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Hi Footy fans...
We are less than a week away from the resumption of hostilities, with the beginning of the SANFL 2023 HostPlus League Premiership Season and the chase for the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy. The Redlegs pulled off one of the all-time classic steals to clinch the 2022 flag at the expense of the Roosters, the last score of the game bringing the men of The Parade their 31st senior title by just one point. Best of all from last year, there was no interruptions or stoppages of play thanks to a virus. We got through last year unscathed and hopefully the trend continues. Of course during the off-season, there's movements galore. Players coming in, shipping out. Some changing clubs or hanging up the boots. Some will be hoping for a climb up the ladder after spending quite sometime in the wilderness. Heck, for some, finishing in an Elimination Final would be a change from the norm over the last few years. The wait is almost over folks, so let's have a preview of the coming season.
This is Football. Welcome to the Season Kick-off Thread for SANFL 2023.
THE CLUBS -- Ins & Outs
NORWOOD
For the third time in their history, the Redlegs nicked a flag by the most narrow of margins. A victory that will be talked about like their 1925 and 1978 premiership wins, winning by a point to nab the flag over the Roosters in the 2022 Grand Final. It was left to Matt Panos to land the telling blow, a feat that wasn't new to him considering that he'd done that more than once last year. This would be flag number 31 for the Redlegs and their fourth since 2012. It also came off the back of a Qualifying Final loss to Adelaide, followed by three consecutive victories. Not much has changed at The Parade personnel-wise from that which won the premiership, with very little off-season impact to their list. Some notable departures include flag-winning duo Jay Rantall and Henry Nelligan, while Max Michalanney was picked up by the Crows under the father-son draft rules. There are some returning sons, including Jack Callow and Jack Saunders from Hawthorn, while Jake Cresswell and Luke Bogle transfer in from down south.
INS -- Jackson Callow (returned/Hawthorn), Matt Ling (Sydney Swans/Geelong VFL), Jack Saunders (returned/Hawthorn), Patrick Walker (North Melbourne VFL/North Hobart), Ollie Sanders (Carlton VFL/North Launceston), Goy Lok (Sandringham), Alec Wright (Launceston), Michael Stingel (North Launceston), Chance Doultree (Footscray Bulldogs VFL), Luke Bogle (South Adelaide), Jake Cresswell (South Adelaide), Ethan Haylock (Payneham/Woodville-West Torrens), Sam Nehme (Oakleigh Chargers), Jack Chiswell (St Mary’s NTFL/Irymple).
OUTS -- Jay Rantall (returned to Melbourne), Henry Nelligan (overseas study), Max Michalanney (Adelaide), Phoenix Foster (Geelong), Mitch Cotter (travel/Padthaway), Matt Vardanega (travel), Tom Wagner (Payneham), Mac Bower (retired/Border Districts), Jai Larkins (Central District), Ethan Schwerdt (Central District), Michael Cavallaro (Golden Grove), Ed O’Connor (Hope Valley), Nick Pedro (retired).
NORTH ADELAIDE
How unlucky can you get? The Roosters had a 17-point lead half-way through the final term and then it all went to pieces after leaking three straight goals, one of them deep into time-on which cost them the premiership. It was a season loaded with promise across three grades, all of them falling short. From the U-18's upwards, all coming up empty in their respective grand finals. Sufficed to say, they've had a lot of soul searching to do over the last five months. Will Combe pulled the pin on his career at Menzies Crescent during the pre-season, but thankfully for the Roosters that's the only senior player from the Grand Final that decided to finish up. They have lost some young players to the AFL, but on the brighter side, there's the return of Ben Jarman and Sam Mayes from the AFL and an influx of several interstate recruits from the VFL and WAFL.
INS -- Sam Mayes (returned/Port Adelaide), Jesse White (Broadview/Glenelg), Ben Jarman (returned), Connor Nutting (Southport Sharks), Matthew McKenzie (West Adelaide), Noah Casalini (GWS VFL), Kye Pfrengle (Sydney VFL/St George Dragons), Brodie Lake (Peel Thunder/Southern Districts), Gibson Turner (Glenelg).
OUTS -- Will Combe (retired), Billy Dowling (Adelaide), Isaac Keeler (St Kilda), Tom Stapleton (Northern Bullants), Jared Deep (Glenelg), Matthew Longbottom (Brinkworth Spalding Redhill), Blayne O’Loughlin (Adelaide), Sam Thorne (Overseas), Preston Cockatoo-Collins (Port Adelaide), Will Francou (Port Adelaide), Brodie Motlop (Port Adelaide), Harper Montgomery (Port Adelaide), Matthew Borg (Work), Sam McTaggart (Mt Lofty).
ADELAIDE
The Crows reserves had hammered the Redlegs in the Qualifying Final by 55 points, so it came as a shock that they couldn't maintain that tempo from that point onwards. They were ultimately bumped from contention in the Preliminary Final by Norwood, falling off in the final term to lose by 11 points. As is always the case at AFL clubs, there's going to be delistings and departures for greener pastures. Billy Frampton has headed to Victoria, while Brett Turner and James Rowe make their way back to their former clubs at Brighton Road and Oval Avenue. Father-son draftee Max Michalanney is certain to front up in the SANFL as a dress rehearsal for an AFL debut, he'll be joined by NAB League and Victoria Country player Hugh Bond. Also looking to make a bigger impact at SANFL level are Jaidan Kappler, Dylan Whimpress and Jarmal Sigal, products of junior programs at South and Glenelg.
