Three times a charm for Panthers?

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide’s list has undergone another dramatic makeover as it chases an historic third consecutive Statewide Super Women’s League premiership in 2020.

Having banked the second of back-to-back flags in 2019, the Panthers then had four star players – Montana McKinnon, Nicole Campbell, Cheyenne Hammond and Hannah Munyard – selected in the AFLW Draft.

Key utility Danielle Goding will have the season off due to maternity leave while impressive young forward Mykala Walker-Murphy has chosen to focus on her study for 2020, leaving plenty of holes to be filled at Noarlunga.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, South Women’s premiership coach Rick Watts said this presented as en excellent opportunity to continue pushing through the club’s exciting juniors, evidenced by South winning the past four U17 Statewide Super Shields in succession.

Watts nominated Gypsey Schirmer as one of a handful of talented teens to keep an eye on next year as three 2018 premiership Panthers return to resume their careers at Lovelock Drive.

Half-forward Louella McCarthy has headed home after spending last season with St Kilda in the VFLW while defender Nicole Mark is itching to don the boots after giving birth to daughter Aubrey.

Key forward Lucy Northcott will also act as a virtual recruit after missing the entire 2019 SANFLW campaign due to a knee reconstruction.

While former Redleg Stacey Huddleston will miss the 2020 season with injury, Watts will tap into her playing expertise by including her on the Panthers’ assistant coaching panel.