- May 8, 2001
- 5,698
- 874
- AFL Club
- Adelaide
- Other Teams
- CDFC (SANFL), Port Melb (VFL)
Hi Footy fans...
Here we go again! We're only a week away from the commencement of the 2025 SANFL Premiership Season and the title defence of the Tigers, who went back to back for only the second time in their history. We're in for another marvellous season of football and with the AFL's Saturday afternoon broadcasting gaffe, the SANFL -- and in fact state leagues in general -- are in a position to bring in an entirely new audience if they play their cards right. As mentioned, the Bays are the hunted after pulling the rug right out from under the Redlegs in last year's decider, repeating the feats of their mid-80's heroes. The Bulldogs' exit at the Preliminary Final while devastating would seem to point toward bigger and better things, the Blues' unceremonious straight sets exit may just be the beginning of their woes and the big talking point, will the Magpies be able to climb out of the hole after taking home the wooden spoon for the first time in more than a century? Furthermore, along with the Crows, will the threat to withdraw from the league at the end of this year come to fruition or is it just huff and puff? We shall see. This is Football.
Welcome to this pre-season edition of the SANFL Wrap-Up.
Your club -- INS AND OUTS
GLENELG
The Tigers of 2024 were not always on the ball, but when it counted, boy did they perform. Finishing fourth at the end of the minor round, they went on to hammer all before them from an Elimination Final to take out the premiership against the Redlegs. They were down by as much five straight kicks early into the second half, but proceeded to win their seventh title by five points in an all-time classic decider. It would be the second time in their history the Bays have gone back-to-back, a feat last achieved by the Tigers of 1985 & 1986. But exits were coming, some were known weeks before their triumph. In the retirements category would be the likes of Matt Snook, Chris Curran and Billy Stretch, while Will Gould is testing the waters of American football. Snook leaves with three premiership medals, while Stretch, Curran and Gould have two each. The Camporeale boys are heading to Melbourne to chase their AFL dream with Carlton through the father-son rule, but with the return of favourite son and dual premiership player Luke Partington, as well as Jarryd Lyons joining brother Corey at the club, chances of a triple-treat aren't out of the question.
INS: Jarryd Lyons (Brisbane Lions), Patrick Parnell (Adelaide), Luke Partington, Matt Coulthard (returned), Karl Finlay (North Adelaide), Liam Jones, Isaac Hyatt (Launceston), Ryan Pickering (Central District), Waylon Davey-Motlop (Oakleigh Chargers/Palmerston Magpies)
OUTS: Matthew Snook, Chris Curran, Billy Stretch (retired), Will Gould (NFL Prokick), Hunter Window (work), Austin Kitschke (Central District), Angus Clarke (Essendon), Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale (Carlton), Declan Carmody (Mount Lofty), Reid Kuller (Mypolonga), Noah Sims (Walkerville)
NORWOOD
It was one that truly got away from the Redlegs, squandering a swag of chances to put the Tigers away and forced to watch as their chance at premiership number 32 went begging. They finished minor premiers and were clear favourites after claiming the first grand final spot with their win against Centrals in the 2nd Semi-Final, but then went missing in the second half as they went down to the Bays for the first time in a premiership decider after three previous encounters in 1950, 1975 and 1982. In the aftermath, coach Jade Rawlings would vacate the box for a position at Fremantle, however shockingly enough the 'Legs secured the services of league legend Jade Sheedy, after being lured out of retirement. 2022 premiership duo Matt Panos and AFL-bound Harry Boyd was among several departures from The Parade, but despite Rawlings' departure the Tasmanian connection would continue with several from the Apple Isle arriving at Norwood. Among them would be Jack Aherne and Mitchell Nicholas, who triumphed with North Launceston in the Tasmanian State League Grand Final in 2024, which would prove the be the last decider at least for now ahead of the entry into the VFL and then the AFL in the coming years.
INS: Tom McCallum (Port Adelaide), Will Rowlands (returned/Gold Coast Suns), Charlie Molan (Sturt), Daniel Gauci (GWS Academy), Jack Hodges (North Adelaide), Jack Aherne, Mitchell Nicholas, Khalen Matthews (North Launceston), Connor Ling, Liam Ling (Tassie Devils/Glenorchy), Angus Liebich (Waikerie), Charlie Cook (Bendigo Pioneers/Mildura)
OUTS: Harry Boyd (St Kilda), Matthew Panos (retired), Sam Morris (Payneham), Henry Nelligan (work/St Peter’s OC), Alex van Wyk (North Adelaide), Brodie Carroll, Mitch Carroll (Imperials Murray Bridge), Tom Graham (returned to Victoria), Xavier Tranfa (work), Luke Bogle, Nich Weightman (South Adelaide), Cam Taheny (Adelaide), Goy Lok, (Warragul, Victoria), Ned Bowman (Sydney Swans), Jay Polkinghorne (Geelong), Jordon Boyle.
