Adelaide Oval set to host historic SANFLW match with 2021 season kicking off this Friday

Most girls could only dream of lining up on one of Australia’s most prestigious footy ovals — now that will be a reality for SANFLW players this season.

SANFLW captains at the 2021 season launch at Adelaide Oval. (L-R) Anni Falkenberg (Woodville-West Torrens), Maya Rigter (Sturt), Ellie Kellock (Glenelg), Elyse Haylock (South Adelaide), Kristi Harvey (North Adelaide), Bec Owen (West Adelaide), Shelby Smith (Central District) and Alison Ferrall (Norwood). Picture: Tom Huntley

Many SANFLW players have fond memories of Adelaide Oval — yet very few of those include lining up on the field.

But that is all about to change.

This Statewide SANFLW season, which kicks off on Friday, will give all eight teams a chance to play at Adelaide Oval in round six on April 3.

It would mark the second time a women’s footy game had been played at the venue, following the Crows’ AFLW grand final win against Carlton in 2019.

Speaking at the official SANFLW season launch on Tuesday, North Adelaide co-captain Kristi Harvey was excited and believed it was another step forward for women’s football in SA.

South Adelaide captain Elyse Haylock with North Adelaide co-skipper Kristi Harvey. Picture: Tom Huntley

“It’s a big oval but it’s an unbelievable opportunity for us,” Harvey said.

“There’s a lot of male footballers who have never had the opportunity to play on Adelaide Oval.

“For us to be able to experience it will be great and hopefully we can put on a good show.

Harvey helped the Roosters claim their inaugural women’s flag last year, defeating two-times premiers South Adelaide by seven points.

The defender looked forward to her side being the hunted again, despite losing 10 players from the grand final-winning side, mostly to the AFLW.

“I actually love it,” Harvey said.

“We do have a whole group of girls so it’ll be interesting to see their mentality towards it but we don’t put any expectation on them.”

Norwood skipper Alison Ferrall also had special memories of watching footy at Adelaide Oval.

Norwood skipper Alison Ferrall ahead of last season’s finals series. Ferrall is keen to lead the Redlegs again in 2021. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

She said it would be a privilege to lead the Redlegs onto the field.

“I’m so pumped for it,” Ferrall said.

“It’s such a beautiful ground and we are honoured to play on it.

“I just want the girls to take it all in and enjoy the game.”

The 2021 SANFLW season kicks off with a grand final rematch against the Roosters and the Panthers at Norwood Oval at 6pm.

Norwood will then take on West Adelaide in the later match at 7.45pm.

Round one continues with Sturt v Glenelg at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday at 10.10am before Central District battles Woodville-West Torrens at 11.55am.

To see the full 2021 SANFLW fixture, click here.