Four Redlegs Named in SANFLW State Squad

By ZAC MILBANK

Norwood’s Tahlita Buethke, Kiana Lee, Tesharna Maher and Jade Halfpenny have been named in the 30-player SANFLW SA State Squad, for the historic first encounter against the WAFLW in Perth on Saturday May 4.

The Croweaters’ selection panel – headed by Chair Narelle Smith – used Sunday’s SANFLW All-Stars match as a guide before announcing the squad.

Including representatives from all eight SANFL clubs, the squad will be trimmed to 22 to don the cherished red guernsey across the Nullarbor.

To be coached by Crows AFLW assistant Courtney Cramey, the SANFLW line-up boasts plenty of star power with Central District premiership captain Shelby Smith, Glenelg’s 2022 SANFLW Best and Fairest Jessica Bates and West Adelaide ball magnet Zoe Venning among those to be considered for the centre square.

South Adelaide’s Soriah Moon looms as a key player to lead the ruck while her Panthers’ teammate Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap and Redlegs pair Tahlita Buethke and Tesharna Maher will provide plenty of outside run and carry.

In attack, last year’s SANFLW leading goalkicker Katelyn Rosenzweig should be a focal point while Eagle McKenzie Dowrick and Redlegs Kiana Lee and Jade Halfpenny can also hit the scoreboard with ease.

Woodville-West Torrens captain Annie Falkenberg, Panther Tiffany King and Bulldog Georgia Madigan will provide Cramey with options in the back half as they attempt to curtail the Sandgropers’ forward structure.

To be played at Optus Stadium as a curtain-raiser for the West Coast v Essendon AFL clash, it will be the first time since the Hostplus SANFLW League was established in 2017 that a Women’s State League clash takes place on the domestic stage.