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Dogs have been a club on the improve since serving several seasons in the finals wilderness, finishing third in the regular season and getting to a Preliminary Final last year after bowing out in a 1st Semi in 2023. The only downside was after ending their Sturt hoodoo in the Qualifying Final, they bowed out at the hands of both of the eventual grand finalists over the following two weekends of the major round. As expected in the off-season, pocket-rocket and crowd favourite Isaiah Dudley was given an AFL shot as Fremantle came knocking, but it was the move of Jez McLennan to the Magpies that has got many grumbling. Jarrod Schiller hung up the boots at SANFL level to return to his roots in the BL&G league, but its not all doom and gloom as the bulk of the regularly featuring squad remains intact and the arrival of TSL team of the year member and two-time Tasmanian rep team player Jack Tomkinson gives more to the middle and the attack. Tomkinson's ability to ruck and kick goals will be vital to Central's charge.
INS: Jack Tomkinson (Kingborough, Tasmania), Zach Adams (Kingborough, Tasmania), Austin Kitschke (Glenelg), Kobe Annand (Werribee), Hudson Vivian (Maroochydore QAFL)
OUTS: Jarrod Schiller (retired), Jez McLennan (Port Adelaide SANFL), Isaiah Dudley (Fremantle), Billy McCormack (Frankston/work), Hugo Munn (work interstate), Zac Buechner (Henley), Will Splann (South Adelaide), Ryan Pickering (Glenelg), Charlie Nicholls (Fremantle), Tom Cochrane (Port Adelaide), Adam Deakin (work), Tyson Richard (Salisbury North), Louie McLennan (study/Queensland)
STURT
The Blues finished in second spot on the league ladder but got bounced from the finals in straight sets. The first blow came from the Bulldogs, who ended the Blues' dominant run against them in a fizzer of a final term. Sturt kicked nothing in the final term, leading by four kicks at three quarter-time before conceding five unanswered goals. Then the eventual premiers had their turn with them, the Blues going missing again in the final term with no goals on the board while the Tigers kicked away. Two former premiership players were among those exiting the club, with 2017 hero Steven Slimming moving to Victoria for work, while 2016 & 2017 flag winner Guy Page is finishing up at state league level for the ammos. Three recruits are returning players, all coming back from stints in Western Australia. Tom Emmett would be delisted from Fremantle, but not before winning the 2024 WAFL premiership with Peel Thunder. He is joined by Mitch Crowden and Martin Frederick, who were with East Perth and Claremont respectively.
INS: Mitch Crowden (returned/East Perth), Tom Emmett (returned/Fremantle), Martin Frederick (returned/Claremont), Lachlan May (Nairne Bremer), Malakai Kartinyeri (Ramblers Murray Bridge)
OUTS: Guy Page (retired/Plympton), Steven Slimming (work interstate/Balwyn Victoria), Liam Puncher (Woodville-West Torrens), Ned Atkinson, Tommy McCormack (Adelaide SANFL), Brad Jefferies (South Adelaide), Charlie Molan (Norwood), Alex Dodson (St Kilda), Jacob Molier (Geelong), James Richards (retired/Uraidla)
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
The Eagles only just managed to stay in the five in 2024, a year that was a story of two halves. They were at the top of the ladder at the end of Round 9 after they won seven games from nine. But then after Round 10 the rot truly set in, winning one game from their last eight. Despite late challenges from the Crows and the Roosters, they managed to keep fifth position but were then smashed by Glenelg in the Elimination Final by almost 12 goals. Several key players would finish up their state league careers in the post-season, including five players involved in their 2020 and 2021 premierships. Luke Thompson, Matt Goldsworthy, Jarrad Redden, Troy Menzel and Jack Firns have all finished up at Oval Avenue for retirement or local football. On the plus side, three former premiership players are returning to the Eagles' nest, including the Hayes brothers from Victoria as well as Kobe Mutch from the Panthers.
INS: Jack Hayes (returned/St Kilda), Nick Hayes (returned/Werribee), Kobe Mutch (returned/South Adelaide), Oliver Megins (South Adelaide), Liam Puncher (Sturt)
OUTS: Luke Thompson, Matthew Goldsworthy, Jarrad Redden, Troy Menzel, Jack Firns (retired), Josh Morris (North Ballarat), Tyler Welsh (Adelaide), Charlie West (Collingwood), Josh Mawson (Queensland/Study), Dane McFarlane (Henley), Ryan Bruce (Riverton Saddleworth Marrabel United), Rome Burgoyne (Port Adelaide SANFL)
ADELAIDE
The first half of the Crows' 2024 was horrid to say the least with just two wins. They went on to make a half-decent challenge for a shock finals berth with several percentage boosting wins including a Round 12 win against the Tigers. A final round loss to the Double Blues saw them finish the season in sixth. As always with AFL clubs, the post-season is a brutal one for many and the departure lounges are always going to be busy. From those that spent a great deal of time within the Crows' SANFL program, the more notable departures were Elliott Himmelberg who has been handed a lifeline with Gold Coast, as well as Lachlan Gollant who heads to the VFL and Jacob Templeton is hanging up the boots. As for those who hope to break into the AFL side, they have draftees Sid Draper from the Panthers, as well as father-son selection Tyler Welsh from the Eagles. Also looking to further their chances for the mid-season draft are Sturt pair Ned Atkinson and Tommy McCormack.
