Calder’s Santoro stands tall
SECOND efforts are the type of one-percent plays often left to the all-action small players who buzz at the feet of talls and make a menace of themselves. In that aspect, Calder Cannons‘ Claudia Santoro defies her size. While she defines her ability to never give up on the play as “standing tall”, the top-age […]
2022 SANFL Women’s feature series list
OVER the past month, Rookie Me Central has provided an insight into some of the most talented players across South Australia. Speaking to a host of players from the South Australian State Academy and some mature-age draft hopefuls, the full list of features is now complete. Below is a club-by-club list of all the features, […]
Cool customer Kustermann learning on the job
SHE may have been one of only two bottom-agers fielded in South Australia’s Under 19 side last year, but West Adelaide’s Keeley Kustermann continues to learn on the job. The promising defender has gotten comfortable being the younger one among each squad, taking the opportunity to feed off more experienced teammates along the way. “I […]
Busch looks to push past comfort zone
WINNING a club best and fairest ahead of eventual AFLW draftees and the competition leading goalkicker, as a bottom-ager, is no mean feat. That is exactly what Mia Busch did for the Eastern Ranges in 2021, but the hard-running defender is used to punching above her weight. Starting out her footballing journey in an Under […]
AFLW Pride Round means the world to queer footy fans
THIS weekend is the AFLW’s Pride Round, which sees a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in the AFLW. Many of the AFLW players have come out this week and spoke of the significance of the round to them, but one group seemingly forgotten about is the fans themselves. The AFLW’s Pride Round is a very […]
“White line fever” guides Shepherd towards footy
INTANGIBLES are often the missing piece for budding AFLW stars, and while Dandenong Stingrays prospect Emily Shepherd has some in her locker, she’s working on others. Her reading of the play, athleticism, and ability to manufacture time on the ball are all pillars of a promising game, and aggression is another which ensured Shepherd was […]
Backline is best for Borg
THE ABILITY to play in more than one position is just about a necessity for budding prospects these days. Luckily enough for North Adelaide tall Amelie Borg, that kind of versatility is a hallmark of her game. In what was effectively her first full crack at a SANFLW season in 2021, the 17-year-old earned Team […]
Great Scott itching to get back
A QUICK turnaround back into the swing of NAB League Girls football has been ideal for Paige Scott. The GWV Rebels goal machine says she has been “itching” to return after a stellar bottom-age campaign, in which she topped the Under 19 National Championships goalkicking charts, and won a final off her own boot for […]
Conversion the key for Centrals’ Teague
CENTRAL District is becoming a team others are “scared” to come up against, according to Bulldogs midfielder Caitlen Teague. All seven of her side’s losses in 2021 came by 12 points or less, including four under a goal. With help from incoming coach Ben Hunt, the Bulldogs are quickly improving on what was lacking last […]
Nelson ready to hit the ground running
GROWTH is the word to describe Phoebe Nelson‘s preseason, in more ways than one. The Northern Knights running machine has shot up to 180cm and has been making strides in her skill development. On top of that, the winger showcased her strong endurance base at the NAB League Girls testing event with a team-best yo-yo […]
