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Hi Footy fans...
We are now just one week away from the start of another football year. Yes the 2024 SANFL Hostplus League Premiership Season is about to get underway, the race for the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy to begin in earnest. Holding the trophy this time around are the Tigers, who triumphed in last year's Grand Final by four goals over the Double Blues, in the process taking out their sixth overall title and also putting unpleasant memories of the late 60's and early 70's to bed. In the off-season, there were the normal movements in and out of clubs -- retirements, transfers and interstate recruits. But then came a bombshell, though not entirely unexpected. At the end of this season, the landscape of South Australian football is set to change again if the two AFL reserves sides have their way and with it, the end of an association going back over 150 years. Not to mention the probability that one of the most famous Australian football uniforms will go into almost total retirement. History in the making? We'll soon see.
Welcome to the Season Kick-off thread for SANFL 2024.
THE CLUBS -- Ins & Outs
GLENELG
The Tigers dropped three premierships to the Blues in 1969, 1970 and 1974. But finally, they scored a flag of their own at Sturt's expense last year to bag their sixth flag in their 102 years of existence and a stellar start to the SANFL senior coaching career of Darren Reeves. The coming season looks promising for the Tigers, despite losing four premiership players they have re-gained some favourites. Brett Turner and Brodie Newman have decided to play on in country/suburban football, while Luke Partington is taking a year off and the AFL came calling for Toby Pink who heads to Arden Street. Will Gould returns to the Tigers after a stint with the Swans, while Chris Curran comes back after playing ammos, both were involved in Glenelg's 2019 premiership victory against Port Adelaide. There's also Oscar Adams coming back to Brighton Road after two seasons at St. Kilda and VFL affiliate Sandringham.
IN -- Will Gould (returned/Sydney), Chris Curran (returned/Prince Alfred OC), Nick Stevens (North Melbourne VFL/Geelong), Oscar Adams (returned/St Kilda), Lachlan Schulz (Uraidla), Jacob Eats (Bordertown), Darcy Porter (Carlton VFL/VFA), Sam Smith (Glenunga), Sam Dunn (Angle Vale), Declan Carmody (Mt. Lofty), Lachlan Hall (Calder Cannons/Aberfeldie), Jack Bond (Geelong Amateurs).
OUT -- Toby Pink (North Melbourne), Luke Partington (travel), Brett Turner (Work/Echunga), Brodie Newman (Aberfeldie), Lewis Rayson (South Fremantle), Jordan Moore (Woodville-West Torrens), Ashton Moir (Carlton), Bodie Ryan (Hawthorn), Jack Yates (travel), Brady Searle (West Adelaide), Angus Cole (Langhorne Creek).
STURT
There was no doubt plenty of soul searching in the halls of Oxford Terrace after last year's Grand Final. In fact, it was a feeling shared all round in the men's ranks with all four divisions going down in their respective premiership deciders. In the aftermath, the last of their most recent premiership heroes would jump ship. Patrick Wilson was one of the cruicial defenders for the Blues in their 2017 triumph, but looking for a new challenge for '24, he transfers across town to the west and into Richmond Oval. Marty Frederick has headed even further west to join WAFL outfit Claremont. But as much of a shock that Wilson's defection to the Bloods was, it was who would be coming to the Blues in his place that would raise some eyebrows. Returning to the SANFL would be Bloods 2015 premiership player Will Snelling, signing with the Blues after five years at Essendon. Other than that, the departure and arrivals lounge wasn't that busy at Unley.
IN -- Will Snelling (Essendon), Flynn Perez (North Melbourne), Sam Conforti (Essendon VFL/Bendigo Pioneers), Morgan Ferres (returned/Gold Coast VFL).
OUT -- Patrick Wilson (West Adelaide), Marty Frederick (Claremont WAFL), Josh Rentsch (VIC Country), Loch Rawlinson (West Coast), Will Crane (Imperials RMFL).
ADELAIDE
A second consecutive loss in a Preliminary Final was the Crows' story in 2024. Their come-from-behind five goal to one final term against Sturt in the Qualifying Final seemed like a flash in the pan effort, going down to the Tigers and then the Blues over the next fortnight to finish their season in third. As it is with AFL clubs, their lists undergo some massive changes in the off-season. Notably for their SANFL side, on their way out would be the likes of Isaya McKenzie who heads to the BL&G league, Jackson Hately's delisting sees him head to the VFL and Matthew Wright is now a member of the Crows' coaching panel. There's a few new faces looking for a chance to shine in a higher level of competition as well as some young draftees wanting to break into the AFL side. Among them will be WA Under-18 MVP Daniel Curtin who comes in from Claremont, Oscar Ryan from Talent League side Murray Bushrangers and father-son pick Tyler Welsh from Woodville-West Torrens. Furthermore, this may be the last year of the Crows' tenure in the league if they and Port have their way.
IN -- Chris Burgess (Gold Coast/West Adelaide), Daniel Curtain (Claremont), Charlie Edwards (Sandringham Dragons/Sandhurst), Oscar Ryan (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton United), Tyler Welsh (Woodville-West Torrens), Toby Murray (Wangaratta), Steve Burton (Gawler South), Darcy Clifford (Langhorne Creek), Jayden Davis (Prince Alfred OC), Austin McDonald (Central District/Barossa District), Sam Daniele (Broadview).