INS: Sid Draper (South Adelaide), Tyler Welsh (Woodville-West Torrens), Cam Taheny (Norwood), Blake Drury (North Melbourne), Ned Atkinson (Sturt), Tommy McCormack (Sturt), Will Crane (Imperials Murray Bridge), Saxon Evans (Willaston), Andrew McPherson (Adelaide), Lachlan McAndrew (Sydney), Chase Neutz (GWS Academy), Kyan Smith (South Adelaide)
OUTS: Elliott Himmelberg (Gold Coast), Ned McHenry (delisted/Prince Alfred OC), Patrick Parnell (delisted/Glenelg), Will Hamill (delisted/Frankston), Lachlan Gollant (delisted/Williamstown), Jacob Templeton (retired), Jarman Sigal (North Adelaide), Sam Daniele (Adelaide Plains), Josh Smithson (Southern Mallee Suns)
NORTH ADELAIDE
The Roosters were even more on-and-off with their form than the Crows and finished seventh. They seemed to merely hover in that mid-table area and never at any point breached sixth place. The closest they got to doing so was in Round 17, when they defeated their old rivals in Glenelg, closing the gap with the Eagles to percentage only. But after copping a 10-kick hiding at The Parade the following week, subsequent results denied the Roosters a finals berth. Among those finishing up their SANFL careers are 2018 premiership player Sam McInerney and 2020 Magarey Medallist Campbell Combe, while Sam Mayes has taken up a role in the U-16 & U-18 coaching panel. Landing at Menzies Crescent are some returning faces as well as some interstate recruits. Kelsey Rypstra and James Willis come back to North after stints in Melbourne, while three-time WAFL state team player and Simpson Medallist Angus Schumacher flies in from the Royals.
INS: Angus Schumacher (East Perth), Oskar Faulkhead (Gold Coast Suns), Alex van Wyk (Norwood), James Willis (returned/Geelong), Kelsey Rypstra (returned/Western Bulldogs), Zavier Maher (Carlton VFL), Brodie Findlay (Sandringham Dragons), Joshua Smith (GWS VFL), Jarman Sigal (Adelaide SANFL)
OUTS: Campbell Combe, Sam Mayes, Sam McInerney (retired/travel), Karl Finlay (Glenelg), Tariek Newchurch (Central Augusta), Matt McKenzie (West Perth), Harrison Elbrow (Willaston), Oliver Francou (Port Adelaide), Liam Hoy (Kybybolite), Jack Hodges (Norwood), Keanu Miller (North Haven)
WEST ADELAIDE
The one good thing about the Bloods' 2024 season is that they didn't finish last again. For only the third time since their last premiership triumph in 2015, Westies were able to avoid the bottom spot they've been consigned to for six of the past nine seasons. They dropped more than a few winnable games during the season, such as their trip to Port Lincoln where not even Norwood's wayward shooting could stop them going down. Then there was their near boilover at Elizabeth in Round 14, where they went down by a single kick despir a strong finish. Some fan favourites have finished up at SANFL level, but none more regrettable than that of Sam May. The injuries sustained after his mishap in Port Lincoln forced him into early retirement. He joins Josh Ryan and Kaiden Brand in leaving the club, while Josh Gore returns to his old stomping ground of Southport. In better news for the red & black, Tom Scully returns to Milner Road from the Power.
INS: Tom Scully (returned/Port Adelaide), Logan Austin (Bairnsdale/Port Adelaide), Harvey Griffiths (North Launceston), Jonti Schuback (South Adelaide), Caleb May (South West Sydney)
OUTS: Josh Ryan (retired), Kaiden Brand (retired), Sam May (retired), Josh Gore (Southport Sharks), Mitch Maguire (Collingullie Wagga Demons, NSW), Lucas Meline (Leeton-Whitton Crows, NSW), Luke Redfern (Coolamon), Wyatt Ryan (Southern Districts NTFL), Luke Young (Henley), Tom Rundle (St Peter’s OC)
SOUTH ADELAIDE
The Panthers won only four matches for Season 2024, with their best showing coming in Round 7 with a hammering of the Magpies. The best outing against anyone above them was Round 6 against the Eagles at Woodville, but went down by five points in the end. In the end it was another case of same old South with a ninth-placed finish. Since their last finals appearance back in 2021, they have plummeted with only West Adelaide to cushion their fall. Out of the eight stand-alone SANFL clubs, the Panthers' lounge has been the busiest, the club still looking for that formula to take them back up the ladder. Unfortunately they'll have to do it without Kobe Mutch, who is heading back to Woodville and he's taken Oliver Megins with him. Sid Draper is gone as well after being taken by the Crows in the draft, along with a raft of players heading to ammos or country football. But they've been busy drawing players in as well, with some players coming in from other SANFL clubs, including last year's Reserves Magarey winner Brad Jefferies from the Double Blues.
