North Adelaide vs. Woodville-West Torrens | X Convenience Oval, Saturday May 9, 11:00am
Norwood vs. West Adelaide | X Convenience Oval, Saturday May 9, 1:10pm
Central District vs. Glenelg | X Convenience Oval, Saturday May 9, 3:20pm
South Adelaide vs. Sturt | Magain Stadium, Sunday May 10, 11:00am<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
North Adelaide<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Woodville-West Torrens<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSEASON SO FAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Adelaide’s season shifted dramatically in Round 3 with a six-point upset win over South Adelaide \u2014 the first victory of the Roosters’ year and a result that will do enormous things for the confidence of a side that had been 0-2 and searching for answers. Aprille Crooks<\/a>, Keira Copeland<\/a> and Zara Molloy<\/a> were all key contributors in the opening term that ultimately proved the difference, and Jamie Parish<\/a>‘s nine rebound 50s and Ella Metcalfe<\/a>‘s composed defensive display showed the Roosters have quality to offer at both ends. However, North Adelaide’s Round 4 challenge is as stern as any they will face all season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woodville-West Torrens sits on top of the ladder, and every passing week adds another chapter to what is shaping as a dominant season. The Eagles were tested in their 15-point win over Central District in Round 3, with Alice Tentye<\/a> recording 24 disposals and 10 tackles as her team kicked away in the opening term and held on from there. Klaudia O’Neill<\/a> continues to be the competition’s most dangerous forward, kicking four goals in Round 3 to take her season tally to 11, while the midfield engine room of Tahlita Buethke<\/a>, Maia Freemantle<\/a> and Lucy Moore<\/a> has been consistently elite. The Eagles have not dropped a game yet, and there is little on the evidence to suggest that changes at X Convenience Oval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANGES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Adelaide has made several changes from their Round 3 victory with Polly Turner<\/a> and Julia Watson<\/a> among the inclusions – Turner’s return is significant given the dual-position top-ager missed Round 3 and provides the Roosters with some extra punch up forward. Shannon Thompson<\/a> and Tiara Hatchard<\/a> also come in. Sasha Hardin<\/a> drops out and Jayde Visser<\/a> misses with a broken nose – an unfortunate blow for a player who was one to watch when fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woodville-West Torrens is largely settled after last week’s performance. Amie Blanden<\/a>, Chanel Rugari<\/a> and Felicity Ward<\/a> come into the interchange to add depth, with the core of the Eagles’ best combination unchanged through Tentye, O’Neill, Buethke, Freemantle, Moore and Julia Faulkner<\/a>. The Eagle machine rolls on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DRAFT PROSPECTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For North Adelaide, Turner’s return brings back the Roosters’ most prominent draft name – the tall forward is a legitimate first-round candidate whose two-way capacity and contested marking ability make her one of the most distinctive prospects in the 2026 class. Caitlin Hardin<\/a> through the middle will again be worth watching after a strong Round 3 where her work rate and contested ability were hallmarks, while Maya Fuller<\/a> off the wing adds another name for recruiters to note, having been impressive in the second and final terms against South Adelaide last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Woodville-West Torrens, Moore, Ruby Lynch<\/a> and Faulkner have now formed one of the competition’s most exciting young trios in the midfield-forward mix. Moore’s nine clearances in Round 1 and consistent workrate across the season mark her as one of the most productive young midfielders in the state. Freemantle continues to build a compelling case as the competition’s top bottom-ager after back-to-back impressive performances, with her seven clearances and three rebound 50s in Round 3 another indication of how complete her game is developing. Tentye and the interchange depth provide further class, while Zahlia Niemann<\/a> is worth watching as a developing young tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PREDICTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Adelaide’s win over South Adelaide was earned and should not be dismissed, but taking down the competition’s form team is a significantly harder assignment. Turner’s return helps considerably, particularly in giving the Roosters an aerial target and two-way running option that stretches the Eagles’ defence. Moore, Freemantle and the Eagles’ midfield depth should ultimately be the difference, with O’Neill a constant forward threat against any defensive setup. Woodville-West Torrens in this one.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Norwood<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>West Adelaide<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSEASON SO FAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norwood has emerged as one of the genuine surprises of the season after winning two of its first three games under Ben Hunt<\/strong><\/em> – a remarkable start for a side tipped to struggle through an adjustment period after losing Sophie Armitstead<\/strong>, Tahlita Buethke<\/strong> and Jiarna Zerella<\/strong> to rivals over the off-season. The 40-point dismantling of Glenelg in Round 3 was the most complete performance any other side has produced this season outside of the Eagles, with Jade Halfpenny<\/a> collecting 28 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances, Lani Cocks<\/a> racking up 26 disposals and 10 inside 50s, and Ashley Baker<\/a> adding 11 tackles from the half-forward line. Norwood is building momentum at exactly the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
