Three South Aussies selected in 2026 AFLW Pre-Season Draft

5 May 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

Three SANFLW players were selected in last night’s 2026 Telstra AFLW Pre-Season Draft.

SANFLW’s Best on Ground against the VFLW in the State Game last month – Central District’s Mikaylah Antony – was selected by Hawthorn with Pick 8.

The midfielder/forward had an injury-interrupted draft year in 2025, which saw her overlooked in last year’s AFLW Draft; however, after a strong start to 2026, she finally receives her opportunity on the big stage.

South Adelaide dual-premiership winger Lauren Clifton was the next Croweater selected, with Melbourne taking the Willunga product at Pick 9.

Clifton, who has played 73 games for the Panthers and is currently serving as co-captain, has been averaging 14 disposals in the 2026 Hostplus SANFLW season, and was named South’s Best Finals Player and Trademark Player in 2025.

Sturt’s Lily Smart rounded out South Australia’s picks, with West Coast selecting the athletic winger with Pick 11.

Smart has played all three games for the Double Blues so far this year, averaging 11.3 disposals, three marks and two tackles, with her workrate catching the eye of the West Coast Eagles’ scouts.

The Telstra AFLW Pre-Season Draft replaced the supplemental selection period and inactive replacement signing period that previously took place ahead of the pre-season.

Players must have nominated for the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft to be eligible to be selected in the Telstra AFLW Pre-Season Draft.