SOUTH AUSTRALIA capped a dominant 2026 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships campaign with an undefeated 4-0 record, wrestling the title back from back-to-back champion Vic Metro in a genuine title-decider at Alberton Oval. Defender Emily Mableson claimed her side’s MVP award, while a deep crop of bottom-age talent – headlined by ball-winning machine Lani Cocks – offered a timely reminder of the Croweaters’ production line for years to come.

RESULTS

South Australia finished the national carnival undefeated with a 4-0 record, claiming the title.

Round 1: South Australia 12.6 (78) def. Western Australia 4.2 (26) – Mineral Resources Park

South Australia controlled play for the entire first half to set up a big 52-point win on day one of the carnival.

Round 2: South Australia 5.7 (37) def. Allies 3.10 (28) – Alberton Oval

In a tight arm wrestle between two unbeaten sides, South Australia held on for a nine-point win to move to 2-0.

Round 3: South Australia 9.3 (57) def. Vic Metro 5.7 (37) – Alberton Oval

In a genuine title-deciding clash between the carnival’s two dominant forces, South Australia kicked five goals to one in the third term to break the game open and claim a 20-point win over the reigning back-to-back champions.

Round 5: South Australia 6.4 (40) def. Queensland 4.9 (33) – Shepley Oval

South Australia trailed at the main break before storming home with the breeze in the final term, kicking three unanswered goals to complete an undefeated carnival with a seven-point win.

MVP

Emily Mableson (West Adelaide)
Defender | 171cm | 05/05/2008

Stats: 22.5 disposals, 1.2 marks, 3.8 tackles, 1.8 clearances, 4.0 inside 50s, 4.8 rebound 50s, 0.5 goals

Capping a perfect carnival for her side, Mableson’s rebound 50 and inside 50 numbers were both the best of any South Australian player, her drive from half-back a constant weapon regardless of which end of the ground she found herself. She backed up her Under 16s MVP performance two years ago with an Under 18s one to remember, as well as being named at half-back in the All-Australian team.

KEY PLAYERS

Emma Charlton (South Adelaide)
Midfielder | 162cm | 19/06/2008

Stats: 24.0 disposals, 3.5 marks, 7.2 tackles, 4.2 clearances, 1.8 inside 50s, 2.0 rebound 50s

The potential pick one and sister of Adelaide’s Teah did not put a foot wrong all carnival. Charlton’s disposal count trailed only Cocks across the entire competition, and her tackle pressure was among the best of any player nationally. The dominant midfielder found herself in the forward pocket of the All-Australian team.

Lucy Moore (Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder | 165cm | 30/04/2008

Stats: 22.0 disposals, 2.0 marks, 7.5 tackles, 4.2 clearances, 2.8 inside 50s, 2.2 rebound 50s, 0.2 goals

An elite two-way midfielder, Moore’s tackle count led the entire squad, and she backed that pressure up with genuine ball-winning craft at every contest, headlined by a starring role in the Round 3 win over Vic Metro. Moore secured a deserved All-Australian spot on the interchange bench.

Julia Faulkner (Woodville-West Torrens)
Utility | 164cm | 06/05/2008

Stats: 14.5 disposals, 1.2 marks, 5.8 tackles, 1.5 clearances, 2.0 inside 50s, 0.5 rebound 50s, 0.2 goals

While primarily a midfielder/forward at Woodville-West Torrens, Faulkner spent time in those roles as well as on a wing and down back, getting the ultimate utility experience. Faulkner’s relentless tackle pressure made her a genuine nuisance for opposition ball-users, and her footy nous is off the charts.

Layla Vizgaudis (South Adelaide)
Forward/Midfielder | 161cm | 22/04/2008

Stats: 13.8 disposals, 1.5 marks, 1.2 tackles, 0.8 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s, 0.5 goals

Vizgaudis’ improved two-way running was a feature of her carnival, adding genuine scoreboard impact to her class through the midfield. The South Adelaide prospect rotated between midfield and attack and has classy skills and great vision.

Ruby Lynch (Woodville-West Torrens)
Tall Utility | 182cm | 14/11/2008

Stats: 12.8 disposals, 2.2 marks, 2.8 tackles, 1.8 hitouts, 2.0 clearances, 1.2 inside 50s, 2.0 rebound 50s, 0.5 goals

A genuine tall option who could rotate through the ruck when required, Lynch’s clean overhead marking and craft in front of goal made her a persistent problem for opposition defences. She also spent time a lot of time in defence, though her two goals against Vic Metro proved pivotal when swung forward.

Hope Taylor (South Adelaide)
Wing/Forward | 160cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 11.0 disposals, 1.2 marks, 1.2 tackles, 1.8 clearances, 1.0 inside 50s, 0.2 rebound 50s

One of the most naturally gifted footballers going around, Taylor rotated between the wing and attack where her ball use and decision making were incredibly valuable. Not doing as much damage on the scoreboard as she does at SANFLW level, instead Taylor was setting others up and indirectly impacting the scoreboard.