OUT -- Matthew Wright (retired/assistant coach at Adelaide), Tom Doedee (Brisbane), Andrew McPherson (delisted), Jackson Hately (delisted/Essendon VFL), Tyler Brown (delisted), Shane McAdam (Melbourne), Paul Seedsman (retired), Tariek Newchurch (delisted/North Adelaide), Isaya McKenzie (retired/Willaston), Louis Sharrad (retired), Jaidan Kappler (Bordertown), Blayne O’Loughlin (North Adelaide).
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Bulldogs made their first finals appearance since 2017, but just like that season it would be brought to an end in a 1st Semi-Final by the Double Blues. Despite this loss, great strides were made at the Ponderosa after consistently finishing close to the bottom of the ladder. Amongst the departures, two long-serving players decided to call time on their SANFL careers, with Justin Hoskin heading to Willaston and Luke Habel turning his attention to coaching at suburban football at Salisbury North. Will McCabe is off to the AFL, drafted by Hawthorn where his father Luke played 138 games from 1995 before joining Centrals. Speaking of sons of guns, Jack Callinan -- son of Ian -- has come over from the Clarence Kangaroos of the Tassie league. Adding to Centrals' defence will be tall midfielder Kade Dittmar of East Perth, bolstering the attack comes Port Melbourne forward Jake Gasper, then finally there's Kai Pudney transferring from the Eagles where he took part in their 2021 premiership.
IN -- Kai Pudney (Woodville-West Torrens), Kade Dittmar (East Perth), Jake Gasper (Port Melbourne), Wilson Barry (Brisbane Lions VFL/Morningside), Maximus Monaghan (Belconnen/GWS VFL), Jack Callinan (Tassie Devils/Clarence), Dayne Posthuma (Queanbeyan/GWS Academy), Harvey Howe (Gippsland Power/Traralgon).
OUT -- Justin Hoskin (retired/Willaston), Luke Habel (retired/Salisbury North coach), Dylan Weaver (Gumeracha), Shay Linke (Roxby Downs/employment), Chris Olsson (Tea Tree Gully), Fletcher Carroll (Albury), Will McCabe (Hawthorn), Liam Fawcett (Richmond), Austin McDonald (Adelaide SANFL), Rhys Cannizzaro (Nuriootpa), Blake Launer (Eudunda/Robertstown), Jack Carpenter (Barossa District).
PORT ADELAIDE
The Magpies finish to the season was nothing short of disappointing, the Bulldogs plucking their feathers in both the last round of the year and the following week's Elimination Final. But then during the off-season came a shot across the league's bow, though not the first that they've fired. Frustrated with the rules imposed on them by the SANFL, the Magpies may seek refuge across the border in the VFL along with cross-town rivals Adelaide, possibly ending a long and storied history as a foundation member of the league. Much like the Crows in pre-season, the numbers of ins and outs was about the same. Whether the incoming players put in time in the bars is anyone's guess. But the Magpies will miss the likes of Orazio Fantasia who has taken an AFL lifeline with Carlton, Anthony Wilson is heading to Victoria for suburban footy, while former captain Cam Sutcliffe has swapped playing duties for a coaching role at the club.
IN -- Ivan Soldo (Richmond), Jordon Sweet (Western Bulldogs/North Adelaide), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Essendon/Sturt), Esava Ratogolea (Geelong), Tom Ansastasopoulos (Geelong Falcons), Lachlan Charleson (Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Will Lorenz (Oakleigh Chargers), Xavier Walsh (East Perth).
OUT -- Cam Sutcliffe (retired/assistant coach at Port), Tom Jonas (retired), Orazio Fantasia (Carlton), Riley Bonner (delisted/St Kilda), Xavier Duursma (Essendon), Trent Dumont (delisted), Brynn Teakle (delisted), Nathan Barkla (delisted/Woodville-West Torrens), Anthony Wilson (Melton South).
NORTH ADELAIDE
From runners-up in 2022 to a sixth-placed finish in 2023, an avoidable fate if not for a couple of losses to finish off the minor round. They sat in fifth position at the conclusion of Round 16 after defeating the Eagles, but then consecutive losses to the Bulldogs and Sturt put them out of contention. Some key players would announce their retirements, including Aaron Young, Andrew Moore and 2018 premiership player Cameron Craig, while Ben Jarman has stepped away from SANFL football for the time being. But there are several returning faces, among them Tariek Newchurch and Blayne O'Loughlin from the Crows SANFL side. Along with Sam Ramsey crossing over from the Panthers and Austin Harris from Essendon's VFL outfit, three players from Riverina league premiership side Turvey Park are set to land at Menzies Crescent as well -- Ethan Weidemann, Brad Ashcroft and Luke Fellows.
IN -- Tariek Newchurch (returned/Adelaide), Cody Raak (Western Bulldogs), Sam Ramsay (South Adelaide), Blayne O’Loughlin (returned/Adelaide), Austin Harris (Essendon VFL), Luke Fellows (Turvey Park), Brad Ashcroft (Turvey Park), Ethan Weidemann (Turvey Park), Ewan Mackinlay (Lavington), Luke Lawrence (Mangoplah/GWS Academy), Kym LeBois (returned), Frazer Driscoll (returned/Nhill).