INS -- Jack Madgen (Collingwood), Max Michalanney (Norwood), Blayne O’Loughlin, Billy Dowling (North Adelaide), Hugh Bond (Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Hugh Haysman (SPOC OC/West Adelaide), Stephen Tahana (Gaza), Jaidan Kappler (Noarlunga/South Adelaide), Dylan Whimpress (Nairne Bremer/South Adelaide), Jarman Sigal (Brighton/Glenelg).
OUTS -- Billy Frampton (Collingwood), Luke Brown (retired), James Rowe (delisted/Woodville-West Torrens), Ben Davis (delisted/North Melbourne VFL), Brett Turner (delisted/Glenelg), Chris Hall (retired/SANFL Runner in 2023), Oliver Clarke (PAC OC), Bailey Marshman (Reynella), Ben Salt (Hahndorf), Cam Hutchens (Willunga), Luke McCauley (PAC OC), Jack Lewis (Sturt).
GLENELG
The Tigers got as far as the 1st Semi-Final, after accounting for Sturt in week one it was a fired-up Redlegs outfit that put the Bays' season to the sword with a 28-point loss. A wasteful third term where they kicked four behinds was the beginning of their end. During pre-season, senior coach Brett Hand was shown the door despite having a year to run on his contract. Taking over the reins is Darren Reeves, a former head of development at North Adelaide and has been in coaching positions over 13 years including a senior stint with former NEAFL club Northern Territory Thunder and reserves coach at the Roosters. The departure lounge wasn't highly populated, though they did bid farewell to 2019 premiership duo Andrew Bradley and Michael Virgin. But there's a wealth of incoming players as well, including the return of Brett Turner who was taken by Adelaide in the mid-season draft last year.
INS -- Brett Turner (returned/Adelaide), James Bell (Sydney Swans), Cameron McGree (Reynella/South Adelaide), Connor McLeod (Woodville-West Torrens), Jared Deep (North Adelaide), Brodie Newman (returned/Wanderers NTFL), Brock Carter (NTFL/North Cairns), Brad McCarthy (returned/Lucindale), Scott Beilby (St Kilda NGA/Sandringham), Mackinley Miller (Belconnen Magpies/GWS VFL), Liam Wisdom (returned/Queensland), Max Guehrer (Beach Volleyball), Todd Reid (South Gambier), Frazer Bradley (Millicent), Will Stockman (Renmark).
OUTS -- Andrew Bradley (retired/Prince Alfred OC), Jordan Murdoch (retired), Michael Virgin (retired/PHOS Camden), Jack Hannath (retired), Jakob Ryan (Collingwood), Nic Minchin (Frankston), Beau McRae (Sacred Heart OC), Gibson Turner (North Adelaide), Kyle Crompton (Roopena).
STURT
The Double Blues were bumped out at the first hurdle in last year's finals, unable to bridge the gap with the Tigers in their Elimination Final as they went down by 16 points. Their 2022 story was a bit Jekyll and Hyde, whereas while they did produce to surprise results, it was their run during the tail end of the year that perhaps set the tone for what was to come. A loss to the un-fancied Eagles on the back of woeful shooting on goal, followed by a triumph against North in the final round of the season which proved to be their final. So let the rebuild continue. The Blues have lost a few players, including the likes of Sam Wundke and Abe Davis to retirement or work commitments, as well as four young lads -- three of which are brothers -- to the Bulldogs. But the influx looks promising, including several VFL and AFL academy young guns.
INS -- Martin Frederick (Port Adelaide/Woodville-West Torrens), Charlie Parker (returned/Western Bulldogs), Charlie Molan (Williamstown/Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Angus Anderson (Sydney Swans VFL), Liam Puncher, Luke Giacometti (Sydney Swans Academy), Connor McFadyen (Brisbane Lions), Jack Lewis (Adelaide SANFL/Blackwood), George McLeod (North Hobart), Hugo Kelly (Prince Alfred OC), Tye Bedford (returned/Carlisle, WA).
OUTS -- Sam Wundke (Work/Overseas), Tom Emmett (Fremantle), Abe Davis (Glenunga), Mani Liddy, Mihail Lochowiak, Anzac Lochowiak, Jacob Lochowiak (Central District), Tyson Hone (Mount Lofty), Riley Grundy (Mount Lofty), Adam Trenorden (Hahndorf).
SOUTH ADELAIDE
The Panthers just couldn't break into the five last year, finishing sixth and four points adrift of an Elimination Final berth. They seemed to hover at that sixth and seventh position most of the season, producing more than a couple of surprise victories against more fancied opponents. There just wasn't enough consistency at the best of times, dropping some very gettable games including a three-point loss against eventual premiers Norwood in Round 15 and two weeks later against cellar-dweller Westies. The outgoings list is quite sizable, Sam Overall is heading down the coast to Victor Harbor, while Ryan Garthwaite has answered the call of US college football. Oscar Brownless and Bailey Griffiths are returning to Melbourne and there were a few transfers to other SANFL clubs. But coming in to revitalise their SANFL careers are Kobe Mutch from the Eagles and Sam Skinner returns from Port Adelaide.