Miyu Endersby (Central District)
Ruck | 179cm | 01/06/2008

Stats: 9.5 disposals, 2.5 marks, 1.8 tackles, 22.5 hitouts, 0.8 clearances, 2.2 inside 50s, 1.2 rebound 50s

South Australia’s primary ruck, Endersby’s hitout numbers were among the best of any player nationally. She bounced back from a tough first-up match against Cara Dziegielewski to either break even or comfortably win the rest of her encounters for the rest of the tournament.

Polly Turner (North Adelaide)
Forward/Defender | 176cm | 16/01/2008

Stats: 9.0 disposals, 3.0 marks, 4.5 tackles, 0.8 inside 50s, 0.5 goals

A strong overhead mark with a genuine defensive edge, Turner’s ability to win the ball back through pressure made her a valuable two-way contributor inside forward 50. She hit the scoreboard, worked up the ground and showcased her contested marking ability as well.

Elke Cameron (Norwood)
Forward | 161cm | 15/09/2008

Stats: 8.0 disposals, 1.8 marks, 0.8 tackles, 2.0 inside 50s, 0.8 goals

A genuine goalkicking threat, Cameron’s craft in front of the sticks made her a persistent problem for opposition defences whenever the ball found its way inside 50. Though she played more through the midfield with Norwood heading into the national carnival, she was a valuable player in that high half-forward role.

Chelsea Newitt (West Adelaide)
Forward | 169cm | 24/01/2008

Stats: 7.5 disposals, 1.8 marks, 3.5 tackles, 1.0 goals

A tidy forward, Newitt’s four-goal carnival was backed up by genuine defensive pressure at ground level, giving South Australia an avenue to goal. She played her role to a t and was able to get into ball-winning spots to assist others too.

FUTURE STARS

South Australia’s bottom-age crop was among the deepest and most productive of any state, headlined by a trio of All-Australians who showed genuine promising signs for the 2027 carnival.

Lani Cocks (Norwood)
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 15/09/2009

Stats: 24.5 disposals, 1.8 marks, 4.5 tackles, 3.5 clearances, 3.2 inside 50s, 2.2 rebound 50s

The standout bottom-ager of the entire carnival, Cocks’ disposal count was the highest of any player nationally regardless of age, her class through the midfield already looking well ahead of her years. A top-age season in 2027 looms as one of the most anticipated in the country. Earned All-Australian honours at half-forward.

Olivia Leslie (Central District)
Tall Defender | 177cm | 05/12/2009

Stats: 7.2 disposals, 1.2 marks, 3.2 tackles, 1.0 rebound 50s

A breakout carnival earned Leslie the full-back spot in the All-Australian team, with her one-on-one defence a standout all campaign. She kept Allies gun Majella Day goalless in the Round 2 win, competing well overhead and using her speed to spoil or intercept even when caught underneath the ball.

Madeline Nuss (Sturt)
Forward | 168cm | 04/02/2009

Stats: 5.8 disposals, 1.2 marks, 2.0 tackles, 0.5 inside 50s, 2.0 goals

South Australia’s leading goalkicker despite being a bottom-ager, Nuss’s set shot accuracy was a genuine weapon all carnival, capped by a four-goal haul in Round 1 against Western Australia, and a two-goal haul in the Round 3 win over Vic Metro. Nuss finished second overall in the carnival goalkicking and was named on the interchange of the All-Australian team.

Maia Freemantle (Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 13/04/2009

Stats: 14.5 disposals, 0.8 marks, 3.8 tackles, 2.2 clearances, 3.2 inside 50s, 0.5 goals

A genuinely well-balanced bottom-age midfielder, Freemantle’s inside 50 tally was among the best of any South Australian player, giving her side a direct connection between clearance and scoreboard impact. She also spent time deeper forward and hit the scoreboard as well.

Caitlin Hardin (North Adelaide)
Defender/Midfielder | 166cm | 19/03/2009

Stats: 14.5 disposals, 1.0 marks, 3.5 tackles, 1.2 clearances, 1.2 inside 50s, 1.0 rebound 50s

Equally effective through the midfield or off half-back, Hardin’s disposal count was among the best of any bottom-ager in the entire carnival, her class with ball in hand a constant for the Croweaters regardless of where she was deployed.

Lily Whiteman (Sturt)
Wing | 164cm | 14/05/2009

Stats: 13.8 disposals, 1.5 marks, 2.5 tackles, 2.5 clearances, 2.0 inside 50s, 1.5 rebound 50s

A clean user with genuine stoppage craft, Whiteman’s clearance numbers rivalled several of her top-age teammates which was impressive given her wing role the entire carnival. Is a smooth mover and can do a lot of damage off her preferred left foot.

Tori Evans (Glenelg)
Defender | 168cm | 21/11/2009

Stats: 6.2 disposals, 1.2 marks, 1.5 tackles, 2.2 rebound 50s

Part of an underrated running trio out of defence alongside Leslie and Marley Tape, Evans’ explosive speed off half-back gave South Australia a genuine release valve under pressure, her rebound 50 numbers among the best of any bottom-ager in the squad.