GRP2 - South Australian Preview - Nationals 2026 Podcast
The GRP2 podcast is back for the 2026 Nationals!
WBIP founder Amy McCann is teaming up with fellow Emeralds alumni Amy Cannington to bring you all the nationals news via our "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series.
The series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18.
South Australia PREVIEW
South Australia heads into the 2026 Australian Women’s National Championships with a fresh squad, a strong youth core and plenty of excitement around what this group can do.
On the latest Girls Are Players Too podcast, hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cunnington were joined by South Australian players Bree Ridding and Peyton Daniels to chat about the team, their journeys in the sport and what they’re expecting at Melbourne Ballpark.
The 2026 squad sees significant change, with six players departing the team and seven new players coming in, including a strong group stepping up from the youth program. That means nine players on the roster are now in their first or second year out of youth baseball, highlighting both the youth and potential within the South Australian lineup.
Despite the turnover, the team will also benefit from the return of experienced players including 2023 Emeralds catcher Carly Moore and talented all-rounder Gemma Letton, adding leadership and experience to a developing roster.
There is also plenty of firepower still in the squad. Jess Maslin, the team’s home run and RBI leader in 2024, returns as one of the side’s biggest offensive threats, while Sarah McMahon is coming off a standout Nationals where she hit over .500. Rising star Alice Brown also steps into the women’s squad after dominating at youth level and in the South Australian league.
Ridding, who came through the youth program and impressed in her first women’s Nationals last year, said the step up in level was noticeable but something she embraced.
“It was an amazing experience, but it was a big step. Some of these players are 10 or 15 years older than me, so it was a bit scary at first, but it was really good.”
Growing up in Mount Gambier in a baseball family, Ridding said the sport was always part of her life.
“My three brothers played and I just loved the game. As soon as I saw them playing, I knew I wanted to do that too.”
Daniels took a different path into baseball. Originally from the United States, she grew up playing softball before moving to South Australia in 2018 and eventually making the switch.
“I started playing baseball about three seasons ago. A friend told me to come out and have an easy time on a Sunday, but I’m too competitive for that. Once I started, I wanted to compete.”
Heading into her second Nationals campaign, Daniels said the experience from last year has helped her prepare for the challenge ahead.
“This year I definitely feel more prepared mentally. Last year I didn’t really know what to expect, but now I know the level we’re going to face.”
Daniels also believes the team’s youth could become one of its biggest strengths.
“Seeing the way those girls interact with each other will make the SA team better. They bring so much energy and when it’s time to lock in, they’re ready.”
South Australia remains one of the youngest teams in the competition, but the belief inside the group is clear. With emerging talent, experienced leaders and a strong pathway feeding into the program, the red and yellow will be looking to take another step forward when Nationals begins at Melbourne Ballpark in April.
SUPPORT THE STATES
The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign.
The shirts are available in all state team colours, with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams.
Where you get your podcasts!
Tune in via https://womensbaseballinsidepitch.podbean.com/ or Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more!
