Salisbury Inter have been crowned the 2026 APEX Steel Women’s National Premier League South Australia champions after a memorable Grand Final night at ServiceFM Stadium on Friday, 4 September.
More than 1,200 spectators packed into ServiceFM Stadium for the showpiece occasion, creating a fitting atmosphere for the culmination of the 2026 APEX Steel WNPL season.
With the championship on the line, Salisbury Inter and West Adelaide delivered a tightly contested Grand Final, but it was Inter who produced the decisive moment early in the match.
The opening stages were played at a high intensity, with both sides looking to establish control. It was Salisbury Inter who found the breakthrough in the sixth minute, when Marcella Brooks produced a spectacular long-range effort from outside the penalty area. Brooks' strike flew beyond the reach of the West Adelaide goalkeeper and into the back of the net, sending the Inter supporters into celebration and giving Salisbury a 1–0 lead.
The early goal would ultimately prove decisive. West Adelaide continued to search for an equaliser as the Grand Final progressed, while Salisbury Inter worked tirelessly to protect their advantage. The intensity of the occasion was reflected in the atmosphere around ServiceFM Stadium, with every West Adelaide attack met by anticipation from the crowd and every Inter clearance greeted with cheers from their supporters.
At the heart of Inter's defensive effort was goalkeeper Matilda Comley, who produced an outstanding performance between the posts. Comley remained composed under pressure throughout the contest, making a series of important interventions as West Adelaide pushed for an equaliser. Her performance proved crucial in preserving Salisbury's narrow advantage and securing the clean sheet. Her contribution was recognised at the final whistle, with Comley named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in goal.
Despite West Adelaide's persistence, Salisbury's defence remained resolute. When the final whistle eventually sounded, the celebrations began. Salisbury Inter had secured their fourth APEX Steel WNPL SA championship, maintaining their remarkable record of winning every Grand Final they have contested.
For Salisbury Inter, Friday night's victory adds another significant achievement to the club's history. The 1–0 win over West Adelaide means Inter have now claimed four WNPL SA championships from four Grand Final appearances, preserving their perfect record on the competition's biggest stage.
For West Adelaide, the result was a heartbreaking end to their season after another strong campaign, but their appearance in the decider once again demonstrated their place among South Australia's leading women's football clubs.
For Salisbury Inter, however, the night belonged to them. Marcella Brooks provided the early moment of brilliance with her sixth-minute long-range strike, while Matilda Comley produced a commanding performance in goal to ensure Inter's advantage stood until the final whistle. A Grand Final victory, a fourth championship and another memorable night for South Australian women's football.
A celebration of women's football
The Grand Final was about more than the 90 minutes on the pitch. With more than 1,200 people attending, Friday night's occasion showcased the growing support and profile of women's football across South Australia. The evening brought together players, coaches, families, volunteers, supporters and members of the wider football community for one of the biggest events on the South Australian football calendar.
The Grand Final also provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding performances from across the competition, with the 2026 APEX Steel WNPL Gatorade Team of the Year presentation taking place as part of the evening's celebrations. The presentation recognised the players who made a significant impact throughout the 2026 season and provided a chance for the wider WNPL community to celebrate their achievements.
At half-time, the focus turned towards the next generation, with the Nova YCC Girls Championship Presentation taking place on the ServiceFM Stadium pitch. Young players were given their moment in the spotlight in front of the Grand Final crowd, providing a fitting connection between the current generation of WNPL players and the girls who will continue to shape the future of the game.
From WNPL champions to the next generation
That focus on the future continued throughout the weekend. On Sunday, 6 September, ServiceFM Stadium again welcomed the South Australian football community for the 2026 Nova Youth Premier League Grand Finals.
Eight Grand Finals were contested across the Under 13, Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 Girls competitions, with A and B divisions giving young footballers the opportunity to experience their own Grand Final occasion.
The weekend therefore provided a unique celebration of the women's and girls' football pathway in South Australia. Friday night showcased the state's premier women's competition in front of a crowd of more than 1,200, while Sunday placed the spotlight firmly on the next generation of players.
