Recruitment drive: South’s surge of talent
OFF-SEASONS can often be the catalyst for in-season success, and several state league clubs will hope that is the case in 2026. In a new series on Rookie Me Central, we highlight some of the most exciting recruitment drives from around the country, starting with SANFL club South Adelaide. The Panthers have an exciting crop […]
AFL Draft | State in Focus: South Australia
FRESH off a breakthrough title at last year’s National Championships, South Australia’s Under 18 squad for 2026 shapes as one which could go back-to-back. A deep top-age contingent is supported by promising 2009-born prospects, and a strong midfield core forms the base of a strong spine. We take a deep dive into SA’s representative stocks. […]
2026 AFL Draft spotlight: South’s star midfielders
SOUTH Adelaide has long produced some of South Australia’s finest footballers. Recently, the Panthers have had their talent program headed up by Mark Clayton, who has been appointed Port Adelaide’s academies coach. Before him, current South Australian Under 18 mentor Tony Bamford was in charge. It’s no wonder, then, that the club boasts three of […]
Showcase rounds headline SANFL Women’s fixture
FIVE showcase rounds featuring all eight SANFL Women’s sides is the highlight of the 2026 fixture that was released earlier this month. The showcase rounds include four consecutive matches at one venue on a Saturday, taking place across the state allowing different sides to host the special day. >> FULL FIXTURE: SANFLW Rounds 3 (Coopers […]
2026 AFLW Draft Clubs to Watch: South Adelaide
IN OUR off-season series, we take a look at some of the clubs across Australia who have a host of prospects for the 2026 AFLW Draft. We start the series at the very top with South Adelaide, where the Panthers loom as one who might have the most of any state league club, including two […]
South Australia confirms 2026 U16 Girls Academy
GUNNING for an incredible fourth straight title, South Australia’s Under 16 Girls’ squad for 2026 has been released. Bek McMahon – who was at the helm for the past three titles – takes over the reins again, with 47 players named from across the eight SANFLW clubs. Norwood is the most represented club in the […]
South Australia announces U18 Girls Academy
SOUTH Australia has cast an eye to the next two drafts with the announcement of the 2026 Under 18 Girls Academy announced yesterday. The 46-player squad features the Croweaters’ four National Academy members and countless players who have already impressed at SANFLW level. Among those in the squad are South Adelaide duo Emma Charlton and […]
Omission helped Lily Smarten up and blitz year
BEING dropped from the SANFL Women’s side back to the Development League was a blessing rather than a curse for Sturt’s Lily Smart who credits that as the catalyst behind her strong finish to 2025. Recalling the moment after a Round 3 win over Glenelg, Smart said her three weeks in the second tier helped […]
Thredgold “excited for an adventure”
STURT talent and South Australian vice-captain Sophie Thredgold would pack her bags in an instant if it meant relocating to chase her AFL Women’s dream. The Double Blues star has been grateful for the opportunities she has been afforded through the state league and South Australian Under 18s program in 2025 and after receiving a […]
Antony “grateful” for Combine chance after injury-interrupted year
CENTRAL District defender Mikaylah Antony was never expecting to receive a Draft Combine invite after a frustrating, injury-interrupted top-age season. However despite separate hip and ankle issues that reduced her year to half a dozen games, the talented South Australian did indeed get the chance to test at the State Draft Combine. “I felt really […]
