2025 SANFLW State Squad announced for historic AAMI State Game

By ZAC MILBANK

A 26-player squad has been finalised to represent the SANFLW State Team in its historic encounter against the VFLW at Alberton Oval on Friday night.

The Croweaters’ selection panel – headed by Chair Narelle Smith – have selected as many as 12 possible debutants to don the cherished red guernsey for the first time.

Including representatives from all eight SANFL clubs, the squad will be trimmed to 22 for the inaugural AAMI State Game against the Big V from 6.30pm as part of this weekend’s Gather Round festivities.

AFLW experienced mentor Courtney Cramey will again coach the Croweaters, with the leadership group to be announced later in the week with the final team.

Sam Virgo will return to assist Cramey in the coaches box, while Hostplus SANFLW League coaches Bruce Dawes (West Adelaide) and Talia Radan (Glenelg) have been added as assistants.

Experienced campaigners and talented youngsters are among those who could represent the SANFLW State team for the first occasion, including Eagle Leah Cutting and North Adelaide’s Laela Ebert.

High-flying Woodville-West Torrens – currently undefeated after four rounds of the Hostplus SANFLW League – has six players chosen, including Annie Falkenberg, Poppy Waterford and Christina Leuzzi, who all featured in 2024.

Tiger Jess Bates, who won the inaugural best-on-ground medal last year for the SANFLW, is among those also set to return, together with South ruck Soriah Moon and ball magnets Izzy Kuiper (Sturt) and Zoe Venning (West).

The Women’s AAMI State Game will be streamed live and free via SANFL Now. Entry to the match is free.