Adelaide Footy League women’s finals 2022: Players to watch including Celestina Dona, Jordan Woodards, Brianna Walling
The 2022 Adelaide Footy League women’s finals begin this weekend, with a host of stars vying for a premiership. Here are the stars to watch across all six divisions.
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The Adelaide Footy League women’s minor round has reached its completion and the business end of the season is finally here.
Finals will kick-off this Saturday with divisions one, two, three, four and six set to do battle, while division five plays out its final regular season round.
With the competition boasting as much talent as ever at the local level, a number of gun players will be battling it out for silverware.
From champion veterans to breakout stars, here are our top players to watch these finals for every division.
DIVISION ONE
BRIANNA WALLING
(Morphettville Park)
Walling has had a brilliant 2022 season and remains in hot form as finals approaches.
The 22-year-old is a versatile weapon for Morphettville Park, dominating around the ground and putting in strong shifts through the middle and also up front.
Walling has kicked 14 goals in 12 games and has been among the Roos’ best 10 times – she’ll be key as the club aims for a third straight flag.
CELESTINA DONA
(Morphettville Park)
Last year’s league best and fairest missed a few games early in the season but looks back to her best at just the right time.
Powerful and explosive on the ball, Dona has the ability to break games open and will be a player opposition sides need to nullify if they want to top the Roos.
BESSIE BARRETT
(Happy Valley)
With seven performances among Happy Valley’s best in 11 games, Barrett has been a big part of the club’s success so far in 2022.
The 18-year-old star has shown improvement each week for her team and is set to remain a weapon through the middle and along the wing during her finals campaign.
KIANA LEE
(SMOSH West Lakes)
Also a promising forward for Woodville-West Torrens, Lee continues to dominate for SMOSH West Lakes.
The 20-year-old has kicked all 10 of her goals this season in her last five appearances, including a four-goal haul against Payneham Norwood Union.
ALANA GIANNINI
(Payneham Norwood Union)
The Falcons captain has been as solid as ever for her team in 2022.
Along with vice-captain Kate Rasheed, Giannini has led by example on the park, providing an organised approach, toughness at the contest and a cool head in possession for PNU.
ZARA MOLLOY
(Broadview)
18-year-old Molloy has taken her game to new heights this season and heads into the 2022 finals as one of Broadview’s key players.
The young gun’s ability to win the ball and find teammates with efficiency has put her among the Tigers’ best on five occasions this year.
DIVISION TWO
ASHLEIGH LEMMENS
(Blackfriars Old Scholars)
Also a fast-developing player for North Adelaide, Lemmens has impressed all year for Blackfriars OS through the middle.
With six goals in 12 appearances and nine best on ground mentions, she has played a significant role in her club’s rise to the top of the division.
ALEXANDRA SMYTH
(Henley)
Smyth heads into the finals in fantastic form having just dominated on the ball against second-spot Gaza.
She has played all 14 games for the Sharks and has been among the best on ground in eight of those appearances.
While Blackfriars OS remains the favourite for the division, Henley are a strong chance with Smyth in top form.
DIVISION THREE
ZARA BOWLES
(Goodwood Saints)
With 13 goals in 12 games to go along with five best on ground showings, Bowles has helped lead Goodwood to top of the division leading into finals.
At only 15 years old, she is capable of turning a game on its head and looms as a potential matchwinner in every big contest.
JORDAN WOODARDS
(Golden Grove)
One of the most consistent performers in the competition, Woodards has bagged 11 majors in 13 games playing up front and on the ball.
She has also been among the Kookaburras’ best a remarkable 12 times and will be an important player this finals series.
DIVISION FOUR
ELIZA CUNNINGHAM
(Pembroke Old Scholars)
Cunningham has been a star this season, dominating on the ball and also producing well up front to hit the scoreboard for 12 goals in 11 games.
Her best on ground display during round 14 in which she kicked two goals and set up multiple opportunities highlighted what she brings to the table for the Queens.
GEORGIA OSBORNE
(Pulteney)
Pulteney’s captain has been dominant throughout season 2022, booting 10 goals through the middle and up front, and finishing among the side’s best on eight separate occasions.
Osborne will be a major factor in how successful her team is as it pushes for a premiership.
DIVISION FIVE
ALICIA BUTLER
(Eastern Park)
Butler has been a standout as captain of Eastern Park this season.
She has the ability to play around the ground for the Demons and also put in a shift up front or on the ball, slotting home 11 goals in 13 games and achieving nine best on ground performances.
DIVISION SIX
JESS PATCHING
(Edwardstown)
Patching has amassed a remarkable 36 goals in 10 games this season and looks set to tear opposition defences apart in the finals.
The talented forward can finish with class on either side of her body and remains a strong asset in the air.
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