Key figures feature prominently in the initial stage of the SANFLW season.
Young amassed 21 possessions and scored 1.2 goals as her West Adelaide team rallied from behind to secure a victory against South Adelaide, culminating in a last-minute goal by Emma Kilpatrick. In an impressive season opener, Young also contributed with two tackles and three clearances.
Katelyn Pope emerged as a standout performer for North Adelaide despite their overall disappointment against Glenelg. Pope kicked the sole goal for her team in the second quarter and showcased her industrious nature with 19 disposals and four tackles.
Amelie Borg, representing North, managed 13 disposals, all kicks, and three tackles. Meanwhile, Piper Window from Glenelg displayed enterprise with 18 disposals, four clearances, and four tackles, while Ella Boag put in a hardworking effort with seven disposals, two clearances, and three tackles.
In the matchup between Sturt and Woodville-West Torrens, neither Alex Ballard nor Shineah Goody played a role as Sturt made a comeback, erasing a 19-point halftime deficit against the Eagles.
In the final game of the opening round, Central District secured a two-point victory over Norwood at the Parade, boosted by forward Julia Teakle’s two goals. Teakle concluded with a record of 2.1 from 11 disposals and grabbed an equal team-high five marks. Ruck Olivia Levicki dominated with 48 hit-outs, far surpassing her Bulldogs teammate Miyu Endersby, who managed 12. Levicki also contributed with 14 disposals, three tackles, and two clearances. Sachi Syme stood out for Norwood with 17 disposals, seven clearances, and seven tackles.
It’s worth noting that Port Adelaide’s AFLW players, currently in their off-season, have been released to play for SANFLW clubs in the initial five rounds before officially returning to Alberton for pre-season in May.
