SANFL Women's League

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:10): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council about the 2025 SANFL Women's League grand final?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:11): I thank the member for their question and interest in the success of women in sport in South Australia. This year's SANFLW grand final was a contest both on and off the field. The SANFLW GF played between the Panthers and the Eagles had plenty of people guessing who would take home the flag. We all know that the member for Reynell, Katrine Hildyard, is a proud Panthers fan and, like many from the Yorkes, I back the Eagles. Needless to say, there was plenty of friendly banter in the grandstand for this grand final.

While it might not have been the team colours I was wearing that took home the flag, it was a big win for the Panthers, claiming their fourth premiership in just eight years. This remarkable achievement underscores not only the Panthers' success on the field but also the growing strength, skill and visibility of elite women's sport in our state.

The grand final, played at Glenelg, saw South Adelaide defeat Woodville West Torrens by 23 points. From the first bounce, the Panthers took control of the match, kicking the opening two goals inside the first seven minutes. This victory is part of a sustained period of success for the club, having previously won back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019 and again in 2024. It is an extraordinary record that cements their reputation as a powerhouse in the SANFLW competition.

The game was notable for the outstanding performances of several players. Congratulations to best on ground, Emma Charlton, and acting Panthers captain, Tiffany King, on securing this pivotal win. This success extends beyond the players on the field. It reflects the dedication of coaches, trainers, volunteers and the broader network of supporters who give their time and energy to women's football. The Panthers' achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when there is a strong club culture, clear pathways for talent development, and a community united behind its athletes.

The crowd numbers at the grand final are further evidence of the growing support for women's sport in South Australia. More young girls than ever before are lacing up their boots, inspired by the skills, courage and leadership they see at an elite level. This government is committed to ensuring those aspirations are matched by opportunity.

Not only are there new women's change rooms under construction for our premiership team, but the Power of Her initiative is central to this effort, a program that invests directly in female participation, leadership and infrastructure. Submissions for the latest round have just closed, with over $9 million available in the largest round to date. I look forward to seeing the successful projects delivered and the importance they will have in creating more inclusive, family-friendly spaces across our sporting community.

South Adelaide's 2025 premiership is not just a victory for clubs; it is a celebration of how far women's sport has come in our state. It shows the strength of our competitions, the depth of our talent and the potential that lies ahead. I congratulate the players, coaches and all involved on their historic achievement and look forward to seeing women's sport in South Australia reach even greater heights as the years go on.