OUT -- Aaron Young (retired/Keith), Cameron Craig (retired/Keith), Andrew Moore (retired), Jesse White (retired/Broadview), Kane McAuliffe (Richmond), Harper Montgomery (GWS VFL), Shaun Bennier (Mount Lofty), Ben Jarman.
NORWOOD
From the highest of highs to seventh position. The 2022 premiers wouldn't taste victory until Round 9 against the Panthers, prior to that time they had yielded 231 points to their opposition, 153 of that in the opening three matches. They seemed to have turned a corner mid-season with wins against Port and a surprise win over the Blues at Unley. But when the Tigers got their claws into them in Round 12, the hangover was back. Six wins and a draw against West among their 11 losses. Five premiership winning players have parted ways with the Redlegs, with Nik Rokahr heading to the WAFL, while Matt Nunn, Cam Ball, Ben Jarvis and Josh Richards have either retired or gone to suburban/country footy. Coming into The Parade are SANFL transfers Mitch O'Neill (South Adelaide) and Jordon Boyle (West Adelaide), while Cooper Murley and Alastair Lord return from stints at Collingwood and Essendon respectively.
IN -- Mitch O’Neill (South Adelaide), Billy Cootee (Essendon VFL), Ben Simpson (North Launceston), Jordon Boyle (West Adelaide), Cooper Murley (returned/Collingwood), Alastair Lord (returned/Essendon), Joeve Cooper (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton).
OUT -- Nik Rokahr (Swan Districts WAFL), Matthew Nunn (retired/Payneham), Mitch Wilkins (retired/Myponga Sellicks), Cam Ball (Rostrevor OC), Ben Jarvis (Lincoln South), Michael Stingel (North Launceston), Kobe Tozer (West Adelaide), Lachlan Pascoe (Golden Grove), William Rowlands (Gold Coast), Josh Richards (retired).
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
It was yet another torrid year for the Eagles, dropping down to eighth after ending their premiership defence in seventh in 2022. Their year began with a bang after smashing the aforementioned Redlegs at The Parade to begin the season, but inconsistent form saw them tumble out of the five after Round 8 when they were in fourth spot. Not the way the Eagles wanted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their inaugural premiership victory of 1993, winning just six games. Jimmy Toumpas and Jesse Lonergan elected not to continue playing, announcing their retirement from football, while Tyler Welsh was drafted by the Crows through the father-son rule but will likely spend time in the SANFL side. Returning to Oval Avenue are Nathan Barkla from Port Adelaide, Jarrad Redden from the Yorke Peninsula league and Josh Morris from Hawthorn.
IN -- Cameron Fleeton (GWS), Josh Morris (returned/Hawthorn), Jarrad Redden (returned/Southern Eagles), Luke McKay (Narrandera), Jack Boyd (Werribee), Nathan Barkla (returned/Port Adelaide), Jordan Moore (Glenelg), Blake Renet (Narrandera).
OUT -- Jimmy Toumpas (retired), Daniel Menzel (retired/Coorong Cats coach), Rory Lehmann (Coorong Cats), Jesse Lonergan (retired), Kai Pudney (Central District), Riley Collier-Dawkins (Williamstown), Clay Cameron (Redland-Victoria Point QAFL), Lachie Hoile (RSMU), Tyler Welsh (Adelaide – SANFL Rookie Program), Tyran Hill (Broadview).
SOUTH ADELAIDE
The doldrums continue for the South Adelaide faithful, last season saw them drop even further down the ladder. In the shortened 2020 season, they were third. Then they finished fifth and found their way into a Preliminary Final in 2021, but then it was no September action in 2022 and 2023, finishing sixth and ultimately ninth. It is now 60 years since that last premiership triumph in 1964. The Noarlunga lounge was extremely busy during the post-season, with a barrage of departures but plenty of incoming. The likes of Matt Broadbent, Keegan Brooksby, Bryce Gibbs, Joseph Haines and Matt Rose will be missed, all heading to amateur or country clubs. But a swag of state league experience and suburban/country footballers are on their way in, led by the returning Arlo Draper from Collingwood. From the VFL comes Callum McCarty (Essendon), Jake Arundell (Box Hill) and Finn Emile-Brennan (Casey) and youngster Tom Beaumont from U-18 Talent League side Tasmanian Devils.
IN -- Arlo Draper (returned/Collingwood), Callum McCarty (Essendon VFL/Strathfieldsaye), Jake Arundell (Box Hill Hawks), Finn Emile-Brennan (Casey Demons/Dandenong Stingrays), Tom Beaumont (Tasmania Devils), Ethan Roberts (Inner West Magpies AFL NSW), Hayden Kernahan (Returned/Adelaide SANFL), Harvey Lambert (Sacred Heart OC), Oscar Lovelock (Sacred Heart OC), Darren Walters (West Adelaide/Port Noarlunga), Alex Habib (Kangarilla), Dylan Draper (Brighton Bombers), Zac Earl (Glenelg U18), Bailey Pilmore (Aldinga), Noah Goldie (Henley), Corey Grocock (Happy Valley), Dayne McGary (Returned/Brighton).
