SANFLW stars shining in AFLW Prelim Finals

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia’s stunning surge of female talent is starting to have an impact at elite level, with as many as 30 SANFLW products set to shine on the AFLW Preliminary Final stage on Saturday.

Perennial AFLW powerhouse Adelaide will take on Brisbane in its Preliminary Final decider in Brisbane from 7pm SA time, with no less than 17 of its selected 21 having a presence in the SANFLW.

Chasing their fourth AFLW crown, the Crows also had three SA-bred players – Zoe Prowse, Sarah Goodwin and Teah Charlton – selected in the AFLPA’s 2024 22Under22 team.

Port Adelaide’s sudden rise to prominence in 2024 has been built on the back of its rapid development from SANFLW-raised talent such as ruck Matilda Scholz and key defender Amelie Borg, who were also named in the AFLPA’s 22Under22 team.

The Power has as many as 13 SANFLW draftees lining up in its first AFLW Preliminary Final against North Melbourne in Melbourne from 2.35pm.

Three players from Alberton also earned Rising Star nominations throughout the AFLW minor round, with former Eagle Shineah Goody (Round 1), ex-Redleg Molly Brooksby (Round 5) and Glenelg draftee Scholz (Round 7) fittingly recognised.

Central District livewire Elaine Grigg, impressing with the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW, was praised for her performance in Round 8 with an AFLW Rising Star nomination.