Ottawa, August 6, 2026 – Team Canada Northern Lights, Canada’s Women’s National Team, have announced the roster for the 2026 49th Parallel Cup.
The selection follows the highly attended National Team Training Camp held in Montreal in May, where more than 60 Women’s+ athletes took part in the selection process.
The Northern Lights are one of the top ranked teams in the world, coming off a win in the most recent 49th Parallel Cup held in Wisconsin, USA in 2023. The team also had a strong showing at the 2024 AFL Transatlantic Cup in Toronto.
With 11 clubs represented from every major league, the Northern Lights squad showcases the strength and depth of Canadian footy across the country.
Team Canada Northern Lights Roster
| Player | Club |
| Nicole Baker | Toronto Central Blues |
| Charlotte Biot | Ottawa Swans |
| Anna Brancati | Burnaby Eagles |
| Gabrielle Bureau | Québec Saints |
| Jess Burkart | Calgary Kookaburras |
| Katrina Cohen-Palacios | Toronto Central Blues |
| Lauren Doig | Calgary Kookaburras |
| Mabel Dunn | Calgary Kookaburras |
| Ciara Dunne | Ottawa Swans |
| Sarah Edwards | Hamilton Wildcats |
| Christina Esposito | High Park Demons |
| Keelin Farren | High Park Demons |
| Leonor Gaillard | Vancouver-Whistler Hawks |
| Ahink Hussein | Hamilton Wildcats |
| Lise Kiefer | Hamilton Wildcats |
| Jacinda Krystal Schunselaar | Vancouver-Whistler Hawks |
| Caroline Leduc | Quebec Saints / Burnaby Eagles |
| Sarah MacArthur | Etobicoke Kangaroos |
| Abigail McDonald | Ottawa Swans |
| Katherine Myers | Toronto Central Blues |
| Ceilidh Pate | High Park Demons |
| Julie Patricio | High Park Demons |
| Jordan Pereira | Burnaby Eagles |
| Allison Pilgrim | Edmonton AFC |
| Rachele Polinelli | Calgary Kookaburras |
| Julija Rans | Saint John Bulldogs |
| Nikita Schunselaar | Vancouver-Whistler Hawks |
| Lia Vansevenant | Hamilton Wildcats |
Coaches & Staff
| Coaches & Staff | Title |
| Dean Hinchliffe | Head Coach |
| Tayha Hutchinson | Assistant Coach |
| Mark Bang | Assistant Coach |
| Kristin Foster | Team Manager |
| Phil Manassa | Support Coach |
| Melissa Mancini | Support Coach |
| Mick Smith | Runner |
| Chantal Smith | Physio/Medical |
The 49th Parallel Cup was first played in Chicago, Illinois in 1999. The first Women’s competition was held in 2007 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Northern Lights lead the series against the USA Freedom 5-2.
The 2026 49th Parallel Cup will be held in Kelowna, British Columbia on August 29th. The tournament will feature Men’s and Women’s National Teams from Canada and the USA, national development teams, and local representative sides.
All matches will be broadcast live on the AFL Canada YouTube page. More information, including match schedules, will be announced shortly. Follow AFL Canada on social media or visit the AFL Canada website for all the latest news and updates.
About AFL Canada
AFL Canada is the AFL-sanctioned National Governing Body and not-for-profit committed to promoting, growing, and developing the sport of Australian Football in Canada. Since 1989, AFL Canada has supported clubs, leagues, and provincial associations through program development, resources, national and international tournaments, marketing, youth programs, and other strategic initiatives.
As the recognized AFL International Affiliate, AFL Canada is motivated to ensure the game can prosper and progress through all formats, levels, and competitions across the country. To learn more, visit AFL Canada.
Contact
Greg Bridges
Executive Director
AFL Canada
email : greg@aflcanada.com