INS: Jaiden Magor (returned/Sydney Swans), Oliver Northam (St Josephs, Geelong), Will McCarthy (Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta), Will Splann (Central District), Luke Bogle (returned/Norwood), Brad Jefferies (Sturt), Tye Gander (Sydney Swans VFL/St George), Sam Foley (Launceston), Cody Lowe (South Launceston), Tom Gillett (Brisbane VFL), Ben Ashley-Cooper (Lavington/Sydney Swans VFL), Emmanuel Ajang (Werribee), Nich Weightman (Norwood), Patrick Chay (Hatherleigh), Tye McManus (Kalangadoo), Lachlan Gill (Strathfieldsaye, VIC Country)
OUTS: Kobe Mutch, Oliver Megins (Woodville-West Torrens), Hayden Sampson (work/Myponga/Sellicks), Jonti Schuback (West Adelaide), Sid Draper (Adelaide), Arlo Draper (work/study), Benny Barrett (Port Adelaide), Tate Lovering (SMOSH West Lakes), Nic Dunshea (Baccus Marsh), Zak Keir (Dudley United, Kangaroo Island), Liam Nye (study/travel), Cooper Rogers (Happy Valley), Darnell Tucker (Happy Valley), Lachlan Hayes (Cove), Scott Bedford (St Peter’s OC)
PORT ADELAIDE
The old saying you either love them or you hate them, so no doubt there was plenty of people toasting the wooden spooners. The last time that the Magpies finished dead last was back in 1900, before Federation was declared just months later! Worse still, they had to finish their horror season in front of the Bulldogs fans at Elizabeth, who likely let them have it. Club chairman David Koch had plenty of accusations to lob at the league, however this season with some tweaks to the recruitment conditions they and Adelaide are allowed, their fortunes at SANFL level look likely to change. Of course with the AFL clubs, there's the customary delistings, including Tom Clurey who went to the NTFL post-season, while Quinton Narkle heads home to WA with Fremantle handing him an AFL life-line. Staying on with the Magpies is Kyle Marshall despite being delisted at AFL level, while newcomers include draftees from the U-18 Talent League such as Joe Berry and Jack Whitlock from Murray Bushrangers, as well as Jez McLennan defecting from the Bulldogs.
INS: Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers), Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers), Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges), Jez McLennan (Central District), Jack Watkins (North Melbourne VFL), Austin Harris (Gawler Central), Mack Bowman (South Clare), Heath Growden (Willaston), Ryan Carnelly (Goolwa/Port Elliot), Nic Couroupis (Henley), Oliver Francou (North Adelaide), Tom Cochrane (Central District), Benny Barrett (South Adelaide), Rome Burgoyne (Woodville-West Torrens), Shay Linke (Tanunda)
OUTS: Charlie Dixon (retired/Lobethal), Trent McKenzie (retired), Tom Clurey (delisted, Southern Districts NTFL), Tom Scully (delisted/West Adelaide), Kyle Marshall (delisted/Port Adelaide SANFL), Francis Evans (delisted/Carlton VFL), Quinton Narkle (delisted/Fremantle), Tom McCallum (delisted/Norwood), Murphy Short (Port Douglas), Cody Szust (Ramblers Murray Bridge), Reed Stevens (Goodwood Saints), Will Ferrari (Old Ignatians), Lachlan Pascoe (Golden Grove), Preston Cockatoo-Collins (Port Districts)
SEASON AT A GLANCE
The season kicks off with some Friday Night Mayhem at Alberton as the Magpies take on the premiers under lights, the first of four night games currently on the schedule between Alberton and Norwood, as well as three twilight fixtures between Glenelg and Woodville. Obviously the leagues are still in a holding pattern after Round 10 which is a split round. The Easter Weekend has been a winner with the fans and it begins with a Thursday night at The Parade as the inner city rivals of the Redlegs and the Double Blues clash, while the now traditional northern derby between North and Centrals will take place on Friday afternoon at Prospect. The Anzac Day Grand Final re-match will be on a Friday, with the Tigers taking on the Redlegs at Brighton Road, as well as the Doggies hosting the Magpies at Elizabeth a half-hour earlier.
Norwood's jaunt to Port Lincoln will now see them face the Crows in Round 5 on Sunday May 4, the First Nations Round will go across two weekends while the Kings Birthday weekend will have two blockbusters at Glenelg on Sunday, then the second Norwood and Sturt match on the Monday. The half-way mark of the year will see Round 10 played over two weekends in the middle of June and the rest of the fixture will be known around this time. Interstate football again gives us two big matches to look forward to, with the clash against the VFL heading to Tanunda during Gather Round, followed by the outing with the WAFL for the Haydn Bunton Junior Trophy here in Adelaide during the weekend after Round 6. Taking over the reins as coach will be Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves, joined by fellow SANFL senior coaches Paul Thomas (Centrals) and Sam Jacobs (W-WT) as well as North's development coach Sam Mayes. The Hostplus League Finals campaign begins on the final day of August, culminating in the 2025 Grand Final on September 21. As always, all league finals are held at the Adelaide Oval.
Now recently, with the lockout of Saturday afternoon AFL coverage from free-to-air television in some states, the WAFL and the VFL have gotten on the front foot and made night football a big part of their fixtures. In fact, the VFL moved several games to Saturday night timeslots with guaranteed television coverage from Seven, which will also mean a national audience through the 7Plus streaming platform. Saturdays look set to be awash with state league content in the three primary football states, so should the SANFL perhaps be looking at more night football? We have Norwood, Woodville, Glenelg and Alberton all ready to go. Elizabeth's lighting is supposed to be better than it was previously... over to you lot at Adelaide Oval!
So let the countdown begin... here's the deets on the opening round!
