Croweaters create history in U18 AFLW All-Australian team

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia has dominated All-Australian selection with eight players and coach Tim Weatherald selected in the elite group after an undefeated U18 AFLW National Championships campaign.

Recording an average winning margin of 59 points across their three victorious matches, the Croweaters’ stunning performance has been fittingly recognised after defeating Western Australia, Victoria Country and Victoria Metro in succession.

Magarey Medallist Tim Weatherald is the first South Australian to be named as an U18 AFLW All-Australian coach while Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Shineah Goody has been awarded the MVP of the Championships after earlier being named SA’s MVP.

”The strength of South Australia’s success at the Championships is built on the back of our eight SANFL clubs and the tremendous development of the Hostplus SANFLW League,” SANFL Head of Talent Brenton Phillips said.

”The addition of the SANFLW Development League this year, coupled with the ongoing development from U16 and U14 level, has certainly rocketed us into being a championship-winning team.

”We are immensely proud of what the girls have achieved, guided by SA U18 Coach Tim Weatherald, SANFL Female Talent Manager Robbie Neill and the entire SANFL talent staff.’’

Goody starred throughout the tournament, capping off her individual campaign with an eye-catching display against Victoria Metro in which she tallied 27 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles to go with her two game-breaking goals.

North Adelaide’s Hannah Ewings and Central District’s Georgia McKee were equally dynamic with their ability to hit the scoreboard and create opportunities while playing through the midfield and attack.

Norwood’s Sachi Syme and West’s Keeley Kustermann were consistent with their ball-winning ability through the middle of the ground while Glenelg’s Sarah Goodwin provided plenty of drive from half-back and the centre square.

Reliable Roosters defender Amelie Borg and mobile Bays ruck Matilda Scholz displayed why they loom as exciting key-position prospects by controlling the air and impacting at ground level.

Coach – Tim Weatherald

Ruck Rover – Shineah Goody (Woodville-West Torrens/Southern Eagles-Edithburgh)
Forward Pocket – Hannah Ewings (North Adelaide/Roopena-Whyalla)
Forward Pocket – Georgia McKee (Central District/Glenunga)
Half-Back Flank – Keeley Kustermann (West Adelaide/Goodwood Saints)
Half-Back Flank – Sarah Goodwin (Glenelg/Goodwood Saints)
Centre Half-Back – Amelie Borg (North Adelaide/Golden Grove)
Interchange – Matilda Scholz (Glenelg/Mitcham)
Interchange – Sachi Syme (Norwood/Port Lincoln)