Every SANFLW team’s players to watch this season including Shelby Smith, India Rasheed, Erin Sundstrom

First bounce of the SANFLW 2022 season is fast approaching and we’ve rounded up the most promising players lining up for each club. Here are the stars to watch.

The wait is over with SANFLW 2022 set to kick off on Friday when Norwood hosts Glenelg from 8pm at Coopers Stadium.

Each club has maintained a strong list of players and with a promising group of young stars coming through the ranks, this season may reveal the finest array of talent we’ve seen.

With the season just around the corner, we’ve named every club’s players to watch, with a mixture of young and experienced players included.

Central District

Shelby Smith

Central District skipper Shelby Smith is hoping to lead the Bulldogs to finals footy in 2022. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

The Bulldogs’ newest captain, Smith has been a leading force around the park for her club.

She is a strong inside midfielder who isn’t afraid to go hard in the contest and win her own ball. Smith had an outstanding 2021 season, winning the club champion award, and she will be hoping to lead her teammates to finals footy in 2022.

Georgia McKee

Rising star Georgia McKee has become one of the most versatile young players at the Bulldogs. Picture: Supplied

At just 16, McKee has some of the best potential in the league.

The skilful small forward/midfielder is part of this year’s State Under-18 Academy and is being touted by her teammates as someone who could take the competition by storm.

McKee has the ability to blitz midfielders and defenders with her speed and athleticism and could make a big difference for the Bulldogs.

Glenelg

Piper Window

Glenelg youngster Piper Window has shown huge improvement over the pre-season. Picture: Peter Argent

The granddaughter of Magarey Medallist Gary Window, Piper has been a revelation for the Tigers.

The explosive winger is looking to continue her impressive form of last season when she was one of Glenelg’s best in its grand final win against West Adelaide.

Window has been selected in the State Under-18 Academy.

Sarah Goodwin

Supplied by Glenelg FC

Goodwin was also a premiership player in 2021 at just 17 and she will be hoping to continue her momentum this year.

The hard-running midfielder out of Sacred Heart and the Goodwood Saints has shown the ability to outwork her opponents and could be a key part of another possible premiership run for the Tigers.

North Adelaide

Elaine Grigg

Supplied by North Adelaide

Born in Kenya, Grigg played six SANFLW games in 2021 and was also an AFLW Medleys team member.

The North Adelaide speedster is another selection in the State Under-18 Academy for 2022 and should provide a welcome boost to the Roosters as they aim for finals after just missing out last season.

Erin Sundstrom

Erin Sundstrom (right) has become one of North Adelaide’s most reliable players. Picture: Mike Batterham

Gun midfielder Sundstrom experienced a bit of a breakout season last year and will provide reliability and a veteran presence for the Roosters in 2022.

Sundstrom’s ability to cover ground and consistently provide the ball carrier with support is almost second to none.

She has been so strong for her club coach Krissie Steen said “she should be playing AFLW”.

Norwood

Rosie Boon

Supplied by NFC

Former Norwood Flames basketballer Boon has only just taken up football at the elite level.

The Redlegs tall is another member of the State Under-18 Academy and has shown promise in pre-season training.

Boon’s athleticism and versatility could make her a favourite at The Parade.

Molly Brooksby

Molly Brooksby (middle, right) is hoping for a successful 2022 leading into a possible career with Port Adelaide in the AFLW. Picture: Sarah Reed

Another State Under-18 Academy young gun for the Redlegs, midfielder Brooksby looks set for a big 2022.

The talented midfielder out of Golden Grove boasts extreme athleticism and is a handful for any opposition.

She is also a chance for selection when Port Adelaide’s AFLW team is introduced.

South Adelaide

Jaslynne Smith

By all reports coming out of South Adelaide, Smith looks in for a big year.

The physical defender has impressed throughout her time in the SANFLW and has continued to develop her game each season.

She’ll be fundamental in any repeat finals push by the Panthers this year.

Jess Waterhouse

Supplied by SANFLW

Former Adelaide United player and Young Matildas captain Waterhouse has made her mark at the Panthers after arriving from Glenelg.

The niece of former Fremantle and Port Adelaide player Clive Waterhouse, she has become one of the league’s most potent half-forwards.

Her presence up front will be a significant boost for the Panthers.

Sturt

India Rasheed

Picture by Peter Swan

The daughter of former Double Blues player and renowned tennis coach Roger Rasheed, India has burst onto the scene as a talented left-footed forward/midfielder.

Rasheed has shown signs of what she can be through the pre-season and the Blues will be excited by what she can bring to the table.

Kiera Mueller

Kiera Mueller is set for a successful 2022. Picture: Supplied

Half-back Mueller is another breakout player at the Double Blues.

The young star has experienced endless success at Blackwood, winning multiple premierships from a young age and will be hoping to repeat this success in the SANFLW.

Her main strength is intercept marking and disposing to the best option with efficiency.

West Adelaide

Keeley Kustermann

Natural leader Keeley Kustermann is one to keep an eye on throughout 2022. Picture: Matt Loxton

Listed in The Messenger’s 20 young athletes to watch this year, 17-year-old Kustermann is set for big things in 2022.

The State Under-18 Academy member is already in the Bloods’ leadership group and has shown impressive fitness on the track leading into the season.

The talented defender looks to have a big chance at AFLW footy after this season.

Lucy Boyd

Supplied Blackwood fc

Boyd, a forward/midfielder from Blackwood and Westminster School, possesses handy versatility and reliable skills.

Turning 16 this year, she has shown signs of what she can produce at training and seems set to turn heads this season.

Eagles

Marlie Fiegert

Marlie Fiegert (middle, left) is thriving in a midfield role at the Eagles. Picture: Sarah Reed

The daughter of Port Adelaide premiership defender Nigel Fiegert, Marlie made her senior debut last season and hasn’t looked back.

Fiegert has been thriving in a midfield role and possesses slick skills to go along with her impressive motor.

She hopes to be a father-daughter selection for Port Adelaide’s AFLW team in 2023.

Ella Little

Supplied by Millicent High School

Little has had a big pre-season at the Eagles and has impressed with her hard work and dedication on and off the track.

With the ability to play around the ground, Little has continued to work on her craft and her desire for game knowledge has impressed Eagles coaches.

She seems poised for a breakout this year.