Friday March 28 @ 7:10pm
Port Adelaide vs. Glenelg; Alberton Oval
Saturday March 29
Central District vs. Woodville-West Torrens; X-Convenience Oval, Elizabeth @ 2:10pm
West Adelaide vs. Adelaide; Hisense Stadium, Richmond @ 2:10pm
South Adelaide vs. Sturt; Magain Stadium, Noarlunga @ 2:10pm
Norwood vs. North Adelaide; Coopers Stadium, Norwood @ 7:10pm
So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
Here we go again! We're only a week away from the commencement of the 2025 SANFL Premiership Season and the title defence of the Tigers, who went back to back for only the second time in their history. We're in for another marvellous season of football and with the AFL's Saturday afternoon broadcasting gaffe, the SANFL -- and in fact state leagues in general -- are in a position to bring in an entirely new audience if they play their cards right. As mentioned, the Bays are the hunted after pulling the rug right out from under the Redlegs in last year's decider, repeating the feats of their mid-80's heroes. The Bulldogs' exit at the Preliminary Final while devastating would seem to point toward bigger and better things, the Blues' unceremonious straight sets exit may just be the beginning of their woes and the big talking point, will the Magpies be able to climb out of the hole after taking home the wooden spoon for the first time in more than a century? Furthermore, along with the Crows, will the threat to withdraw from the league at the end of this year come to fruition or is it just huff and puff? We shall see. This is Football.
Welcome to this pre-season edition of the SANFL Wrap-Up.
Your club -- INS AND OUTS
GLENELG
The Tigers of 2024 were not always on the ball, but when it counted, boy did they perform. Finishing fourth at the end of the minor round, they went on to hammer all before them from an Elimination Final to take out the premiership against the Redlegs. They were down by as much five straight kicks early into the second half, but proceeded to win their seventh title by five points in an all-time classic decider. It would be the second time in their history the Bays have gone back-to-back, a feat last achieved by the Tigers of 1985 & 1986. But exits were coming, some were known weeks before their triumph. In the retirements category would be the likes of Matt Snook, Chris Curran and Billy Stretch, while Will Gould is testing the waters of American football. Snook leaves with three premiership medals, while Stretch, Curran and Gould have two each. The Camporeale boys are heading to Melbourne to chase their AFL dream with Carlton through the father-son rule, but with the return of favourite son and dual premiership player Luke Partington, as well as Jarryd Lyons joining brother Corey at the club, chances of a triple-treat aren't out of the question.
INS: Jarryd Lyons (Brisbane Lions), Patrick Parnell (Adelaide), Luke Partington, Matt Coulthard (returned), Karl Finlay (North Adelaide), Liam Jones, Isaac Hyatt (Launceston), Ryan Pickering (Central District), Waylon Davey-Motlop (Oakleigh Chargers/Palmerston Magpies)
OUTS: Matthew Snook, Chris Curran, Billy Stretch (retired), Will Gould (NFL Prokick), Hunter Window (work), Austin Kitschke (Central District), Angus Clarke (Essendon), Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale (Carlton), Declan Carmody (Mount Lofty), Reid Kuller (Mypolonga), Noah Sims (Walkerville)
NORWOOD
It was one that truly got away from the Redlegs, squandering a swag of chances to put the Tigers away and forced to watch as their chance at premiership number 32 went begging. They finished minor premiers and were clear favourites after claiming the first grand final spot with their win against Centrals in the 2nd Semi-Final, but then went missing in the second half as they went down to the Bays for the first time in a premiership decider after three previous encounters in 1950, 1975 and 1982. In the aftermath, coach Jade Rawlings would vacate the box for a position at Fremantle, however shockingly enough the 'Legs secured the services of league legend Jade Sheedy, after being lured out of retirement. 2022 premiership duo Matt Panos and AFL-bound Harry Boyd was among several departures from The Parade, but despite Rawlings' departure the Tasmanian connection would continue with several from the Apple Isle arriving at Norwood. Among them would be Jack Aherne and Mitchell Nicholas, who triumphed with North Launceston in the Tasmanian State League Grand Final in 2024, which would prove the be the last decider at least for now ahead of the entry into the VFL and then the AFL in the coming years.
INS: Tom McCallum (Port Adelaide), Will Rowlands (returned/Gold Coast Suns), Charlie Molan (Sturt), Daniel Gauci (GWS Academy), Jack Hodges (North Adelaide), Jack Aherne, Mitchell Nicholas, Khalen Matthews (North Launceston), Connor Ling, Liam Ling (Tassie Devils/Glenorchy), Angus Liebich (Waikerie), Charlie Cook (Bendigo Pioneers/Mildura)
OUTS: Harry Boyd (St Kilda), Matthew Panos (retired), Sam Morris (Payneham), Henry Nelligan (work/St Peter’s OC), Alex van Wyk (North Adelaide), Brodie Carroll, Mitch Carroll (Imperials Murray Bridge), Tom Graham (returned to Victoria), Xavier Tranfa (work), Luke Bogle, Nich Weightman (South Adelaide), Cam Taheny (Adelaide), Goy Lok, (Warragul, Victoria), Ned Bowman (Sydney Swans), Jay Polkinghorne (Geelong), Jordon Boyle.
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Dogs have been a club on the improve since serving several seasons in the finals wilderness, finishing third in the regular season and getting to a Preliminary Final last year after bowing out in a 1st Semi in 2023. The only downside was after ending their Sturt hoodoo in the Qualifying Final, they bowed out at the hands of both of the eventual grand finalists over the following two weekends of the major round. As expected in the off-season, pocket-rocket and crowd favourite Isaiah Dudley was given an AFL shot as Fremantle came knocking, but it was the move of Jez McLennan to the Magpies that has got many grumbling. Jarrod Schiller hung up the boots at SANFL level to return to his roots in the BL&G league, but its not all doom and gloom as the bulk of the regularly featuring squad remains intact and the arrival of TSL team of the year member and two-time Tasmanian rep team player Jack Tomkinson gives more to the middle and the attack. Tomkinson's ability to ruck and kick goals will be vital to Central's charge.