INS -- Kobe Mutch (Woodville-West Torrens), Sam Skinner (returned/Port Adelaide), Zac Sproule (GWS), Ely Smith (Brisbane Lions), Jonti Schuback (Gippsland Power), Luke Mitton (returned/McLaren), Scott Bedford (Flinders Park), Kyle Emery (Nightcliff), Lachlan Scott (Willunga), Chester Forster (Glenelg), Robert Irra (returned/Reynella), Nic Dunshea (South West AFL NSW).
OUTS -- Sam Overall (retired/Victor Harbor), Ryan Garthwaite (Montrose/American College punter), Oscar Brownless, Bailey Griffiths (returned to Melbourne), Reece Milsom (Overseas/Flagstaff Hill), Fraser Turner (East Fremantle), Luke Bogle, Jake Cresswell (Norwood), Daniel Sladojevic (Woodville-West Torrens), Will Verrall (Melbourne), Jaiden Magor (Sydney), Kyle Marshall (Port Adelaide), Sam Gaden (returned to Sydney), Rhys Mutch (Victor Harbor).
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
The Eagles premiership defence ended at the hands of the Tigers in Round 15, a loss that began a slide out of contention for a finals berth. It was perhaps a measure of revenge for Glenelg, the side that were humiliated in that 2021 Grand Final. They would win just one other game after that defeat and as a result they would finish seventh behind the Panthers on percentage with a 50-50 record in 2022. The Eagles would then lose a raft of players from their senior ranks, some to retirement/country football like Jarrad Redden, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Jarred Allmond, or to other SANFL clubs like Kobe Mutch and son of a Crows gun Connor McLeod. The Eagles were of course, more than happy to welcome back the likes of James Rowe and Zane Williams from the AFL.
INS -- James Rowe (returned/Adelaide), Riley Collier-Dawkins (Richmond), Zane Williams (returned/Geelong), David Brinker-Ritchie (Traralgon/Box Hill Hawks), Max Beattie (Wodonga Raiders), Daniel Sladojevic (South Adelaide), Josh Mawson (Port Douglas), Carter Norman (North Albury), Sam Tilley (Lauderdale).
OUTS -- Jarrad Redden (retired/Southern Eagles), Jarred Allmond (retired/United FC playing coach), Dylan Clarke (Port Melbourne), Kobe Mutch (South Adelaide), Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda), Connor McLeod (Glenelg), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Wodonga Raiders), Mitch Mead (Seaton Ramblers), Ethan Haylock (Norwood), Nathan Barkla (Port Adelaide), Mitch Duval (Unley Mercedes Jets), Seb Guilhaus.
PORT ADELAIDE
The Magpies disappointed at SANFL level again, sliding down a spot on 2021 from seventh to eighth. The difference between eighth and seventh was an embarrassing eight points, with a win-loss record of five to 13. They did manage to finish on a high with a defeat of Adelaide in the last match of the year, so there's that. As with any AFL club and just like the Crows, there's the delistings and draftings. The incoming young draftees to the Power will, no doubt, get plenty of SANFL time. Lads like Tom Scully from Westies, Nathan Barkla from the Eagles and incoming Tasmanian youngster Tom McCallum will get exposure in the bars. There's also guys like Jed Hagan from the WAFL who come in specifically for the Magpies alone, as has Brodie Motlop and former North Adelaide pair Harper Montgomery and Will Francou. Delisted players Sam Mayes and Sam Skinner have headed back to their former SANFL clubs.
INS -- Jed Hagan (East Fremantle), Tom McCallum (Tasmania Devils/Clarence), Tom Scully (West Adelaide), Kyle Marshall (South Adelaide), Nathan Barkla (Woodville-West Torrens), Preston Cockatoo-Collins, Will Francou, Brodie Motlop, Harper Montgomery (North Adelaide).
OUTS -- Steven Motlop (retired), Sam Mayes (delisted/North Adelaide), Sam Skinner (delisted/South Adelaide), Marty Frederick (delisted/Sturt), Taj Schofield (delisted/Subiaco), Trent Burgoyne (Casey Demons).
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Bulldogs have only just managed to dodge the wooden spoon for several years, since their last finals appearance in 2017 they have consistently finished in the bottom three in every year. Their only saving grace has been someone worse than them, usually the Bloods. They've made some big recruiting campaigns in those years, but aside from unearthing a couple of gems, others have not stuck around to ride the bumps like the club song demands. The loss of experienced players such as Travis Schiller, Rhett Montgomerie and Fraser Fort will be felt but this time around, they've gone and done a bit of serious shopping, including raiding rival SANFL club stocks. The McLennan brothers return from Queensland, Jez from the Suns and Louie from the QAFL. There's more bros with the Lochowiak trio from the Double Blues, then there's the virtual homecoming of Ethan Schwerdt from the Redlegs, son of former Bulldog and Crow Stephen.