West Adelaide’s season remains frustratingly defined by near-misses. A win, a loss and a draw from three rounds doesn’t fully capture the inconsistency – the 83-point humbling by Woodville-West Torrens in Round 2 was alarming, but the Round 3 draw with Sturt in difficult conditions showed real defensive resilience. Zoe Venning<\/a> was characteristically brilliant with 29 disposals, eight tackles and seven inside 50s, and Emily Mableson<\/a>‘s 10 tackles on her return from National Academy duties showed what the Bloods get from their elite prospects even on days when the ball isn’t finding them. The forward-line, however, has been a persistent concern – the side kicked just two goals against Sturt, and the absence of Sarah Deed<\/a> this week through ankle injury removes one of the players most capable of troubling any defensive unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANGES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norwood lose Emily Bartsch<\/a> to a quad injury, and her absence is a significant blow \u2014 the defender has been an important part of the Redlegs’ backline structure, and replacing her experience will be a key focus for Hunt heading into the game. The silver lining is the inclusion of Ella Anderson<\/a>, who was named best on ground in the AAMI Talent League Grand Final last week and brings outstanding recent form into what is a big-game atmosphere. Isabella Calvanese<\/a>, Taylor Hand<\/a> and Amalie Innes<\/a> also come in to bolster the interchange depth. The core that has driven the Redlegs’ form – Halfpenny, Cocks, Baker, Coby Morgan<\/a> and Charlee Brooksby<\/a> – remains intact, and continuity is very much on Norwood’s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
West Adelaide’s most significant news is the absence of Deed with an ankle injury sustained late in Round 3. The bottom-ager was having a superb season – 19, 21 and 18 disposals across the opening three rounds – and losing her creative midfield-forward presence is a genuine blow. Georgie Pater<\/a> is also omitted. Alaitz Kelly<\/a> and Grace Sim<\/a> come in to add depth, but the onus to provide forward impact will fall more heavily on Chelsea Newitt<\/a>, Jemima Woods<\/a> and Summer Malone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DRAFT PROSPECTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Norwood, Cocks has been the individual performer of the competition across the opening three rounds, with her Round 3 effort of 26 disposals, 10 inside 50s and seven clearances confirming her status as one of the top prospects in next year’s AFLW Draft. The snap goal – after dropping the mark, she picked it up in one movement, spinning and slamming it home – was the moment that encapsulated everything that makes her special. Brooksby continues to provide class on the wing with her flat, penetrating kick and aerial reliability, while Elke Cameron<\/a>‘s workrate off the bench is a consistent contribution that adds to Norwood’s draft-eligible depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For West Adelaide, Mableson remains the headline with the National Academy midfielder the most technically polished prospect in the 2026 class and her 10 tackles in the difficult Round 3 draw showed how much she contributes even when not accumulating. Newitt’s case as a dark horse for this year’s AFLW Draft is building week by week, with her seven tackles and contested forward play in Round 3 reflecting a two-way capability that is becoming a consistent feature of her game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PREDICTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deed’s absence changes the complexion of this game considerably. West Adelaide showed they can be competitive \u2014 Venning, Mableson and Iilish Ross<\/a> are a genuine midfield group \u2014 but Norwood’s defensive structure and the running power of Cocks, Halfpenny and Morgan has been outstanding. The match also marks the first time Bloods forward Adrienne Davies<\/a> faces her former team. The Redlegs look the stronger side in form, and the Bloods’ forwardline concern without Deed is real. Norwood to keep its run going.