OUT -- Keegan Brooksby (retired), Bryce Gibbs (retired/Victor Harbor), Matt Broadbent (retired/Henley), Matt Rose (retired/Port District), Joseph Haines (retired/Port District), Zac Sproule (Port Noarlunga), Mitch O’Neill (Norwood), Ely Smith (retired/injury), Sam Ramsay (North Adelaide), Kim Kantilla (Tiwi Islands), Ben Heaslip (Victor Harbor), Jack Delean (Fremantle), Taylor Goad (North Melbourne), Harrison Gunther (Bordertown), Koby Cockshell (Mount Barker), Nicholas Kraemer (Prop. Risdon).
WEST ADELAIDE
Oh my goodness... how dedicated would you have to be to put up with this? Yet another bottom placing for the poor Bloods, their fifth consecutive wooden spoon since 2019. I suppose you could say, "could be worse we could be South fans" but at least the Panthers have put up better efforts in recent times. I have probably said this more than once for Westies that the only way is up but I suppose the real question is when it will finally happen. As if not getting Will Snelling back from the AFL wasn't bad enough, going to Sturt instead. But now Jordon Boyle has headed across town to the Redlegs, Kaiden Brand has taken indefinite leave and fan favourite Jono Beech has headed to the Riverland. It's not all bad news however, the Bloods managing to get Patrick Wilson from the Double Blues, Brady Searle from Glenelg and Tom Rundle returns to Milner Road from QAFL club Surfers Paradise.
IN -- Patrick Wilson (Sturt), Brady Searle (Glenelg), Tom Rundle (returned/Surfers Paradise), Kobe Tozer (Norwood), Lachlan Williams (Encounter Bay), Sam Davidson (returned/NT), Xavier Hampton (Gepps Cross).
OUT -- Jonathon Beech (retired/Barmera-Monash), Michael Mattingly (returned to Victoria), Kaiden Brand (indefinite leave), Nick Steele (Port Noarlunga), Owen Mulady (returned to Victoria), Rhys Nicholls (Queensland), Frane Babic (Manly), Jordon Boyle (Norwood), Nic Couroupis (Henley), Bailey Chamberlain (Henley), Kane Sherlock (Henley), Kye Roberts.
SANFL & WEST END -- 70 years of blood, sweat and beers
It all began in 1954 when SA Brewing and the SANFL got together, when the brewery was still operating out of Hindley Street in the north western corner of Adelaide. A tradition began here as well, the chimney ceremony. An employee who was also a West Adelaide player at the time had brought up the idea of club colours adorning the chimney, though in the end it was in fact the colours of Port Adelaide that would dominate the stack after winning that year's premiership against Westies. The Bloods' colours would eventually be painted on seven years later in 1961. This was the beginning of a long partnership that despite the brewery no longer being in existence is still honoured by the current owners Lion Australia, as well as the chimney ceremony continuing on at the former Hallett Bricks heritage-listed kiln at the Brickworks Market in Thebarton. This year is the 70th anniversary of West End's sponsorship, which will be honoured with a specially designed logo to be seen on Sherrin footballs as well as club and state guernseys.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The season will get underway during the Easter long weekend, starting with some night football on The Parade when old rivals Norwood and Sturt clash on Thursday March 28. Then on Good Friday, the action takes place from 1:40pm with the Northern Derby between the Roosters and the Bulldogs at Prospect and finishing at 4:40pm at Brighton Road as the Tigers hoist their 2023 premiership flag before taking on the Magpies. There are currently five confirmed night games including the season opener, with times still undecided from Round 12 onwards. The Redlegs will host at least two other night games in Rounds 2 (vs. Glenelg) and 6 (vs. Adelaide), while the Magpies will play two matches in Rounds 4 (vs. Norwood) and 8 (vs. Sturt). Westies will spend a fortnight in the country against Port in the Riverland in Round 2 and then to Port Lincoln against the Redlegs in Round 3, then a third country game against the Crows in Round 17 in Murray Bridge. The Anzac Day Battle Grand Final re-match between the Tigers and the Double Blues will be played in Round 4 at Glenelg, with the date falling on a Thursday this time around.
The AFL Gather Round is back for a second year to South Australia, this time it will be much earlier with the festivities set to take place the weekend after the SANFL season openers. Despite the early week off for the league, this has brought some unexpected rewards. This year, there will be two chances for players to pull on the famous red state guernsey, firstly with the SANFL to take on a Victorian Football League representative side during the Gather Round at Stratarama Stadium in Glenelg on Saturday April 6. Then after Round 6, the Croweaters face the Sandgropers in defence of the Haydn Bunton Junior Trophy at Optus Stadium in Perth before the West Coast vs. Melbourne AFL match. For both games and all sides, AFL-listed players are ineligible for selection. The season will of course conclude with the SANFL Finals Series at Adelaide Oval which will kick off on Sunday September 1, culminating in the 2024 Grand Final on Sunday September 22. With all the talk surrounding the possible departure of the two AFL reserves teams, much like the 1990 season, could signal the end of an era.
So the wait is over, my fellow SA footy-heads. Here are the deets on the opening round for 2024.
