AAMI SA U16 Girls go undefeated in Marsh AFLW National Development Championships

21 April 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

South Australia has made it four Marsh AFLW Development Championship series wins in a row after it defeated Victoria Metro last Thursday at Shepley Oval in Game 2.

The Croweaters got off to a slow start, with the side’s only first-quarter goal coming via vice-captain Jaidee-Lee Shortridge, as SA went into quarter-time two goals down.

Coach Bek McMahon’s charges put the jets on in the second term, as Shortridge (two goals), Anika Tran, Izabella Nisbet, and Scarlett Blethyn all found the goals to give South Australia a 21-point lead heading into the main break.

Ruby Rose kicked the lone goal for the Croweaters in the third term, with the match later abandoned due to lightning; however, South Australia had done enough to be crowned joint Marsh AFLW Development Championship winners for the fourth successive year.

Ella Anderson was named best afield for SA, with the midfielder prolific in difficult conditions in Melbourne, while Shortridge was recognised for her stellar performance which included three huge goals.

Ruck Matilda Buchanan was excellent for the Croweaters, and was well supported by the captain in Izabella Nisbet, as Blethyn, Mia Wood, and Amalia Musolino all starred for the champions.