2026 SA U16 Girls Squad finalised

11 February 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

Selectors have finalised a 30-player 2026 SA U16 girls squad to defend its AFLW National Championship in April.

To be coached by triple championship-winning mentor Bek McMahon, Croweaters selectors have trimmed from the initial 47-player Academy squad announced in November.

Central District’s Izabella Nisbet, Norwood’s Mia Wood and South Adelaide’s Jaidee-Lee Shortridge are amongst the top-agers returning from last year’s championship-winning squad.

All eight SANFL clubs are represented in the final list, with Central District and Norwood each having the most players selected with seven.

McMahon’s coaching panel will consist of former Sturt SANFLW coach Michael O’Connor, and Port Adelaide AFLW player Sachi Syme, along with Emma Sampson, Emily Woods and Ashlee Bridge.

South Australia will play two matches as it looks to claim its fourth successive AFLW U16 National Championship, the first against Western Australia on Tuesday, April 7, and the second on Thursday, April 16, with an opponent to be determined by the result against WA.