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Central District<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Glenelg<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSEASON SO FAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Central District is at a key point of their season at 1-2, having shown genuine quality – particularly with Miyu Endersby<\/a> back in the ruck – without being able to string the wins together, with the losses albeit coming against last year’s grand finalists. The Round 3 loss to Woodville-West Torrens was controlled by the Eagles from the opening term, but Endersby’s 45 hitouts dominated the ruck and Charlotte Maurits<\/a>‘ damaging fourth quarter gave the Bulldogs some late spark. The Dogs need points, and facing the competition’s only winless side at their home ground presents the clearest opportunity they will get to bank one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glenelg’s season makes for difficult reading on the scoreboard – three losses from three – but the performances have been competitive enough to suggest the breakthrough is close. Georgie Fielder<\/a> went head-to-head with Lani Cocks<\/strong> for three quarters in Round 3 and competed admirably, finishing with 22 disposals, four marks and four clearances in a genuine individual battle between two of the competition’s top young players. Isla Wiencke<\/a> collected 26 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances. The problem for Glenelg has been a forward line that has struggled for penetration – Kiana Lee<\/a> provides genuine individual firepower, but the side has needed more from the group around her. Eloise Mackereth<\/a>, Kori Webb<\/a>, Cassie McWilliam<\/a> and Lucy Armitage<\/a> are all dangerous players who can stand up on their day for the Bays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANGES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Central District made several changes with Tashayla Corfield<\/a> also coming in alongside three exciting Under 16s inclusions. Izabella Nisbet<\/a> – an Under 16 All-Australian – is the headline name, a prospect whose inclusion at SANFLW level reflects the considerable upside she has already shown at junior level. Sienna Antony<\/a>, younger sister of departing Preseason Draft pick Mikaylah Antony<\/a>, comes in through the midfield, while Amalia Musolino<\/a> adds depth across the defensive half. Mikaylah Antony’s departure to Hawthorn in the Preseason Draft is the significant out alongside Alysha Healy<\/a>, Kirra Tonkin<\/a> and Jovanka Zecevic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glenelg welcome Chante Waters<\/a>, Elizabeth Johnson<\/a>, Lucy Armitage<\/strong> and Maya Vonarx<\/a> into the lineup. Waters into the ruck is a notable change \u2014 she provides a different option to the resting Fielder when the ball is being contested through the centre \u2014 while the additional forward options should give the Bays more variety inside 50. Millie Clarke<\/a> is the only named out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DRAFT PROSPECTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Central District, Endersby is having a dominant season in the hitout count (26 and 45 hitouts in the opening rounds) and her willingness to rotate back into defensive positions makes her one of the most complete ruck prospects the competition has produced. Maurits’ creativity and quick hands from the interchange remain a compelling trait for 2027 draft watchers, while Olivia Leslie<\/a> continues to build her defensive credentials after a breakout Round 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Glenelg, Fielder has been in fine form and will be crucial for the Bays around the contest. Wiencke’s aerial strength and defensive intensity will keep her in the mind’s of recruiters come year’s end, and Tori Evans<\/a> as a composed rebounding defender adds another name to the Glenelg group that has impressed across a difficult start. Lee’s match-winning capacity cannot be discounted – four goals against Sturt in Round 2 showed she can take a game by the scruff of the neck on her day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PREDICTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Central District should be too good at home, but Glenelg’s individual quality makes this a less straightforward result than the ladder suggests. Endersby’s ruck dominance gives the Bulldogs a platform that Glenelg will struggle to counter, and with Shelby Smith<\/a> and Laitiah Huynh<\/a> providing midfield experience, the Dogs should generate enough through the middle to convert. Fielder is the player most capable of keeping the Bays competitive deep into the final term. Central District should win, but Glenelg will make them work for it and there will be a time where the switch is flicked and it all gels for the Bays.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