INS -- Leyton Chisholm (GWS – VFL), Jez McLennan (returned/Gold Coast Suns), Louie McLennan (Palm Beach-Currumbin), Brinn Little (Gold Coast VFL/Academy), Mani Liddy, Mihail Lochowiak, Anzac Lochowiak, Jacob Lochowiak (Sturt), Ryan Pickering (Broadbeach Cats), Hugo Munn (Old Ignations/Sturt), Jayden Hall (Burra Booborowie Hallett/South Adelaide), Fletcher Carroll (Albury Tigers), Isaac McGrath (Albury Tigers), Jai Larkins (Norwood), Ethan Schwerdt (Norwood), Dale Pearce (Port Districts/Woodville-West Torrens), Will Splann (North Hobart).
OUTS -- Travis Schiller (Overseas), Rhett Montgomerie (Essendon), Fraser Fort (South Barwon), Ryan Llewellyn (Modbury), Darcy Pisani (Modbury), Jakob Thomson (Two Wells), Matthew Neagle, Jaxon Neagle.
WEST ADELAIDE
Of course as has been the case for several seasons, we get to the Bloods last. They found themselves wooden spooners for the fourth straight season and their fifth in the years since their 2015 premiership victory. One would say their hangover has gone on too damn long. Their departure lounge was seriously loaded which doesn't bode well for the Bloods or their faithful, with a swag of experienced players calling time, looking elsewhere or answering the call of the AFL. Hamish Hartlett, Tom Keough and Logan Hill are among those who have hung them up at SANFL level, while Patrick Fairlie is heading to Victoria for work and joining VFL club Northern Bullants. Those coming in have a hell of a job to do, that's for sure. Coming into Richmond are Rhys Nicholls and Ned Stevens from the Suns and some VFL experience with Sam Frost from the GWS reserves.
INS -- Rhys Nicholls (Gold Coast Suns), Sam Frost (GWS VFL), Billy Glanvill (Lavington), Ned Stevens (Labrador/Gold Coast Academy), Dylan Bramich (Penguin, Tasmania), Jack Cottrell (Wentworth), Owen Mulady (Northern Knights), Josh Sheppard (Broadview), Antonio James (Darwin Buffaloes).
OUTS -- Hamish Hartlett, Tom Keough (retired), Logan Hill (retired/Edwardstown), Patrick Fairlie (work/Nthn. Bullants VFL), Jackson Edwards (Southport Sharks), Matthew McKenzie (North Adelaide), Jade Cleeland (Goodwood Saints), Harry Barnett (West Coast), Harry Lemmey (Carlton), Tom Scully (Port Adelaide), Anthony Munkara (Essendon), Oscar Steene (Collingwood), Blair Rubock (work/Queensland), Clayton Gay (Hastings, Victoria), Charlie Allan (St Peter’s OC), Kenny Karpany (Port Districts), Connor Fairlie (Goodwood Saints), Lyndon Hupfeld (Glenunga), Tom Rundle (Southport Sharks), Reed Stevens
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The lingering effects of the pandemic are still being felt today in regards to scheduling, which has seen only half the season set in stone. The season will kick off at the end of March, with a Friday night encounter between the Redlegs and the Eagles at The Parade where the reigning premiers will raise their flag. The other four games will be played out on April 1 culminating at the Adelaide Oval with the mini-Showdown ahead of the AFL main event. Four night games at Norwood, one at Glenelg and one twilight match at Woodville are currently on the schedule and with the lights at Elizabeth under refit, the second half of the year could see more late Saturday afternoon games in the pipeline. The Glenelg night match is an ANZAC Day Eve game between the Tigers and the Eagles, followed by the traditional Grand Final re-match which will take place on Tuesday April 25 at Coopers Stadium between the Redlegs and the Roosters.
The SANFL will also be playing a number of games in the country, the first being the tribute game to Russell Ebert when the Magpies face the Bloods at Loxton Oval in the Riverland in Round 4. The Bloods will have two other rural engagements as well, against the Redlegs in Port Lincoln in Round 6 and then in Murray Bridge in Round 16 against the Crows, the latter being a tribute game to Neil Kerley. The other game will see the Bulldogs face Adelaide in the Barossa Valley in Round 12 during the SA Country Football Championship weekend. The Crows have also managed to get curtain raisers at Adelaide Oval during the season, against South in Round 4, the Eagles in Round 9 and the second mini-Showdown in Round 15. Norwood premiership coach Jade Rawlings has been handed the reins to the SANFL state squad this year, but controversially, the face-off for the Haydn Bunton Junior Trophy against the WAFL has been scheduled for an afternoon start on Friday May 19 as a curtain raiser to the Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne match. This has probably put the game well out of the reach of most SANFL supporters, not to mention die-hard WAFL fans thanks to the time difference. And lastly, the 2023 Finals Series will begin on the first weekend of September, with the Grand Final scheduled for Sunday September 24.
So the wait is almost over, my SA footy-heads. Here is what awaits for Round 1.