INS: Jack Tomkinson (Kingborough, Tasmania), Zach Adams (Kingborough, Tasmania), Austin Kitschke (Glenelg), Kobe Annand (Werribee), Hudson Vivian (Maroochydore QAFL)
OUTS: Jarrod Schiller (retired), Jez McLennan (Port Adelaide SANFL), Isaiah Dudley (Fremantle), Billy McCormack (Frankston/work), Hugo Munn (work interstate), Zac Buechner (Henley), Will Splann (South Adelaide), Ryan Pickering (Glenelg), Charlie Nicholls (Fremantle), Tom Cochrane (Port Adelaide), Adam Deakin (work), Tyson Richard (Salisbury North), Louie McLennan (study/Queensland)
STURT
The Blues finished in second spot on the league ladder but got bounced from the finals in straight sets. The first blow came from the Bulldogs, who ended the Blues' dominant run against them in a fizzer of a final term. Sturt kicked nothing in the final term, leading by four kicks at three quarter-time before conceding five unanswered goals. Then the eventual premiers had their turn with them, the Blues going missing again in the final term with no goals on the board while the Tigers kicked away. Two former premiership players were among those exiting the club, with 2017 hero Steven Slimming moving to Victoria for work, while 2016 & 2017 flag winner Guy Page is finishing up at state league level for the ammos. Three recruits are returning players, all coming back from stints in Western Australia. Tom Emmett would be delisted from Fremantle, but not before winning the 2024 WAFL premiership with Peel Thunder. He is joined by Mitch Crowden and Martin Frederick, who were with East Perth and Claremont respectively.
INS: Mitch Crowden (returned/East Perth), Tom Emmett (returned/Fremantle), Martin Frederick (returned/Claremont), Lachlan May (Nairne Bremer), Malakai Kartinyeri (Ramblers Murray Bridge)
OUTS: Guy Page (retired/Plympton), Steven Slimming (work interstate/Balwyn Victoria), Liam Puncher (Woodville-West Torrens), Ned Atkinson, Tommy McCormack (Adelaide SANFL), Brad Jefferies (South Adelaide), Charlie Molan (Norwood), Alex Dodson (St Kilda), Jacob Molier (Geelong), James Richards (retired/Uraidla)
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
The Eagles only just managed to stay in the five in 2024, a year that was a story of two halves. They were at the top of the ladder at the end of Round 9 after they won seven games from nine. But then after Round 10 the rot truly set in, winning one game from their last eight. Despite late challenges from the Crows and the Roosters, they managed to keep fifth position but were then smashed by Glenelg in the Elimination Final by almost 12 goals. Several key players would finish up their state league careers in the post-season, including five players involved in their 2020 and 2021 premierships. Luke Thompson, Matt Goldsworthy, Jarrad Redden, Troy Menzel and Jack Firns have all finished up at Oval Avenue for retirement or local football. On the plus side, three former premiership players are returning to the Eagles' nest, including the Hayes brothers from Victoria as well as Kobe Mutch from the Panthers.
INS: Jack Hayes (returned/St Kilda), Nick Hayes (returned/Werribee), Kobe Mutch (returned/South Adelaide), Oliver Megins (South Adelaide), Liam Puncher (Sturt)
OUTS: Luke Thompson, Matthew Goldsworthy, Jarrad Redden, Troy Menzel, Jack Firns (retired), Josh Morris (North Ballarat), Tyler Welsh (Adelaide), Charlie West (Collingwood), Josh Mawson (Queensland/Study), Dane McFarlane (Henley), Ryan Bruce (Riverton Saddleworth Marrabel United), Rome Burgoyne (Port Adelaide SANFL)
ADELAIDE
The first half of the Crows' 2024 was horrid to say the least with just two wins. They went on to make a half-decent challenge for a shock finals berth with several percentage boosting wins including a Round 12 win against the Tigers. A final round loss to the Double Blues saw them finish the season in sixth. As always with AFL clubs, the post-season is a brutal one for many and the departure lounges are always going to be busy. From those that spent a great deal of time within the Crows' SANFL program, the more notable departures were Elliott Himmelberg who has been handed a lifeline with Gold Coast, as well as Lachlan Gollant who heads to the VFL and Jacob Templeton is hanging up the boots. As for those who hope to break into the AFL side, they have draftees Sid Draper from the Panthers, as well as father-son selection Tyler Welsh from the Eagles. Also looking to further their chances for the mid-season draft are Sturt pair Ned Atkinson and Tommy McCormack.
