SANFL

It was a long road to the top for Woodville-West Torrens in the Hostplus SANFLW League, but in 2026, they finally conquered the mountain to claim the Eagles' first SANFLW flag.

2026 Hostplus SANFLW League premiership players Popi Gikas and Tahlita Buethke sit down on this episode to discuss the history-making flag and how important coach Narelle Smith is to them and the club, whilst also divulging into the post-match celebrations and what's ahead for season 2027.

Norwood premiership hero Tristan Binder has revealed he nearly finished with three goals, not four, after producing his stunning final quarter performance against Sturt in the Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final. 

After taking the mark following a neat pass from his great mate Jackson Callow, Binder was told by the Redlegs' runner there was less than 30 seconds to play in the title-decider.

''When I took that mark I knew we were home and hosed,'' Binder said on the latest edition of the Checkside Chats podcast.

''There was a moment there were I thought - do I just turn to the crowd here and once the siren goes, kick the ball over to Adelaide Oval No.2?

''Or do I go back and have a set shot? But I thought to myself, four (goals) is going to look a lot better than three so I went back and put it through and gave something (celebration) to the crowd.''

Speaking in an in-depth interview, the Redlegs cult hero walks us through all of his four final-term goals while also revealing how he got the nickname ''Poodle.''

Originally from Tumby Bay, the 26-year-old moved to Port Lincoln where he played his junior football with Boston FC before relocating to Adelaide at the end of 2018.

Norwood's No.45 chats about the influence of his father Craig, who played 17 League games for the Redlegs from 1991 to 1993.

He also tells about his passion for fishing at one of South Australia's most remote locations - Dog Fence Beach - nearly three hours west of Ceduna.

Who can topple powerful minor premier Norwood?

How will Westies fare in their first major round appearance since 2015?

And who are the contenders for the Magarey Medal?

Tune in to the latest edition of Checkside Chats with SANFL Media's Zac Milbank and The Advertiser's Andrew Capel to get the latest ahead of Sunday's finals double-header at Adelaide Oval.

AAMI SA U18 All Australian Jake Eime has spent the best part of the last month pinching himself. 

A self-confessed fantatic of the Adelaide Footbal Club, the Central District running defender has revelled in the opportunity to train alongside his heroes in Josh Rachele and Dan Curtin.

Speaking on the latest edition of the Checkside Chats podcast, the well-spoken 18 year-old spoke glowingly of his chance to make his Hostplus SANFL League debut with the Crows' SANFL team, playing in their past two matches.

Modelling his game on GWS star Lachie Ash, Eime possesses great traits which will suit the AFL arena - speed, ball-carrying ability and neat foot skills.

But it hasn't always come easily for the Golden Grove product, who stuggled to find a place in the Bulldogs' U16 side whilst also missing out on selection for the AAMI SA U16 squad in 2024.

Eime admits his small stature played a role in this and is hopeful that his 183cm frame still has some growth left in it given his Dad was a late bloomer and his brother Zac is also taller than him.

Off the field, the Trinity College Year 12 student is determined to begin a Physiotherapy degree next year whilst also enjoying a hit of golf and fishing for King George Whiting off Moonta Bay.

AAMI SA U18 forward Jack Slattery is the first to admit he's a late bloomer. 

But after his stunning individual campaign at the 2026 Marsh AFL U18 National Championships, the 18-year-old is well-and-truly beginning to blossom.

Booting a carnival-leading 16 goals for the Croweaters, Slattery was fittingly rewarded with All-Australian selection as he put his name forward as one of SA's top prospects ahead of this year's AFL Draft.

Speaking on the latest edition of the Checkside Chats podcast, the Woodville-West Torrens spearhead details how being initially overlooked for selection as a bottom-ager in the Eagles' AAMI Talent League team acted as significant motivation to improve.

Hailing his coaches at Oval Avenue for his rapid development - inclusing Hostplus SANFL League mentor Sam Jacobs and AAMI Talent League coach Shane Reardon - Slattery said he had moddelled his game on Brisbane forward Logan Morris and Hawthorn veteran Jack Gunston.

Measuring in at 192cm, Slattery said he had worked hard on refining his set shot kicking routine whilst also having a natural ability to snag a goal with a snap from ground level.

Originally from the South Clare Football Club, Slattery's Dad Chris, currently the SA U12 coach, and uncle Luke Slattery, who played 115 SANFL games for Port Adelaide, have also been strong influences on his fledgling career.

SANFL's Head of Development Heath Younie is passionate about coaching and developing young players.

That's why he's loving his role as AAMI SA U16 coach as he guides the Croweaters at the 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships.

Making hs debut on the Checkside Chats podcast, Younie reviews SA's narrow Game 1 loss to WA whilst also previewing the upcoming clashes with Victoria Metro and Victoria Country in Queensland.

Providing interesting insight into the next wave of talented Croweaters rising through the system, the former Crows assistant mentor says that Harrison Schubert, younger brother of Hawthorn's Aidan, moves in a very similar fashion to his tall forward sibling.

Younie also chats about his role assisting each SANFL club's the Centre of Excellence whilst also working in well with newly-appointed SANFL Academy Coaches Chris Trapp (Adelaide) and Mark Clayton (Port Adelaide).

Rupturing his spleen, recovering from an ACL and continually being overlooked by AFL clubs - it's no surprise that Sturt captain Tom Lewis continues to play with a chip on his shoulder after 99 Hostplus SANFL League games. 

The 26-year-old maintains an incredibly positive, yet humble, attitude to all of the aspects in his hectic life as he chases down more glory with his beloved Double Blues.

Speaking on the latest edition of Checkside Chats, the Magarey Medallist revealed he's chasing down the accomplishments of Sturt's dual premiership captain Zane Kirkwood, who has acted as the perfect role model.

Excited to reach his treasured 100-game milestone against arch-rival Port Adelaide at Thomas Farms Oval on Sunday, Sturt's No.2 will be desperate to pay his respect to the club's heroes of 1966 and 1976 who will be present to celebrate premiership reunions.

Set to have his dedicated parents Michael and Maureen watching on, together with his extended family and ''half the town of Meningie'', Lewis also reflected on the supreme sacrifices he made as a teenager whilst making the four-hour round trip at least three times a week from Lake Albert.

Employed as a site supervisor for Aube Projects, the construction management graduate is also planning some new additions to his popular clothing label MILK.