2023 SA U18 Girls Academy

By ZAC MILBANK

A 47-player squad has been named for the 2023 SA U18 Girls Academy as the Croweaters prepare to defend their inaugural national crown won this year.

Several stars from this year’s successful campaign are set to return, including 2022 tournament MVP Shineah Goody, Sturt’s India Rasheed, Glenelg’s Piper Window and West’s Lucy Boyd.

Recovering Bloods star Lauren Young is poised to again don the cherished red guernsey after undergoing a knee reconstruction in November last year.

South Australia will be coached by Jason Rivett, with the former Croweaters’ assistant earning a well-deserved promotion following the departure of championship-winning mentor Tim Weatherald.

Rivett will be assisted by Bill Economou, Craig Lum and SANFL’s Bek McMahon with the squad set to attend an Academy Hub camp from December 19-21.

Training kicks off on Tuesday February 7 ahead of an internal trial match on Thursday March 9.

SA’s squad will be trimmed to 30 after Round 5 of next year’s Hostplus SANFLW League and Development League competitions ahead of its three matches at next year’s NAB AFLW U18 National Championships.

The Croweaters will travel domestically to face WA in Perth (April 30) and Vic Metro in Melbourne (July 9) while hosting Queensland on Sunday July 16.

In between, they will also confront an SA U23 side on June 25, which will include star players from the Hostplus SANFLW League.