Two products of Central Australia's Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program have played key roles in South Adelaide's 2025 SANFLW premiership win.

Doreena Hansen and Demi-Lee Braun – both nurtured through the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program – were part of the Panthers side that defeated Woodville-West Torrens by 23 points in the grand final a fortnight ago.

Their premiership medals were the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and long-haul travel between the red dirt of Alice Springs and the elite-level demands of SANFLW football.

Hansen, an exciting forward originally from Tennant Creek, played 13 games in 2025 and kicked seven goals across the season.

She produced a strong performance in the decider – recording six inside-50s from ten disposals – and she is now a three-time SANFLW premiership player.

"Doreena is a nightmare for opposing defenders and can simply light up the field at will," Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks program president Rob Clarke told the National Indigenous Times.

"She is simply dynamic; powerful on the ground, great speed a huge kick and can take spectacular marks."

The Bidjara and Kalkadoon woman has been involved with the Right Tracks program since 2020, though her engagement dates as far back as 2018.

Braun's rise has been equally inspiring.

Born in Alice Springs, Braun first joined the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program in 2021 joined SANFLW club North Adelaide in 2024 while completing her schooling in Adelaide.

She returned to Central Australia at the beginning of the year to work full time and re-joined the Pinktails before trialling with the Panthers.

Braun initially featured in the South Adelaide's Development League side and was named best on ground in the Development League grand final, despite the team's loss to Glenelg.

That performance opened the door to senior selection, and Braun took full advantage by cementing a role on the wing, where she applied strong pressure on the opposition and showcased excellent athleticism.

Braun is a Central Arrente and Luritja woman on her mother's side and is Arrernte, Anmatjere, Warumungu and Warlpiri from her father.

The Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Foundation's connection with South Adelaide began in late 2020 and has grown into a genuine pathway for Central Australian players. A trial match in March 2021 kickstarted the partnership, and several players have since earned SANFL or SANFLW opportunities with both South and North Adelaide.

Aspiring players begin their preseason in Alice Springs every October after a short break, training four nights a week in the searing Central Australian heat – all in pursuit of an opportunity to play at the highest possible level.

Players often train multiple times weekly with the Pinktails and their local Central Australian Football League clubs, before flying to Adelaide on Fridays, playing on the weekend, then returning home late Sunday or early Monday morning.

"The commitment is hard to explain; as if pre-season isn't a big enough challenge, the season proper is even more demanding," Clarke said.