Thursday March 28 @ 7:40pm
Norwood vs. Sturt; Coopers Stadium, Norwood
Friday March 29
North Adelaide vs. Central District; Prospect Oval @ 1:40pm
South Adelaide vs. Adelaide; Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga @ 2:10pm
Woodville-West Torrens vs. West Adelaide; Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville @ 2:30pm
Glenelg vs. Port Adelaide; Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg @ 4:40pm
So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
We are now just one week away from the start of another football year. Yes the 2024 SANFL Hostplus League Premiership Season is about to get underway, the race for the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy to begin in earnest. Holding the trophy this time around are the Tigers, who triumphed in last year's Grand Final by four goals over the Double Blues, in the process taking out their sixth overall title and also putting unpleasant memories of the late 60's and early 70's to bed. In the off-season, there were the normal movements in and out of clubs -- retirements, transfers and interstate recruits. But then came a bombshell, though not entirely unexpected. At the end of this season, the landscape of South Australian football is set to change again if the two AFL reserves sides have their way and with it, the end of an association going back over 150 years. Not to mention the probability that one of the most famous Australian football uniforms will go into almost total retirement. History in the making? We'll soon see.
Welcome to the Season Kick-off thread for SANFL 2024.
THE CLUBS -- Ins & Outs
GLENELG
The Tigers dropped three premierships to the Blues in 1969, 1970 and 1974. But finally, they scored a flag of their own at Sturt's expense last year to bag their sixth flag in their 102 years of existence and a stellar start to the SANFL senior coaching career of Darren Reeves. The coming season looks promising for the Tigers, despite losing four premiership players they have re-gained some favourites. Brett Turner and Brodie Newman have decided to play on in country/suburban football, while Luke Partington is taking a year off and the AFL came calling for Toby Pink who heads to Arden Street. Will Gould returns to the Tigers after a stint with the Swans, while Chris Curran comes back after playing ammos, both were involved in Glenelg's 2019 premiership victory against Port Adelaide. There's also Oscar Adams coming back to Brighton Road after two seasons at St. Kilda and VFL affiliate Sandringham.
IN -- Will Gould (returned/Sydney), Chris Curran (returned/Prince Alfred OC), Nick Stevens (North Melbourne VFL/Geelong), Oscar Adams (returned/St Kilda), Lachlan Schulz (Uraidla), Jacob Eats (Bordertown), Darcy Porter (Carlton VFL/VFA), Sam Smith (Glenunga), Sam Dunn (Angle Vale), Declan Carmody (Mt. Lofty), Lachlan Hall (Calder Cannons/Aberfeldie), Jack Bond (Geelong Amateurs).
OUT -- Toby Pink (North Melbourne), Luke Partington (travel), Brett Turner (Work/Echunga), Brodie Newman (Aberfeldie), Lewis Rayson (South Fremantle), Jordan Moore (Woodville-West Torrens), Ashton Moir (Carlton), Bodie Ryan (Hawthorn), Jack Yates (travel), Brady Searle (West Adelaide), Angus Cole (Langhorne Creek).
STURT
There was no doubt plenty of soul searching in the halls of Oxford Terrace after last year's Grand Final. In fact, it was a feeling shared all round in the men's ranks with all four divisions going down in their respective premiership deciders. In the aftermath, the last of their most recent premiership heroes would jump ship. Patrick Wilson was one of the cruicial defenders for the Blues in their 2017 triumph, but looking for a new challenge for '24, he transfers across town to the west and into Richmond Oval. Marty Frederick has headed even further west to join WAFL outfit Claremont. But as much of a shock that Wilson's defection to the Bloods was, it was who would be coming to the Blues in his place that would raise some eyebrows. Returning to the SANFL would be Bloods 2015 premiership player Will Snelling, signing with the Blues after five years at Essendon. Other than that, the departure and arrivals lounge wasn't that busy at Unley.
IN -- Will Snelling (Essendon), Flynn Perez (North Melbourne), Sam Conforti (Essendon VFL/Bendigo Pioneers), Morgan Ferres (returned/Gold Coast VFL).
OUT -- Patrick Wilson (West Adelaide), Marty Frederick (Claremont WAFL), Josh Rentsch (VIC Country), Loch Rawlinson (West Coast), Will Crane (Imperials RMFL).
ADELAIDE
A second consecutive loss in a Preliminary Final was the Crows' story in 2024. Their come-from-behind five goal to one final term against Sturt in the Qualifying Final seemed like a flash in the pan effort, going down to the Tigers and then the Blues over the next fortnight to finish their season in third. As it is with AFL clubs, their lists undergo some massive changes in the off-season. Notably for their SANFL side, on their way out would be the likes of Isaya McKenzie who heads to the BL&G league, Jackson Hately's delisting sees him head to the VFL and Matthew Wright is now a member of the Crows' coaching panel. There's a few new faces looking for a chance to shine in a higher level of competition as well as some young draftees wanting to break into the AFL side. Among them will be WA Under-18 MVP Daniel Curtin who comes in from Claremont, Oscar Ryan from Talent League side Murray Bushrangers and father-son pick Tyler Welsh from Woodville-West Torrens. Furthermore, this may be the last year of the Crows' tenure in the league if they and Port have their way.
IN -- Chris Burgess (Gold Coast/West Adelaide), Daniel Curtain (Claremont), Charlie Edwards (Sandringham Dragons/Sandhurst), Oscar Ryan (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton United), Tyler Welsh (Woodville-West Torrens), Toby Murray (Wangaratta), Steve Burton (Gawler South), Darcy Clifford (Langhorne Creek), Jayden Davis (Prince Alfred OC), Austin McDonald (Central District/Barossa District), Sam Daniele (Broadview).