South Adelaide<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Sturt<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSEASON SO FAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Adelaide’s three-peat bid hit a minor roadbump in Round 3 following a shock loss to North Adelaide. The Panthers held the lead from a dominant opening term two weeks ago in their comfortable win over Central District, and then arrived at Coopers Stadium as the competition’s form side – only to be outworked by a Roosters team that took the game on from the first bounce. The absence of Madison Brown<\/a> and Lauren Clifton<\/a> – who has been signed by Melbourne in the Preseason Draft – leaves Rick Watts<\/strong><\/em> with some selection issues to manage, but the return of Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap<\/a> and the continued presence of Emma Charlton<\/a>, Layla Vizgaudis<\/a> and Soriah Moon<\/a> gives South Adelaide a combination that should be too good for most sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sturt’s season is one of the competition’s most intriguing storylines – two draws from three games and the Double Blues have not been beaten, yet find themselves only third on the ladder with four points from as many available as two wins would have brought. Ange Foley<\/strong><\/em>‘s side have shown genuine defensive resilience and pressure-based intent that makes them extremely difficult to score against – only 15 points in the Round 3 draw with West Adelaide tells the story of a side built on collective effort – but the forwardline is still building. Georgia King<\/a> and Madeline Nuss<\/a> have provided something, but Sturt need more consistent scoring from their outside runners. Isobel Kuiper<\/a> remains one of the competition’s finest players across all levels, with her relentless pressure, 22 disposals and 13 tackles in Round 3 exemplifying the standard she sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANGES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Adelaide make a host of changes in what is clearly a reshuffled side following the unexpected loss. The headline inclusion is Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap<\/a>, who returns through the midfield to provide a powerful third option alongside Charlton and Vizgaudis. The former AFLW player has been a quality performer at this level and her return gives South Adelaide a midfield depth that few sides can match. Zoe Flesfadar<\/a>, Carly Milsom<\/a>, Charlotte Dolan<\/a>, Lily Dunstall-Bruce<\/a> and Taryn Vizgaudis<\/a> also come in, while Chelsea Farr<\/a> is unavailable, Madison Brown is also unavailable and Lauren Clifton departs having been signed by Melbourne in the Preseason Draft. The challenge for Watts now is integrating the returning personnel without disrupting the rhythm Charlton and Vizgaudis have built across their time in the side together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sturt make four changes with Madeleine Fitzgerald<\/a>, Zina Hunt<\/a>, Gypsy Schirmer<\/a> and Lily Whitcombe<\/a> coming in. Lily Smart<\/a>‘s absence is the most significant note \u2014 the Double Blues forward has been picked up by West Coast in the Preseason Draft, ending her SANFLW career and leaving a gap in Sturt’s forward line that Nuss, Lily Whiteman<\/a> and King will need to fill collectively. Schirmer is a notable inclusion on the defensive end \u2014 the former South Adelaide player brings SANFLW experience and know-how to a backline that has been one of the competition’s toughest to crack, while Whitcombe adds further depth across the defensive half. The spine of the Double Blues remains imposing with Kuiper, Georgia Swan<\/a> and Claudia Edmonds<\/a> all named.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DRAFT PROSPECTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For South Adelaide, the big three of Charlton, Vizgaudis and Hope Taylor<\/a> dominate the draft conversation heading into Round 4. Charlton’s return in Round 3 was everything the Panthers could have hoped for – 22 disposals, 11 tackles and seven clearances against a competitive North Adelaide side – and seeing her alongside Vizgaudis in the same midfield for a full game has begun to show the Panthers’ full ceiling. Vizgaudis has been amongst the Panthers’ best in every single game this season, and her consistency across three rounds has only reinforced why she is one of the more underrated names in draft circles. Taylor’s three-goal Round 2 performance showed her forward class and she remains a dangerous prospect for draft observers whenever the ball finds her inside 50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Sturt, Nuss continues to make her presence felt in her bottom-age campaign \u2014 two goals in each of the first two rounds and consistent contested forward work in Round 3 mark her as an intriguing name to track in the 2027 class. Whiteman’s nine tackles against West Adelaide showed the defensive dimension to her game, and Skout Young<\/a> was back in the side last week after the dislocated finger scare in Round 2 with encouraging signs. The departure of Smart means the forward line will look to Nuss and King to step up, which could provide more opportunity for Nuss in particular to push her case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PREDICTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Adelaide has too much class to drop back-to-back games. The Panthers will be stung by last week’s loss and Charlton and Vizgaudis should be the difference through the midfield – Sturt’s Kuiper is their match across the ground, but the Panthers have more options around her. The Double Blues’ forward line without Smart remains a concern, and if the Panthers can get their defensive structure right, they should be able to control the game from midfield and convert through Taylor, Olivia Evans<\/a> and Emily Brockhurst<\/a>. South Adelaide to wrap up the round with a win at home.<\/p>\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>