South young gun Teah Charlton says watching from the sidelines last SANFLW season due to an injury made her a better player

South young gun Teah Charlton says an injury that kept her on the sidelines last year helped make the most of her opportunities this season. She is round five’s Player of the Week.

South Adelaide's Teah Charlton celebrates during the Panthers’ clash with Woodville-West Torrens. Her strong performance led to her being named round five’s Player of the Week. Picture: Nick Hook

South Adelaide youngster Teah Charlton watched from the sidelines as the Panthers went on to win the SANFLW premiership in their inaugural year.

Teah was struck down with bone stress in her shins and despite being on South’s list, never got to make her debut last season.

But the injury served as motivation to secure another opportunity this year.

Teah Charlton in action against West Adelaide. Picture: Nick Hook

“I was still doing surf life saving then and the sand and grass put too much stress on my shins,” the Tatachilla Year 12 student says.

“It was quite devastating because I knew there was a spot up for grabs (last year) if I was able to get fit.

“It (the injury) has pushed me to really not take playing for granted and it’s driven me to keep working hard and do the right recovery to keep fit.

“I fully supported the team and I couldn’t be more proud of them for winning the grand final.”

South Adelaide's Teah Charlton manages to get her kick away in the Panthers’ clash against North Adelaide. Picture: Deb Curtis

Teah, now 16, produced her best performance on Saturday in the Panthers’ 24-point victory against Woodville-West Torrens at Noarlunga Oval.

She amassed a game-high 24 disposals and kicked three goals to be named the competition’s Player of the Week for round five.

“I feel pretty honoured to get recognised and to have a lot of people backing me,” she says.

Teah, of Moana, featured for the Central Allies in last year’s under-18 girls national championships in June.

She is in the state squad again this year and hopes to be selected when the final team is named in coming months.

Teah cannot be selected by an AFLW club until the 2020 draft.

“It’s really exciting and I am happy where I am at now.

“But I know there’s still a lot of room for improvement and hopefully I can continue to grow as a player.

“I really want to make the AFLW if I can.”

ROUND SIX:

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

■ Norwood v Glenelg – Peter Motley Oval, 10.10am

■ Sturt v West Adelaide – Peter Motley Oval, 11.55am

■ South Adelaide v Central District – Noarlunga Oval, 3.45pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

■ Woodville-West Torrens v North Adelaide – Woodville Oval, 3.45pm