OUT -- Matthew Wright (retired/assistant coach at Adelaide), Tom Doedee (Brisbane), Andrew McPherson (delisted), Jackson Hately (delisted/Essendon VFL), Tyler Brown (delisted), Shane McAdam (Melbourne), Paul Seedsman (retired), Tariek Newchurch (delisted/North Adelaide), Isaya McKenzie (retired/Willaston), Louis Sharrad (retired), Jaidan Kappler (Bordertown), Blayne O’Loughlin (North Adelaide).
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Bulldogs made their first finals appearance since 2017, but just like that season it would be brought to an end in a 1st Semi-Final by the Double Blues. Despite this loss, great strides were made at the Ponderosa after consistently finishing close to the bottom of the ladder. Amongst the departures, two long-serving players decided to call time on their SANFL careers, with Justin Hoskin heading to Willaston and Luke Habel turning his attention to coaching at suburban football at Salisbury North. Will McCabe is off to the AFL, drafted by Hawthorn where his father Luke played 138 games from 1995 before joining Centrals. Speaking of sons of guns, Jack Callinan -- son of Ian -- has come over from the Clarence Kangaroos of the Tassie league. Adding to Centrals' defence will be tall midfielder Kade Dittmar of East Perth, bolstering the attack comes Port Melbourne forward Jake Gasper, then finally there's Kai Pudney transferring from the Eagles where he took part in their 2021 premiership.
IN -- Kai Pudney (Woodville-West Torrens), Kade Dittmar (East Perth), Jake Gasper (Port Melbourne), Wilson Barry (Brisbane Lions VFL/Morningside), Maximus Monaghan (Belconnen/GWS VFL), Jack Callinan (Tassie Devils/Clarence), Dayne Posthuma (Queanbeyan/GWS Academy), Harvey Howe (Gippsland Power/Traralgon).
OUT -- Justin Hoskin (retired/Willaston), Luke Habel (retired/Salisbury North coach), Dylan Weaver (Gumeracha), Shay Linke (Roxby Downs/employment), Chris Olsson (Tea Tree Gully), Fletcher Carroll (Albury), Will McCabe (Hawthorn), Liam Fawcett (Richmond), Austin McDonald (Adelaide SANFL), Rhys Cannizzaro (Nuriootpa), Blake Launer (Eudunda/Robertstown), Jack Carpenter (Barossa District).
PORT ADELAIDE
The Magpies finish to the season was nothing short of disappointing, the Bulldogs plucking their feathers in both the last round of the year and the following week's Elimination Final. But then during the off-season came a shot across the league's bow, though not the first that they've fired. Frustrated with the rules imposed on them by the SANFL, the Magpies may seek refuge across the border in the VFL along with cross-town rivals Adelaide, possibly ending a long and storied history as a foundation member of the league. Much like the Crows in pre-season, the numbers of ins and outs was about the same. Whether the incoming players put in time in the bars is anyone's guess. But the Magpies will miss the likes of Orazio Fantasia who has taken an AFL lifeline with Carlton, Anthony Wilson is heading to Victoria for suburban footy, while former captain Cam Sutcliffe has swapped playing duties for a coaching role at the club.
IN -- Ivan Soldo (Richmond), Jordon Sweet (Western Bulldogs/North Adelaide), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Essendon/Sturt), Esava Ratogolea (Geelong), Tom Ansastasopoulos (Geelong Falcons), Lachlan Charleson (Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Will Lorenz (Oakleigh Chargers), Xavier Walsh (East Perth).
OUT -- Cam Sutcliffe (retired/assistant coach at Port), Tom Jonas (retired), Orazio Fantasia (Carlton), Riley Bonner (delisted/St Kilda), Xavier Duursma (Essendon), Trent Dumont (delisted), Brynn Teakle (delisted), Nathan Barkla (delisted/Woodville-West Torrens), Anthony Wilson (Melton South).
NORTH ADELAIDE
From runners-up in 2022 to a sixth-placed finish in 2023, an avoidable fate if not for a couple of losses to finish off the minor round. They sat in fifth position at the conclusion of Round 16 after defeating the Eagles, but then consecutive losses to the Bulldogs and Sturt put them out of contention. Some key players would announce their retirements, including Aaron Young, Andrew Moore and 2018 premiership player Cameron Craig, while Ben Jarman has stepped away from SANFL football for the time being. But there are several returning faces, among them Tariek Newchurch and Blayne O'Loughlin from the Crows SANFL side. Along with Sam Ramsey crossing over from the Panthers and Austin Harris from Essendon's VFL outfit, three players from Riverina league premiership side Turvey Park are set to land at Menzies Crescent as well -- Ethan Weidemann, Brad Ashcroft and Luke Fellows.
IN -- Tariek Newchurch (returned/Adelaide), Cody Raak (Western Bulldogs), Sam Ramsay (South Adelaide), Blayne O’Loughlin (returned/Adelaide), Austin Harris (Essendon VFL), Luke Fellows (Turvey Park), Brad Ashcroft (Turvey Park), Ethan Weidemann (Turvey Park), Ewan Mackinlay (Lavington), Luke Lawrence (Mangoplah/GWS Academy), Kym LeBois (returned), Frazer Driscoll (returned/Nhill).
