SANFLW defeated by WAFLW in KIA State Game

16 May 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

The SANFLW State Team suffered a heavy defeat to the WAFLW in the KIA State Game, going down by 92 points at Sullivan Logistics Oval in Perth.

It’s the first time the Croweaters have lost to the Sandgropers, having beaten them in the previous two outings.

It was a difficult first quarter for the visitors who were outbodied and outscored by the Sandgropers to the tune of 23 points.

Alice Tentye was everywhere in the first quarter for the Croweaters, notching up nine disposals as she continues to have her breakout season.

Debutant Alex Ballard was rock solid in defence, reading the play perfectly and taking two strong marks in the first half, along with vice-captain Tiffany King who also helped minimise the damage.

Despite South Australia’s defence working overtime, the Croweaters went into half-time 47 points down.

It was the same story in the second half for the visitors, who struggled to counteract WA’s ability to create space across the ground and use it to their advantage.

Mel Anderson was the lone goal scorer for the Croweaters, making the most of a rare turnover from the Sandgropers, taking a mark directly in of front of goal in the final term, before going back and kicking truly to give the SANFLW its first major score of the day.

Tentye was awarded Best on Ground for the SANFLW, collecting 22 disposals, four tackles and two marks.

Zoe Venning (six tackles), King (six rebound 50s), and debutant Isla Wiencke (15 disposals, six tackles) were better performers in a disappointing day for the SANFLW State Team.

WAFLW  3.5  7.6  14.8  15.9 (99)

SANFLW  0.0  0.1  0.1   1.1 (7)

GOALS – WAFLW: Poppy Stockwell (4), Lucy Greenwood (3), Holly Britton, Courtney Lindergen, Krstel Petrevski (2), Isabella Shannon, Makaela Tuhakaraina (1).

SANFLW: Melissa Anderson (1).