2019 South Women’s League Preview

South Adelaide’s challenge to defend its Statewide Super Women’s League crown will be significant in 2019.

A new coach has been installed in Rick Watts, who has seen several of last year’s premiership stars depart Noarlunga during the off-season.

But the rookie mentor couldn’t be more enthusiastic, as he looks to usher through the talented teenagers who have dominated the U17 SANFLW competition for the past three seasons.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Watts said he would be keeping many of the game structures implemented by premiership coach Krissie Steen, who has headed to AFLW club GWS.

Watts has worked as an assistant to Steen with the Panthers and at Adelaide University, providing him with a solid foundation as he enters his first year as senior coach.

The injection of youngsters Teah Charlton and Indy Tahou has Watts extremely excited, with the former enjoying an injury-free pre-season in an encouraging build up to the minor round.

Ex-Norwood pair Nicole Campbell and Alana Browne have joined the Panthers while plenty of anticipation surrounds the arrival of soccer-convert Jess Kirk.

Premiership co-captain Kristi Harvey will be joined by other ex-Panthers in Louella McCarthy and Jorja Rowe in the VFLW while Powerade Breakthrough Player Nikki Gore (Adelaide) and Lisa Whiteley (GWS) will begin their AFLW careers in 2019.