OUT -- Aaron Young (retired/Keith), Cameron Craig (retired/Keith), Andrew Moore (retired), Jesse White (retired/Broadview), Kane McAuliffe (Richmond), Harper Montgomery (GWS VFL), Shaun Bennier (Mount Lofty), Ben Jarman.
NORWOOD
From the highest of highs to seventh position. The 2022 premiers wouldn't taste victory until Round 9 against the Panthers, prior to that time they had yielded 231 points to their opposition, 153 of that in the opening three matches. They seemed to have turned a corner mid-season with wins against Port and a surprise win over the Blues at Unley. But when the Tigers got their claws into them in Round 12, the hangover was back. Six wins and a draw against West among their 11 losses. Five premiership winning players have parted ways with the Redlegs, with Nik Rokahr heading to the WAFL, while Matt Nunn, Cam Ball, Ben Jarvis and Josh Richards have either retired or gone to suburban/country footy. Coming into The Parade are SANFL transfers Mitch O'Neill (South Adelaide) and Jordon Boyle (West Adelaide), while Cooper Murley and Alastair Lord return from stints at Collingwood and Essendon respectively.
IN -- Mitch O’Neill (South Adelaide), Billy Cootee (Essendon VFL), Ben Simpson (North Launceston), Jordon Boyle (West Adelaide), Cooper Murley (returned/Collingwood), Alastair Lord (returned/Essendon), Joeve Cooper (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton).
OUT -- Nik Rokahr (Swan Districts WAFL), Matthew Nunn (retired/Payneham), Mitch Wilkins (retired/Myponga Sellicks), Cam Ball (Rostrevor OC), Ben Jarvis (Lincoln South), Michael Stingel (North Launceston), Kobe Tozer (West Adelaide), Lachlan Pascoe (Golden Grove), William Rowlands (Gold Coast), Josh Richards (retired).
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
It was yet another torrid year for the Eagles, dropping down to eighth after ending their premiership defence in seventh in 2022. Their year began with a bang after smashing the aforementioned Redlegs at The Parade to begin the season, but inconsistent form saw them tumble out of the five after Round 8 when they were in fourth spot. Not the way the Eagles wanted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their inaugural premiership victory of 1993, winning just six games. Jimmy Toumpas and Jesse Lonergan elected not to continue playing, announcing their retirement from football, while Tyler Welsh was drafted by the Crows through the father-son rule but will likely spend time in the SANFL side. Returning to Oval Avenue are Nathan Barkla from Port Adelaide, Jarrad Redden from the Yorke Peninsula league and Josh Morris from Hawthorn.
IN -- Cameron Fleeton (GWS), Josh Morris (returned/Hawthorn), Jarrad Redden (returned/Southern Eagles), Luke McKay (Narrandera), Jack Boyd (Werribee), Nathan Barkla (returned/Port Adelaide), Jordan Moore (Glenelg), Blake Renet (Narrandera).
OUT -- Jimmy Toumpas (retired), Daniel Menzel (retired/Coorong Cats coach), Rory Lehmann (Coorong Cats), Jesse Lonergan (retired), Kai Pudney (Central District), Riley Collier-Dawkins (Williamstown), Clay Cameron (Redland-Victoria Point QAFL), Lachie Hoile (RSMU), Tyler Welsh (Adelaide – SANFL Rookie Program), Tyran Hill (Broadview).
SOUTH ADELAIDE
The doldrums continue for the South Adelaide faithful, last season saw them drop even further down the ladder. In the shortened 2020 season, they were third. Then they finished fifth and found their way into a Preliminary Final in 2021, but then it was no September action in 2022 and 2023, finishing sixth and ultimately ninth. It is now 60 years since that last premiership triumph in 1964. The Noarlunga lounge was extremely busy during the post-season, with a barrage of departures but plenty of incoming. The likes of Matt Broadbent, Keegan Brooksby, Bryce Gibbs, Joseph Haines and Matt Rose will be missed, all heading to amateur or country clubs. But a swag of state league experience and suburban/country footballers are on their way in, led by the returning Arlo Draper from Collingwood. From the VFL comes Callum McCarty (Essendon), Jake Arundell (Box Hill) and Finn Emile-Brennan (Casey) and youngster Tom Beaumont from U-18 Talent League side Tasmanian Devils.
IN -- Arlo Draper (returned/Collingwood), Callum McCarty (Essendon VFL/Strathfieldsaye), Jake Arundell (Box Hill Hawks), Finn Emile-Brennan (Casey Demons/Dandenong Stingrays), Tom Beaumont (Tasmania Devils), Ethan Roberts (Inner West Magpies AFL NSW), Hayden Kernahan (Returned/Adelaide SANFL), Harvey Lambert (Sacred Heart OC), Oscar Lovelock (Sacred Heart OC), Darren Walters (West Adelaide/Port Noarlunga), Alex Habib (Kangarilla), Dylan Draper (Brighton Bombers), Zac Earl (Glenelg U18), Bailey Pilmore (Aldinga), Noah Goldie (Henley), Corey Grocock (Happy Valley), Dayne McGary (Returned/Brighton).
