2026 SANFLW State Squad announced for VFLW clash

6 April 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

A 25-player squad has been finalised to represent the SANFLW State Team in its second encounter against the VFLW at Stratarama Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Croweaters’ selection panel – chaired by Phil Aspinall -has selected several possible debutants to represent their state.

The side will be coached by women’s football pioneer and Woodville-West Torrens SANFLW coach, Narelle Smith, who has previously served as Chair of Selectors.

All eight SANFLW teams are represented in the squad, which will be trimmed to 22-players ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Big V as part of the 2026 Gather Round festivities.

Last year’s SANFLW Best and Fairest winner West Adelaide’s Zoe Venning headlines the squad, with South Adelaide premiership players Mel Anderson, Laqouiya Cockatoo Motlap, Emily Brockhurst, Soriah Moon and Tiffany King also named.

After their rise up the ladder in 2025, the Eagles have five players selected in Tahlita Buethke, Alice Tentye, Marie Martino, Klaudia O’Neill and last year’s captain, Annie Falkenberg.

Young guns Central’s Mikaylah Antony, South’s Holly Ifould and Sturt’s Sophie Thredgold are among those hoping for their first selection in the State Team.

The final team will be announced on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s 12 noon clash.

The 2026 SANFLW v VFLW State Game will be streamed on SANFL Now.