Friday March 31 @ 7:40pm
Norwood vs. Woodville-West Torrens; Coopers Stadium, Norwood
Saturday April 1
South Adelaide vs. Central District; Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga @ 2:10pm
Sturt vs. Glenelg; Wigan Oval, Unley @ 2:10pm
North Adelaide vs. West Adelaide; Prospect Oval @ 2:10pm
Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide; Adelaide Oval @ 3pm
So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
We are less than a week away from the resumption of hostilities, with the beginning of the SANFL 2023 HostPlus League Premiership Season and the chase for the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy. The Redlegs pulled off one of the all-time classic steals to clinch the 2022 flag at the expense of the Roosters, the last score of the game bringing the men of The Parade their 31st senior title by just one point. Best of all from last year, there was no interruptions or stoppages of play thanks to a virus. We got through last year unscathed and hopefully the trend continues. Of course during the off-season, there's movements galore. Players coming in, shipping out. Some changing clubs or hanging up the boots. Some will be hoping for a climb up the ladder after spending quite sometime in the wilderness. Heck, for some, finishing in an Elimination Final would be a change from the norm over the last few years. The wait is almost over folks, so let's have a preview of the coming season.
This is Football. Welcome to the Season Kick-off Thread for SANFL 2023.
THE CLUBS -- Ins & Outs
NORWOOD
For the third time in their history, the Redlegs nicked a flag by the most narrow of margins. A victory that will be talked about like their 1925 and 1978 premiership wins, winning by a point to nab the flag over the Roosters in the 2022 Grand Final. It was left to Matt Panos to land the telling blow, a feat that wasn't new to him considering that he'd done that more than once last year. This would be flag number 31 for the Redlegs and their fourth since 2012. It also came off the back of a Qualifying Final loss to Adelaide, followed by three consecutive victories. Not much has changed at The Parade personnel-wise from that which won the premiership, with very little off-season impact to their list. Some notable departures include flag-winning duo Jay Rantall and Henry Nelligan, while Max Michalanney was picked up by the Crows under the father-son draft rules. There are some returning sons, including Jack Callow and Jack Saunders from Hawthorn, while Jake Cresswell and Luke Bogle transfer in from down south.
INS -- Jackson Callow (returned/Hawthorn), Matt Ling (Sydney Swans/Geelong VFL), Jack Saunders (returned/Hawthorn), Patrick Walker (North Melbourne VFL/North Hobart), Ollie Sanders (Carlton VFL/North Launceston), Goy Lok (Sandringham), Alec Wright (Launceston), Michael Stingel (North Launceston), Chance Doultree (Footscray Bulldogs VFL), Luke Bogle (South Adelaide), Jake Cresswell (South Adelaide), Ethan Haylock (Payneham/Woodville-West Torrens), Sam Nehme (Oakleigh Chargers), Jack Chiswell (St Mary’s NTFL/Irymple).
OUTS -- Jay Rantall (returned to Melbourne), Henry Nelligan (overseas study), Max Michalanney (Adelaide), Phoenix Foster (Geelong), Mitch Cotter (travel/Padthaway), Matt Vardanega (travel), Tom Wagner (Payneham), Mac Bower (retired/Border Districts), Jai Larkins (Central District), Ethan Schwerdt (Central District), Michael Cavallaro (Golden Grove), Ed O’Connor (Hope Valley), Nick Pedro (retired).
NORTH ADELAIDE
How unlucky can you get? The Roosters had a 17-point lead half-way through the final term and then it all went to pieces after leaking three straight goals, one of them deep into time-on which cost them the premiership. It was a season loaded with promise across three grades, all of them falling short. From the U-18's upwards, all coming up empty in their respective grand finals. Sufficed to say, they've had a lot of soul searching to do over the last five months. Will Combe pulled the pin on his career at Menzies Crescent during the pre-season, but thankfully for the Roosters that's the only senior player from the Grand Final that decided to finish up. They have lost some young players to the AFL, but on the brighter side, there's the return of Ben Jarman and Sam Mayes from the AFL and an influx of several interstate recruits from the VFL and WAFL.
INS -- Sam Mayes (returned/Port Adelaide), Jesse White (Broadview/Glenelg), Ben Jarman (returned), Connor Nutting (Southport Sharks), Matthew McKenzie (West Adelaide), Noah Casalini (GWS VFL), Kye Pfrengle (Sydney VFL/St George Dragons), Brodie Lake (Peel Thunder/Southern Districts), Gibson Turner (Glenelg).
OUTS -- Will Combe (retired), Billy Dowling (Adelaide), Isaac Keeler (St Kilda), Tom Stapleton (Northern Bullants), Jared Deep (Glenelg), Matthew Longbottom (Brinkworth Spalding Redhill), Blayne O’Loughlin (Adelaide), Sam Thorne (Overseas), Preston Cockatoo-Collins (Port Adelaide), Will Francou (Port Adelaide), Brodie Motlop (Port Adelaide), Harper Montgomery (Port Adelaide), Matthew Borg (Work), Sam McTaggart (Mt Lofty).
ADELAIDE
The Crows reserves had hammered the Redlegs in the Qualifying Final by 55 points, so it came as a shock that they couldn't maintain that tempo from that point onwards. They were ultimately bumped from contention in the Preliminary Final by Norwood, falling off in the final term to lose by 11 points. As is always the case at AFL clubs, there's going to be delistings and departures for greener pastures. Billy Frampton has headed to Victoria, while Brett Turner and James Rowe make their way back to their former clubs at Brighton Road and Oval Avenue. Father-son draftee Max Michalanney is certain to front up in the SANFL as a dress rehearsal for an AFL debut, he'll be joined by NAB League and Victoria Country player Hugh Bond. Also looking to make a bigger impact at SANFL level are Jaidan Kappler, Dylan Whimpress and Jarmal Sigal, products of junior programs at South and Glenelg.