OUT -- Keegan Brooksby (retired), Bryce Gibbs (retired/Victor Harbor), Matt Broadbent (retired/Henley), Matt Rose (retired/Port District), Joseph Haines (retired/Port District), Zac Sproule (Port Noarlunga), Mitch O’Neill (Norwood), Ely Smith (retired/injury), Sam Ramsay (North Adelaide), Kim Kantilla (Tiwi Islands), Ben Heaslip (Victor Harbor), Jack Delean (Fremantle), Taylor Goad (North Melbourne), Harrison Gunther (Bordertown), Koby Cockshell (Mount Barker), Nicholas Kraemer (Prop. Risdon).
WEST ADELAIDE
Oh my goodness... how dedicated would you have to be to put up with this? Yet another bottom placing for the poor Bloods, their fifth consecutive wooden spoon since 2019. I suppose you could say, "could be worse we could be South fans" but at least the Panthers have put up better efforts in recent times. I have probably said this more than once for Westies that the only way is up but I suppose the real question is when it will finally happen. As if not getting Will Snelling back from the AFL wasn't bad enough, going to Sturt instead. But now Jordon Boyle has headed across town to the Redlegs, Kaiden Brand has taken indefinite leave and fan favourite Jono Beech has headed to the Riverland. It's not all bad news however, the Bloods managing to get Patrick Wilson from the Double Blues, Brady Searle from Glenelg and Tom Rundle returns to Milner Road from QAFL club Surfers Paradise.
IN -- Patrick Wilson (Sturt), Brady Searle (Glenelg), Tom Rundle (returned/Surfers Paradise), Kobe Tozer (Norwood), Lachlan Williams (Encounter Bay), Sam Davidson (returned/NT), Xavier Hampton (Gepps Cross).
OUT -- Jonathon Beech (retired/Barmera-Monash), Michael Mattingly (returned to Victoria), Kaiden Brand (indefinite leave), Nick Steele (Port Noarlunga), Owen Mulady (returned to Victoria), Rhys Nicholls (Queensland), Frane Babic (Manly), Jordon Boyle (Norwood), Nic Couroupis (Henley), Bailey Chamberlain (Henley), Kane Sherlock (Henley), Kye Roberts.
SANFL & WEST END -- 70 years of blood, sweat and beers
It all began in 1954 when SA Brewing and the SANFL got together, when the brewery was still operating out of Hindley Street in the north western corner of Adelaide. A tradition began here as well, the chimney ceremony. An employee who was also a West Adelaide player at the time had brought up the idea of club colours adorning the chimney, though in the end it was in fact the colours of Port Adelaide that would dominate the stack after winning that year's premiership against Westies. The Bloods' colours would eventually be painted on seven years later in 1961. This was the beginning of a long partnership that despite the brewery no longer being in existence is still honoured by the current owners Lion Australia, as well as the chimney ceremony continuing on at the former Hallett Bricks heritage-listed kiln at the Brickworks Market in Thebarton. This year is the 70th anniversary of West End's sponsorship, which will be honoured with a specially designed logo to be seen on Sherrin footballs as well as club and state guernseys.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The season will get underway during the Easter long weekend, starting with some night football on The Parade when old rivals Norwood and Sturt clash on Thursday March 28. Then on Good Friday, the action takes place from 1:40pm with the Northern Derby between the Roosters and the Bulldogs at Prospect and finishing at 4:40pm at Brighton Road as the Tigers hoist their 2023 premiership flag before taking on the Magpies. There are currently five confirmed night games including the season opener, with times still undecided from Round 12 onwards. The Redlegs will host at least two other night games in Rounds 2 (vs. Glenelg) and 6 (vs. Adelaide), while the Magpies will play two matches in Rounds 4 (vs. Norwood) and 8 (vs. Sturt). Westies will spend a fortnight in the country against Port in the Riverland in Round 2 and then to Port Lincoln against the Redlegs in Round 3, then a third country game against the Crows in Round 17 in Murray Bridge. The Anzac Day Battle Grand Final re-match between the Tigers and the Double Blues will be played in Round 4 at Glenelg, with the date falling on a Thursday this time around.
The AFL Gather Round is back for a second year to South Australia, this time it will be much earlier with the festivities set to take place the weekend after the SANFL season openers. Despite the early week off for the league, this has brought some unexpected rewards. This year, there will be two chances for players to pull on the famous red state guernsey, firstly with the SANFL to take on a Victorian Football League representative side during the Gather Round at Stratarama Stadium in Glenelg on Saturday April 6. Then after Round 6, the Croweaters face the Sandgropers in defence of the Haydn Bunton Junior Trophy at Optus Stadium in Perth before the West Coast vs. Melbourne AFL match. For both games and all sides, AFL-listed players are ineligible for selection. The season will of course conclude with the SANFL Finals Series at Adelaide Oval which will kick off on Sunday September 1, culminating in the 2024 Grand Final on Sunday September 22. With all the talk surrounding the possible departure of the two AFL reserves teams, much like the 1990 season, could signal the end of an era.
So the wait is over, my fellow SA footy-heads. Here are the deets on the opening round for 2024.
Thursday March 28 @ 7:40pm
Norwood vs. Sturt; Coopers Stadium, Norwood
Friday March 29
North Adelaide vs. Central District; Prospect Oval @ 1:40pm
South Adelaide vs. Adelaide; Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga @ 2:10pm
Woodville-West Torrens vs. West Adelaide; Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville @ 2:30pm
Glenelg vs. Port Adelaide; Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg @ 4:40pm
So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
