SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Panthers heading into the 2023 SANFL Women’s League season.
Finished – 4th (lost First Semi-Final to Glenelg)
Record – 6 wins, 6 losses (Minor Round)
Best and Fairest – Nicole Campbell & Gypsy Schirmer
Runner Up – Jess Waterhouse
Fourth Place – Jaslynne Smith
The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year – Jess Waterhouse (Half-Forward Flank), Nicole Campbell (Wing)
COMING
Charlotte Dolan (Woodville-West Torrens), Jordann Hickey (returned/Woodville-West Torrens), Nicole Mark (Central District), Bridgette Needs (Happy Valley), Senna Gulden (Uni NSW Bulldogs), Jaimi Griffen (returned/Maternity Leave), Lily Baxter (Victor Harbor), Bella Rigby (Willunga)
GOING
Tahlita Buethke (Norwood), Nicole Collie (retired)
Round 1
Saturday February 18
South v Norwood (Flinders University Stadium) – 6pm
Round 2
Saturday February 25
South v Norwood (Flinders University Stadium) – 6pm
Round 3
Saturday March 4
South v West (Flinders University Stadium) – 6pm
Round 4
Saturday March 18
Central v South (X Convenience Oval) – 12pm
Round 5
Saturday March 25
South v North (Flinders University Stadium) – 6pm
Enticing Jordann Hickey back to Noarlunga looms as a significant coup for the Panthers.
By their own admission, South has rarely targeted opposition players but Hickey and her Eagles teammate Charlotte Dolan were the exceptions for coach Rick Watts this off-season.
A strong presence inside attacking 50m, Hickey will give the Panthers’ genuine structure up forward while also thriving on spearheading the club’s relationship with the Alice Springs’ Pinktails team.
South coach Rick Watts is genuinely excited by Willunga prospect Rigby, who was recently named in the SA U16 Girls Academy for 2023.
Despite being aged just 15, Rigby is well-versed in playing against mature-age women having played in Willunga’s 2021 Senior Women’s flag.
Expect Rigby, as well as Victor Harbor’s Lily Baxter, to taste SANFLW League footy early next season.
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