INS -- Jack Madgen (Collingwood), Max Michalanney (Norwood), Blayne O’Loughlin, Billy Dowling (North Adelaide), Hugh Bond (Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Hugh Haysman (SPOC OC/West Adelaide), Stephen Tahana (Gaza), Jaidan Kappler (Noarlunga/South Adelaide), Dylan Whimpress (Nairne Bremer/South Adelaide), Jarman Sigal (Brighton/Glenelg).
OUTS -- Billy Frampton (Collingwood), Luke Brown (retired), James Rowe (delisted/Woodville-West Torrens), Ben Davis (delisted/North Melbourne VFL), Brett Turner (delisted/Glenelg), Chris Hall (retired/SANFL Runner in 2023), Oliver Clarke (PAC OC), Bailey Marshman (Reynella), Ben Salt (Hahndorf), Cam Hutchens (Willunga), Luke McCauley (PAC OC), Jack Lewis (Sturt).
GLENELG
The Tigers got as far as the 1st Semi-Final, after accounting for Sturt in week one it was a fired-up Redlegs outfit that put the Bays' season to the sword with a 28-point loss. A wasteful third term where they kicked four behinds was the beginning of their end. During pre-season, senior coach Brett Hand was shown the door despite having a year to run on his contract. Taking over the reins is Darren Reeves, a former head of development at North Adelaide and has been in coaching positions over 13 years including a senior stint with former NEAFL club Northern Territory Thunder and reserves coach at the Roosters. The departure lounge wasn't highly populated, though they did bid farewell to 2019 premiership duo Andrew Bradley and Michael Virgin. But there's a wealth of incoming players as well, including the return of Brett Turner who was taken by Adelaide in the mid-season draft last year.
INS -- Brett Turner (returned/Adelaide), James Bell (Sydney Swans), Cameron McGree (Reynella/South Adelaide), Connor McLeod (Woodville-West Torrens), Jared Deep (North Adelaide), Brodie Newman (returned/Wanderers NTFL), Brock Carter (NTFL/North Cairns), Brad McCarthy (returned/Lucindale), Scott Beilby (St Kilda NGA/Sandringham), Mackinley Miller (Belconnen Magpies/GWS VFL), Liam Wisdom (returned/Queensland), Max Guehrer (Beach Volleyball), Todd Reid (South Gambier), Frazer Bradley (Millicent), Will Stockman (Renmark).
OUTS -- Andrew Bradley (retired/Prince Alfred OC), Jordan Murdoch (retired), Michael Virgin (retired/PHOS Camden), Jack Hannath (retired), Jakob Ryan (Collingwood), Nic Minchin (Frankston), Beau McRae (Sacred Heart OC), Gibson Turner (North Adelaide), Kyle Crompton (Roopena).
STURT
The Double Blues were bumped out at the first hurdle in last year's finals, unable to bridge the gap with the Tigers in their Elimination Final as they went down by 16 points. Their 2022 story was a bit Jekyll and Hyde, whereas while they did produce to surprise results, it was their run during the tail end of the year that perhaps set the tone for what was to come. A loss to the un-fancied Eagles on the back of woeful shooting on goal, followed by a triumph against North in the final round of the season which proved to be their final. So let the rebuild continue. The Blues have lost a few players, including the likes of Sam Wundke and Abe Davis to retirement or work commitments, as well as four young lads -- three of which are brothers -- to the Bulldogs. But the influx looks promising, including several VFL and AFL academy young guns.
INS -- Martin Frederick (Port Adelaide/Woodville-West Torrens), Charlie Parker (returned/Western Bulldogs), Charlie Molan (Williamstown/Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Angus Anderson (Sydney Swans VFL), Liam Puncher, Luke Giacometti (Sydney Swans Academy), Connor McFadyen (Brisbane Lions), Jack Lewis (Adelaide SANFL/Blackwood), George McLeod (North Hobart), Hugo Kelly (Prince Alfred OC), Tye Bedford (returned/Carlisle, WA).
OUTS -- Sam Wundke (Work/Overseas), Tom Emmett (Fremantle), Abe Davis (Glenunga), Mani Liddy, Mihail Lochowiak, Anzac Lochowiak, Jacob Lochowiak (Central District), Tyson Hone (Mount Lofty), Riley Grundy (Mount Lofty), Adam Trenorden (Hahndorf).
SOUTH ADELAIDE
The Panthers just couldn't break into the five last year, finishing sixth and four points adrift of an Elimination Final berth. They seemed to hover at that sixth and seventh position most of the season, producing more than a couple of surprise victories against more fancied opponents. There just wasn't enough consistency at the best of times, dropping some very gettable games including a three-point loss against eventual premiers Norwood in Round 15 and two weeks later against cellar-dweller Westies. The outgoings list is quite sizable, Sam Overall is heading down the coast to Victor Harbor, while Ryan Garthwaite has answered the call of US college football. Oscar Brownless and Bailey Griffiths are returning to Melbourne and there were a few transfers to other SANFL clubs. But coming in to revitalise their SANFL careers are Kobe Mutch from the Eagles and Sam Skinner returns from Port Adelaide.
