Grand final stars come through local ranks in South………

Grand final stars come through local ranks in South…..

Several stars set to light up this weekend’s grand final have proven that grassroots pathways remain the lifeblood of sport in South Australia. From dusty suburban ovals to packed stadiums, players such as Liam Carter and Jodie Tran have emerged as key figures for their respective teams after years honing their craft in local leagues. Carter, a dynamic midfielder, played his junior footy with the South Brighton Sharks and credits his local coaches for instilling discipline and passion for the game. Meanwhile, Tran, who will line up in the women’s final, began her journey with the Marion Panthers and has become a symbol of perseverance, balancing full-time work while chasing sporting glory.

Club officials say the rise of local talent demonstrates the strength of development programs across the state, with more juniors than ever progressing to elite levels. Fans are eager to see familiar faces representing their communities on the big stage. As excitement builds towards the grand final, these homegrown heroes serve as an inspiration to young athletes dreaming of following in their footsteps. The message is clear: the road to the grand final often starts in the heart of South Australia’s local clubs.