South Australia’s standout women’s footballers have been recognised, with the 2026 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year revealed following another huge season of state league footy.
All eight SANFL clubs are represented in the side, although minor premiers Woodville-West Torrens lead the way with five selections after another impressive campaign.
Eagles coach Narelle Smith has also been named coach of the Team of the Year after guiding Woodville-West Torrens to back-to-back minor premierships.
Leading the Eagles contingent is record-breaking forward Klaudia O’Neill, who has been named at full forward after a remarkable season in front of goal.
The 20-year-old booted 33 goals across the 14-game minor round, setting a new SANFLW record and claiming the 2026 AAMI Leading Goal Kicker Award.
O’Neill is joined by Eagles teammates Alice Tentye at centre, Tahlita Buethke on a half-back flank and Annie Falkenberg at full back.
Falkenberg has also been named vice-captain of the side after captaining the SANFLW State Team for the second consecutive year.
Norwood captain Jade Halfpenny will lead the Team of the Year, earning her fifth selection after another standout season for the Redlegs.
Named at ruck rover, Halfpenny averaged 26.9 disposals, 8.4 tackles and 5.9 clearances during the season.
She is joined by Norwood teammates Coby Morgan on the wing and 16-year-old Lani Cocks on the interchange.
Sturt has four players selected, including 17-year-old forward Madeline Nuss, midfielder Isobel Kuiper, captain Alex Ballard and Georgia Swan.
North Adelaide captain Amber Ward has been named at centre-half forward after kicking 17 goals from 14 matches, while teammates Jamie Parish and Ella Metcalfe have been selected in defence.
Metcalfe finished the minor round as the competition’s leading mark-taker with 66.
Reigning premier South Adelaide has three representatives, with Soriah Moon named in the ruck after finishing equal first in the competition for hit-outs with 394. Holly Ifould and Melissa Anderson also earned selection.
West Adelaide star and 2025 SANFLW Best and Fairest Zoe Venning has been named on a half-forward flank after leading the competition with 405 disposals, while teammate Iilish Ross was selected on the interchange.
Central District utility Miyu Endersby and Glenelg midfielder Isla Wiencke complete the side.
The Team of the Year was selected by a SANFL judging panel following the completion of the minor round, with the recognition arriving as the competition enters its 2026 finals series.
Woodville-West Torrens’ five selections come as the Eagles chase their first SANFLW premiership after falling short against South Adelaide in last year’s Grand Final.
The 2026 SANFLW Grand Final will be played on the weekend of August 29.
For the full Team of the Year and player profiles, visit the SANFL website.