INS -- Kobe Mutch (Woodville-West Torrens), Sam Skinner (returned/Port Adelaide), Zac Sproule (GWS), Ely Smith (Brisbane Lions), Jonti Schuback (Gippsland Power), Luke Mitton (returned/McLaren), Scott Bedford (Flinders Park), Kyle Emery (Nightcliff), Lachlan Scott (Willunga), Chester Forster (Glenelg), Robert Irra (returned/Reynella), Nic Dunshea (South West AFL NSW).
OUTS -- Sam Overall (retired/Victor Harbor), Ryan Garthwaite (Montrose/American College punter), Oscar Brownless, Bailey Griffiths (returned to Melbourne), Reece Milsom (Overseas/Flagstaff Hill), Fraser Turner (East Fremantle), Luke Bogle, Jake Cresswell (Norwood), Daniel Sladojevic (Woodville-West Torrens), Will Verrall (Melbourne), Jaiden Magor (Sydney), Kyle Marshall (Port Adelaide), Sam Gaden (returned to Sydney), Rhys Mutch (Victor Harbor).
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
The Eagles premiership defence ended at the hands of the Tigers in Round 15, a loss that began a slide out of contention for a finals berth. It was perhaps a measure of revenge for Glenelg, the side that were humiliated in that 2021 Grand Final. They would win just one other game after that defeat and as a result they would finish seventh behind the Panthers on percentage with a 50-50 record in 2022. The Eagles would then lose a raft of players from their senior ranks, some to retirement/country football like Jarrad Redden, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Jarred Allmond, or to other SANFL clubs like Kobe Mutch and son of a Crows gun Connor McLeod. The Eagles were of course, more than happy to welcome back the likes of James Rowe and Zane Williams from the AFL.
INS -- James Rowe (returned/Adelaide), Riley Collier-Dawkins (Richmond), Zane Williams (returned/Geelong), David Brinker-Ritchie (Traralgon/Box Hill Hawks), Max Beattie (Wodonga Raiders), Daniel Sladojevic (South Adelaide), Josh Mawson (Port Douglas), Carter Norman (North Albury), Sam Tilley (Lauderdale).
OUTS -- Jarrad Redden (retired/Southern Eagles), Jarred Allmond (retired/United FC playing coach), Dylan Clarke (Port Melbourne), Kobe Mutch (South Adelaide), Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda), Connor McLeod (Glenelg), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Wodonga Raiders), Mitch Mead (Seaton Ramblers), Ethan Haylock (Norwood), Nathan Barkla (Port Adelaide), Mitch Duval (Unley Mercedes Jets), Seb Guilhaus.
PORT ADELAIDE
The Magpies disappointed at SANFL level again, sliding down a spot on 2021 from seventh to eighth. The difference between eighth and seventh was an embarrassing eight points, with a win-loss record of five to 13. They did manage to finish on a high with a defeat of Adelaide in the last match of the year, so there's that. As with any AFL club and just like the Crows, there's the delistings and draftings. The incoming young draftees to the Power will, no doubt, get plenty of SANFL time. Lads like Tom Scully from Westies, Nathan Barkla from the Eagles and incoming Tasmanian youngster Tom McCallum will get exposure in the bars. There's also guys like Jed Hagan from the WAFL who come in specifically for the Magpies alone, as has Brodie Motlop and former North Adelaide pair Harper Montgomery and Will Francou. Delisted players Sam Mayes and Sam Skinner have headed back to their former SANFL clubs.
INS -- Jed Hagan (East Fremantle), Tom McCallum (Tasmania Devils/Clarence), Tom Scully (West Adelaide), Kyle Marshall (South Adelaide), Nathan Barkla (Woodville-West Torrens), Preston Cockatoo-Collins, Will Francou, Brodie Motlop, Harper Montgomery (North Adelaide).
OUTS -- Steven Motlop (retired), Sam Mayes (delisted/North Adelaide), Sam Skinner (delisted/South Adelaide), Marty Frederick (delisted/Sturt), Taj Schofield (delisted/Subiaco), Trent Burgoyne (Casey Demons).
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Bulldogs have only just managed to dodge the wooden spoon for several years, since their last finals appearance in 2017 they have consistently finished in the bottom three in every year. Their only saving grace has been someone worse than them, usually the Bloods. They've made some big recruiting campaigns in those years, but aside from unearthing a couple of gems, others have not stuck around to ride the bumps like the club song demands. The loss of experienced players such as Travis Schiller, Rhett Montgomerie and Fraser Fort will be felt but this time around, they've gone and done a bit of serious shopping, including raiding rival SANFL club stocks. The McLennan brothers return from Queensland, Jez from the Suns and Louie from the QAFL. There's more bros with the Lochowiak trio from the Double Blues, then there's the virtual homecoming of Ethan Schwerdt from the Redlegs, son of former Bulldog and Crow Stephen.
