SA players to watch at 2024 AFL U16 girls national championships revealed

The 2024 AFL U16 girls championships will kick-off this Sunday at Prospect Oval and we’ve named the top SA young guns to watch ahead of the opening round. See the full team list and our pick of the bunch.

The 2024 Marsh AFL National Development U16 Girls Championships will kick off this Sunday at Prospect Oval and SA’s side is packed with talent.

The Croweaters will head into the championships with an even team across the board and should be competitive against all opposition from April 7-15.

Ahead of SA’s first game against Victoria, we’ve picked the players to watch and revealed the full team for the opening round clash.

See who made the cut in alphabetical order.

KATE ALEXANDER

(Norwood)

Talented SA ruck Kate Alexander. Picture: Cory Sutton

A rising Norwood ruck who has had experience at SANFLW level, Alexander will be one to watch during next week’s national championships.

Alexander is a promising athlete who can dominate hit-outs and cover ground as well as anyone to take important marks and make key contests.

EMMA CHARLTON

(South Adelaide)

SA U16 girls stars Layla Vizgaudis, Emma Charlton (captain) and Miyu Endersby. Picture: Cory Sutton

The captain of this year’s U16 girls, Charlton has impressed for South Adelaide at SANFLW level and will be an important player for the Croweaters.

An emerging star through the midfield, the 15-year-old should lead by example with her impressive ball-winning ability and decision making when in possession.

MIYU ENDERSBY

(Central District)

Miyu Endersby will be one to watch this weekend. Picture: Cory Sutton

An up and coming star in the backline for Central District, Endersby could be set for a big U16 championships.

Endersby will vice-captain the side throughout the tournament and should be a key player with her ability to stand a number of forwards and distribute out of the back.

EMILY MABLESON

(West Adelaide)

West Adelaide prospect Emily Mableson. Picture: Cory Sutton

A talented defender out of West Adelaide, Mabelson’s ability to lock down forwards and win contests in the air and ground level makes her an important part of the SA side.

Mableson is also a reliable distributor, averaging 12,4 disposals at 87 per cent efficiency through her five SANFLW games last season.

LUCY MOORE

(Woodville-West Torrens)

Lucy Moore could be set for a big championships. Picture: Cory Sutton

Moore will look to build on her SANFLW experience from last season during next week’s championships.

A skilled up and coming forward for the Eagles who can impact the game in a number of ways, Moore was also a standout for Henley during last season’s SANFL intrastate club carnival.

LUCY REDDAWAY

(North Adelaide)

North Adelaide young gun Lucy Reddaway. Picture: Cory Sutton

Reddaway has emerged as one of SA’s most promising young forwards, gaining a game of SANFLW experience for North Adelaide at just 16 years of age.

A smart player who leads well, takes strong marks and kicks for goal efficiently, Reddaway should be an important player for the Croweaters next week.

LAYLA VIZGAUDIS

(South Adelaide)

Layla Vizgaudis is one of SA's best midfield prospects. Picture: Cory Sutton

Vizgaudis is an emerging leader in SA girls footy and should be among SA’s top players at the U16 championships.

A talented midfielder with an impressive skill set, the 15-year-old will be a key cog in the contest for the Croweaters.

SKOUT YOUNG

(Sturt)

Up and coming Sturt star Skout Young. Picture: Cory Sutton

Part of last season’s Adelaide Crows U15 Next Generation Academy, Young has emerged as a bright up and coming midfield talent at Sturt.

Slotting in next to a number of skilled mids such as Emma Charlton, Layla Vizgaudis, Elke Cameron and Tara Lord, Young should stand out with her ability to distribute the footy under pressure and create for teammates.

FULL GAME ONE TEAM

F: Lucy Moore (Eagles), Taya Maxwell (South Adelaide), Lucy Reddaway (North Adelaide)

HF: Jyerah Newchurch (Central District), Polly Turner (North Adelaide), Charlee Brooksby (Norwood)

C: Skout Young (Sturt), Elke Cameron (Norwood), Tara Lord (Central District)

HB: Emily Mableson (West Adelaide), Miyu Endersby (Central District, vice-captain), Sarah Deed (West Adelaide)

B: Sienna Aldridge (West Adelaide), Charlotte Copson (Sturt), Neveah Ebert (North Adelaide)

R: Kate Alexander (Norwood), Emma Charlton (South Adelaide, captain), Layla Vizgaudis (South Adelaide)

Interchange: Georgie Fielder (Glenelg), Demi Holloway (Central District), Caitlin Hardin (North Adelaide), Maia Freemantle (Eagles), Erin Conn (Sturt)

Emergency: Lillian Thomas (Norwood), Iris Newman (North Adelaide)

Coach: Bek McMahon