SANFLW defeat VFLW in State Game

11 April 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

South Australia has pulled off a stunning two-point victory over Victoria at Stratarama Stadium.

South Australia’s defence was put to test early with an onslaught of inside 50s from the Big V, but under the guidance of vice-captain Tiffany King the Croweaters were able to minimise the scoreboard damage, as the visitors only scored four points in the first quarter.

The first goal came via Victoria’s Tahlia Sanger early in the second quarter, before a suspected knee injury to spearhead Katelyn Rosenzweig saw played stopped briefly.

Klaudia O’Neill took a sensational grab before going back to kick South Australia’s first major of the day, installing some confidence into her side as they went into the main break three points down.

A number of South Australian’s put on a clinic in the first half, including Isobel Kuiper (12 disposals, five tackles) and Marie Martino (four marks).

The heavens opened up during the beginning of the second half, creating some difficult conditions out on the ground for both sides, but the rain was no match for SA’s Kiana Lee.

Steadying the ship for the Croweaters, Lee took a strong grab about 25m out on a slight angle, before going back and kicking truly to give South Australia the lead, heading into the penultimate break two points up.

Melissa Anderson nabbed an excellent overhead mark early in the fourth quarter to put the Croweaters eight points up, but the Big V responded almost instantaneously with a goal from Stella Reid.

Victoria had it locked in their forward 50 for the better part of the last quarter, however South Australia’s relentless pressure proved to be too much for the visitors as Narelle Smith’s charges held on to win by two points.

SANFLW State Team debutant Mikaylah Antony was named Best on Ground for the Croweaters, amassing 21 disposals and six tackles, having maximum impact across the ground in a tightly fought contest.

Last year’s SANFLW Best and Fairest Zoe Venning (17 disposals, six tackles), Alice Tentye (18 disposals, seven tackles) and Soriah Moon (25 hit outs, four tackles) all worked hard to get SA over the line.

South Australia will now turn their attention to its clash with Western Australia in Perth on Saturday, May 16.