INS -- Leyton Chisholm (GWS – VFL), Jez McLennan (returned/Gold Coast Suns), Louie McLennan (Palm Beach-Currumbin), Brinn Little (Gold Coast VFL/Academy), Mani Liddy, Mihail Lochowiak, Anzac Lochowiak, Jacob Lochowiak (Sturt), Ryan Pickering (Broadbeach Cats), Hugo Munn (Old Ignations/Sturt), Jayden Hall (Burra Booborowie Hallett/South Adelaide), Fletcher Carroll (Albury Tigers), Isaac McGrath (Albury Tigers), Jai Larkins (Norwood), Ethan Schwerdt (Norwood), Dale Pearce (Port Districts/Woodville-West Torrens), Will Splann (North Hobart).
OUTS -- Travis Schiller (Overseas), Rhett Montgomerie (Essendon), Fraser Fort (South Barwon), Ryan Llewellyn (Modbury), Darcy Pisani (Modbury), Jakob Thomson (Two Wells), Matthew Neagle, Jaxon Neagle.
WEST ADELAIDE
Of course as has been the case for several seasons, we get to the Bloods last. They found themselves wooden spooners for the fourth straight season and their fifth in the years since their 2015 premiership victory. One would say their hangover has gone on too damn long. Their departure lounge was seriously loaded which doesn't bode well for the Bloods or their faithful, with a swag of experienced players calling time, looking elsewhere or answering the call of the AFL. Hamish Hartlett, Tom Keough and Logan Hill are among those who have hung them up at SANFL level, while Patrick Fairlie is heading to Victoria for work and joining VFL club Northern Bullants. Those coming in have a hell of a job to do, that's for sure. Coming into Richmond are Rhys Nicholls and Ned Stevens from the Suns and some VFL experience with Sam Frost from the GWS reserves.
INS -- Rhys Nicholls (Gold Coast Suns), Sam Frost (GWS VFL), Billy Glanvill (Lavington), Ned Stevens (Labrador/Gold Coast Academy), Dylan Bramich (Penguin, Tasmania), Jack Cottrell (Wentworth), Owen Mulady (Northern Knights), Josh Sheppard (Broadview), Antonio James (Darwin Buffaloes).
OUTS -- Hamish Hartlett, Tom Keough (retired), Logan Hill (retired/Edwardstown), Patrick Fairlie (work/Nthn. Bullants VFL), Jackson Edwards (Southport Sharks), Matthew McKenzie (North Adelaide), Jade Cleeland (Goodwood Saints), Harry Barnett (West Coast), Harry Lemmey (Carlton), Tom Scully (Port Adelaide), Anthony Munkara (Essendon), Oscar Steene (Collingwood), Blair Rubock (work/Queensland), Clayton Gay (Hastings, Victoria), Charlie Allan (St Peter’s OC), Kenny Karpany (Port Districts), Connor Fairlie (Goodwood Saints), Lyndon Hupfeld (Glenunga), Tom Rundle (Southport Sharks), Reed Stevens
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The lingering effects of the pandemic are still being felt today in regards to scheduling, which has seen only half the season set in stone. The season will kick off at the end of March, with a Friday night encounter between the Redlegs and the Eagles at The Parade where the reigning premiers will raise their flag. The other four games will be played out on April 1 culminating at the Adelaide Oval with the mini-Showdown ahead of the AFL main event. Four night games at Norwood, one at Glenelg and one twilight match at Woodville are currently on the schedule and with the lights at Elizabeth under refit, the second half of the year could see more late Saturday afternoon games in the pipeline. The Glenelg night match is an ANZAC Day Eve game between the Tigers and the Eagles, followed by the traditional Grand Final re-match which will take place on Tuesday April 25 at Coopers Stadium between the Redlegs and the Roosters.
The SANFL will also be playing a number of games in the country, the first being the tribute game to Russell Ebert when the Magpies face the Bloods at Loxton Oval in the Riverland in Round 4. The Bloods will have two other rural engagements as well, against the Redlegs in Port Lincoln in Round 6 and then in Murray Bridge in Round 16 against the Crows, the latter being a tribute game to Neil Kerley. The other game will see the Bulldogs face Adelaide in the Barossa Valley in Round 12 during the SA Country Football Championship weekend. The Crows have also managed to get curtain raisers at Adelaide Oval during the season, against South in Round 4, the Eagles in Round 9 and the second mini-Showdown in Round 15. Norwood premiership coach Jade Rawlings has been handed the reins to the SANFL state squad this year, but controversially, the face-off for the Haydn Bunton Junior Trophy against the WAFL has been scheduled for an afternoon start on Friday May 19 as a curtain raiser to the Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne match. This has probably put the game well out of the reach of most SANFL supporters, not to mention die-hard WAFL fans thanks to the time difference. And lastly, the 2023 Finals Series will begin on the first weekend of September, with the Grand Final scheduled for Sunday September 24.
So the wait is almost over, my SA footy-heads. Here is what awaits for Round 1.
Friday March 31 @ 7:40pm
Norwood vs. Woodville-West Torrens; Coopers Stadium, Norwood
Saturday April 1
South Adelaide vs. Central District; Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga @ 2:10pm
Sturt vs. Glenelg; Wigan Oval, Unley @ 2:10pm
North Adelaide vs. West Adelaide; Prospect Oval @ 2:10pm
Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide; Adelaide Oval @ 3pm
So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
