a father-daughter to both Adelaide and Carlton thanks to her dad, Peter. The Crows Academy member is highly expected to lean to the former, but is focused on making the most of her 2026 season, where she will likely spend a lot of time behind the ball.

Lucy Reddaway gained plenty of experience last year in a number of roles and has some class, with the now top-ager ready to impact at SANFLW level and for the Under 18s side if given the opportunity. The Roosters have plenty of growing prospects coming through the ranks who already have senior experience such as All-Australian Isabella Beaumont, tough midfielder Caitlin Hardin and smart forward Iris Newman. Maya Fuller and Bridie Lukich are also in the Under 18s State Academy.

OTHERS TO WATCH

The Roosters had a number of eye-catching players who really stood up in the absence of Ebert including the explosive Aprille Crooks. The Tasmanian remained in South Australia despite the addition of the Devils’ VFLW side and has really established her place in the North Adelaide team across multiple positions. She along with the likes of Djimila Totham and Julia Clark are consistent performers, while Ella Metcalfe and Ash George provide fantastic depth.

The standout Rooster last season was tall defender Jamie Parish – who was also the club’s sole State Team representative – and she continues to get better with each season. A rock in defence, while also having stints in the middle and up forward, Parish is the glue for the back half. Amber Ward and Lauren Gauci bring AFLW experience, while it will be great to see Sarcha Taylor back from her knee injury.

PREDICTION

North Adelaide can no longer surprise clubs with the Roosters’ performances after a breakout season in 2025. However they will be looking to go to another level and try and push for a deeper run in the SANFLW finals. With a mix of youth and experience, the Roosters are a side to watch and will be around the mark yet again.