INS: Sid Draper (South Adelaide), Tyler Welsh (Woodville-West Torrens), Cam Taheny (Norwood), Blake Drury (North Melbourne), Ned Atkinson (Sturt), Tommy McCormack (Sturt), Will Crane (Imperials Murray Bridge), Saxon Evans (Willaston), Andrew McPherson (Adelaide), Lachlan McAndrew (Sydney), Chase Neutz (GWS Academy), Kyan Smith (South Adelaide)
OUTS: Elliott Himmelberg (Gold Coast), Ned McHenry (delisted/Prince Alfred OC), Patrick Parnell (delisted/Glenelg), Will Hamill (delisted/Frankston), Lachlan Gollant (delisted/Williamstown), Jacob Templeton (retired), Jarman Sigal (North Adelaide), Sam Daniele (Adelaide Plains), Josh Smithson (Southern Mallee Suns)
NORTH ADELAIDE
The Roosters were even more on-and-off with their form than the Crows and finished seventh. They seemed to merely hover in that mid-table area and never at any point breached sixth place. The closest they got to doing so was in Round 17, when they defeated their old rivals in Glenelg, closing the gap with the Eagles to percentage only. But after copping a 10-kick hiding at The Parade the following week, subsequent results denied the Roosters a finals berth. Among those finishing up their SANFL careers are 2018 premiership player Sam McInerney and 2020 Magarey Medallist Campbell Combe, while Sam Mayes has taken up a role in the U-16 & U-18 coaching panel. Landing at Menzies Crescent are some returning faces as well as some interstate recruits. Kelsey Rypstra and James Willis come back to North after stints in Melbourne, while three-time WAFL state team player and Simpson Medallist Angus Schumacher flies in from the Royals.
INS: Angus Schumacher (East Perth), Oskar Faulkhead (Gold Coast Suns), Alex van Wyk (Norwood), James Willis (returned/Geelong), Kelsey Rypstra (returned/Western Bulldogs), Zavier Maher (Carlton VFL), Brodie Findlay (Sandringham Dragons), Joshua Smith (GWS VFL), Jarman Sigal (Adelaide SANFL)
OUTS: Campbell Combe, Sam Mayes, Sam McInerney (retired/travel), Karl Finlay (Glenelg), Tariek Newchurch (Central Augusta), Matt McKenzie (West Perth), Harrison Elbrow (Willaston), Oliver Francou (Port Adelaide), Liam Hoy (Kybybolite), Jack Hodges (Norwood), Keanu Miller (North Haven)
WEST ADELAIDE
The one good thing about the Bloods' 2024 season is that they didn't finish last again. For only the third time since their last premiership triumph in 2015, Westies were able to avoid the bottom spot they've been consigned to for six of the past nine seasons. They dropped more than a few winnable games during the season, such as their trip to Port Lincoln where not even Norwood's wayward shooting could stop them going down. Then there was their near boilover at Elizabeth in Round 14, where they went down by a single kick despir a strong finish. Some fan favourites have finished up at SANFL level, but none more regrettable than that of Sam May. The injuries sustained after his mishap in Port Lincoln forced him into early retirement. He joins Josh Ryan and Kaiden Brand in leaving the club, while Josh Gore returns to his old stomping ground of Southport. In better news for the red & black, Tom Scully returns to Milner Road from the Power.
INS: Tom Scully (returned/Port Adelaide), Logan Austin (Bairnsdale/Port Adelaide), Harvey Griffiths (North Launceston), Jonti Schuback (South Adelaide), Caleb May (South West Sydney)
OUTS: Josh Ryan (retired), Kaiden Brand (retired), Sam May (retired), Josh Gore (Southport Sharks), Mitch Maguire (Collingullie Wagga Demons, NSW), Lucas Meline (Leeton-Whitton Crows, NSW), Luke Redfern (Coolamon), Wyatt Ryan (Southern Districts NTFL), Luke Young (Henley), Tom Rundle (St Peter’s OC)
SOUTH ADELAIDE
The Panthers won only four matches for Season 2024, with their best showing coming in Round 7 with a hammering of the Magpies. The best outing against anyone above them was Round 6 against the Eagles at Woodville, but went down by five points in the end. In the end it was another case of same old South with a ninth-placed finish. Since their last finals appearance back in 2021, they have plummeted with only West Adelaide to cushion their fall. Out of the eight stand-alone SANFL clubs, the Panthers' lounge has been the busiest, the club still looking for that formula to take them back up the ladder. Unfortunately they'll have to do it without Kobe Mutch, who is heading back to Woodville and he's taken Oliver Megins with him. Sid Draper is gone as well after being taken by the Crows in the draft, along with a raft of players heading to ammos or country football. But they've been busy drawing players in as well, with some players coming in from other SANFL clubs, including last year's Reserves Magarey winner Brad Jefferies from the Double Blues.
INS: Jaiden Magor (returned/Sydney Swans), Oliver Northam (St Josephs, Geelong), Will McCarthy (Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta), Will Splann (Central District), Luke Bogle (returned/Norwood), Brad Jefferies (Sturt), Tye Gander (Sydney Swans VFL/St George), Sam Foley (Launceston), Cody Lowe (South Launceston), Tom Gillett (Brisbane VFL), Ben Ashley-Cooper (Lavington/Sydney Swans VFL), Emmanuel Ajang (Werribee), Nich Weightman (Norwood), Patrick Chay (Hatherleigh), Tye McManus (Kalangadoo), Lachlan Gill (Strathfieldsaye, VIC Country)
OUTS: Kobe Mutch, Oliver Megins (Woodville-West Torrens), Hayden Sampson (work/Myponga/Sellicks), Jonti Schuback (West Adelaide), Sid Draper (Adelaide), Arlo Draper (work/study), Benny Barrett (Port Adelaide), Tate Lovering (SMOSH West Lakes), Nic Dunshea (Baccus Marsh), Zak Keir (Dudley United, Kangaroo Island), Liam Nye (study/travel), Cooper Rogers (Happy Valley), Darnell Tucker (Happy Valley), Lachlan Hayes (Cove), Scott Bedford (St Peter’s OC)
PORT ADELAIDE
The old saying you either love them or you hate them, so no doubt there was plenty of people toasting the wooden spooners. The last time that the Magpies finished dead last was back in 1900, before Federation was declared just months later! Worse still, they had to finish their horror season in front of the Bulldogs fans at Elizabeth, who likely let them have it. Club chairman David Koch had plenty of accusations to lob at the league, however this season with some tweaks to the recruitment conditions they and Adelaide are allowed, their fortunes at SANFL level look likely to change. Of course with the AFL clubs, there's the customary delistings, including Tom Clurey who went to the NTFL post-season, while Quinton Narkle heads home to WA with Fremantle handing him an AFL life-line. Staying on with the Magpies is Kyle Marshall despite being delisted at AFL level, while newcomers include draftees from the U-18 Talent League such as Joe Berry and Jack Whitlock from Murray Bushrangers, as well as Jez McLennan defecting from the Bulldogs.
INS: Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers), Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers), Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges), Jez McLennan (Central District), Jack Watkins (North Melbourne VFL), Austin Harris (Gawler Central), Mack Bowman (South Clare), Heath Growden (Willaston), Ryan Carnelly (Goolwa/Port Elliot), Nic Couroupis (Henley), Oliver Francou (North Adelaide), Tom Cochrane (Central District), Benny Barrett (South Adelaide), Rome Burgoyne (Woodville-West Torrens), Shay Linke (Tanunda)
OUTS: Charlie Dixon (retired/Lobethal), Trent McKenzie (retired), Tom Clurey (delisted, Southern Districts NTFL), Tom Scully (delisted/West Adelaide), Kyle Marshall (delisted/Port Adelaide SANFL), Francis Evans (delisted/Carlton VFL), Quinton Narkle (delisted/Fremantle), Tom McCallum (delisted/Norwood), Murphy Short (Port Douglas), Cody Szust (Ramblers Murray Bridge), Reed Stevens (Goodwood Saints), Will Ferrari (Old Ignatians), Lachlan Pascoe (Golden Grove), Preston Cockatoo-Collins (Port Districts)
SEASON AT A GLANCE
The season kicks off with some Friday Night Mayhem at Alberton as the Magpies take on the premiers under lights, the first of four night games currently on the schedule between Alberton and Norwood, as well as three twilight fixtures between Glenelg and Woodville. Obviously the leagues are still in a holding pattern after Round 10 which is a split round. The Easter Weekend has been a winner with the fans and it begins with a Thursday night at The Parade as the inner city rivals of the Redlegs and the Double Blues clash, while the now traditional northern derby between North and Centrals will take place on Friday afternoon at Prospect. The Anzac Day Grand Final re-match will be on a Friday, with the Tigers taking on the Redlegs at Brighton Road, as well as the Doggies hosting the Magpies at Elizabeth a half-hour earlier.
Norwood's jaunt to Port Lincoln will now see them face the Crows in Round 5 on Sunday May 4, the First Nations Round will go across two weekends while the Kings Birthday weekend will have two blockbusters at Glenelg on Sunday, then the second Norwood and Sturt match on the Monday. The half-way mark of the year will see Round 10 played over two weekends in the middle of June and the rest of the fixture will be known around this time. Interstate football again gives us two big matches to look forward to, with the clash against the VFL heading to Tanunda during Gather Round, followed by the outing with the WAFL for the Haydn Bunton Junior Trophy here in Adelaide during the weekend after Round 6. Taking over the reins as coach will be Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves, joined by fellow SANFL senior coaches Paul Thomas (Centrals) and Sam Jacobs (W-WT) as well as North's development coach Sam Mayes. The Hostplus League Finals campaign begins on the final day of August, culminating in the 2025 Grand Final on September 21. As always, all league finals are held at the Adelaide Oval.
Now recently, with the lockout of Saturday afternoon AFL coverage from free-to-air television in some states, the WAFL and the VFL have gotten on the front foot and made night football a big part of their fixtures. In fact, the VFL moved several games to Saturday night timeslots with guaranteed television coverage from Seven, which will also mean a national audience through the 7Plus streaming platform. Saturdays look set to be awash with state league content in the three primary football states, so should the SANFL perhaps be looking at more night football? We have Norwood, Woodville, Glenelg and Alberton all ready to go. Elizabeth's lighting is supposed to be better than it was previously... over to you lot at Adelaide Oval!
So let the countdown begin... here's the deets on the opening round!
Friday March 28 @ 7:10pm
Port Adelaide vs. Glenelg; Alberton Oval
Saturday March 29
Central District vs. Woodville-West Torrens; X-Convenience Oval, Elizabeth @ 2:10pm
West Adelaide vs. Adelaide; Hisense Stadium, Richmond @ 2:10pm
South Adelaide vs. Sturt; Magain Stadium, Noarlunga @ 2:10pm
Norwood vs. North Adelaide; Coopers Stadium, Norwood @ 7:10pm
So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
