2023 preview and players to watch for every local SA footy league
Local SA footy season is finally here and we’ve previewed, made our predictions and picked the players to watch for every competition beginning tomorrow. Get your full guide here.
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Local SA footy season is finally here and six major competitions will be beginning their 2023 campaigns this weekend.
Ahead of all the action, we’ve previewed and analysed each competition, made some major predictions and named the players to watch.
See each preview below in alphabetical order.
Come back next week for a full preview of every local SA footy competition beginning on Saturday, April 22.
GREAT FLINDERS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2022 grand final: United Yeelanna 15.5 (95) d Elliston Districts 3.7 (25)
Mail Medallist: Ty George (Lock)
Leading goalkicker: Matthew Crettenden (United Yeelanna) – 52
Major ins: Max Baldissera (Central Murray to Eyre United)
Major outs: Zane Montgomerie (Elliston Districts to Lincoln South), Johann Wagner (Cummins Kapinnie to Lincoln South)
Clubs:
CUMMINS KAPINNIE
Nickname: Panthers
Founded: 1997
Premierships: 2. 2000, 2001
EYRE UNITED
Nickname: Saints
Founded: 1963
Premierships: None
LOCK
Nickname: Roos
Founded: 1924
Premierships: 14. 1935, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1946, 1949, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1996, 1997
CUMMINS RAMBLER
Nickname: Magpies
Premierships: 43. 1926, 1930, 1932, 1935, 1936, 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1964, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1989, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2017
TUMBY BAY
Nickname: Blues
Founded: 1906
Premierships: 21. 1908, 1913, 1922, 1923, 1925, 1926, 1934, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1961, 1968, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2009
UNITED YEELANNA
Nickname: Eagles
Founded: 1964
Premierships: 12. 1967, 1983, 1986, 1987, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
Two of the GFFL’s best players have left for season 2o23, with budding Elliston Districts superstar Zane Montgomerie as well as iconic local footy forward Johann Wagner joining Lincoln South.
United Yeelanna, led by versatile veteran Xavier Watson and star goalkicker Matt Crettenden, will be hot favourite again this season, while Lock could also be a major contender this season with Mail Medallist Ty George and star forward Travis Beard going back around.
Elliston Districts may drop off after its heavy grand final loss in 2022, while losing Zane Montgomerie will also hurt the Roosters’ cause.
Tumby Bay has retained standout midfielder Mitch Lawrie and will again be in the mix for a deep finals run, but look for Ramblers to also make a push for a top four spot behind star onballer Will Haarsma.
Johann Wagner’s decision to join Lincoln South as player coach should significantly hurt Cummins Kapinnie’s chances of moving up the ladder, while Eyre United should improve on its winless 2022 after adding Central Murray mid Max Baldissera.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Saints surpass Panthers
Coming off of a winless 2022 campaign, Eyre United has added multiple players to its troops including Max Baldissera who returns to his junior outfit after a spectacular season with Central Murray.
With the Saints boosted heading in to this year and the Panthers coping with the loss of star leader and forward Wagner, look for the former to surpass the latter.
Lock upsets to take flag
The Roos’ squad remains as deep as ever this week with Ty George, the Beard brothers and gun defender Brayden Crosby all locked in for season 2022.
The club has been motivated by its preliminary final loss and looks well-set for a major season.
Crettenden takes second straight goals title
Matt Crettenden has been at a consistently strong level for United Yeelanna in recent years and has shown no signs of slowing down in front of goal.
Look for him to improve on last season’s tally – 52 majors in just 12 games – if he can remain fit.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. United Yeelanna
2. Lock
3. Tumby Bay
4. Elliston Districts
5. Cummins Ramblers
6. Eyre United
8. Cummins Kapinnie
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MATT CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
A superstar forward of the Great Flinders Football League and a major chance to top the goalkicking again this year, Crettenden should be the most dominant frontman in the competition.
MITCH LAWRIE
(Tumby Bay)
Will be key in any Tumby Bay challenge this season.
A skilful player who can tear a game apart through the middle and also move up the ground to kick goals.
TRAVIS BEARD
(Lock)
One of the most skilled and consistent forwards in country footy, Beard will need to be at his best again this season if the Roos want to mount a worthy challenge to United Yeelanna.
GREAT SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2022 grand final: McLaren 11.13 (79) d Willunga 5.5 (35)
Mail Medallist: Brett Ellis (McLaren)
Leading goalkicker: Ben Simounds (Strathalbyn) – 63
Major ins: Jack Redden (West Coast AFL to Willunga), Reece Slape (Goodwood to Goolwa/Pt Elliot), James Hargreaves (St Peter’s OC to Yankalilla), Sam Overall (South Adelaide to Victor Harbor)
Major outs: Xavier Redden (Strathalbyn to RSMU Hawks), Tom Redden (Strathalbyn to Port Noarlunga), Cory Gamble (Encounter Bay to Mount Burr), Bailey Hann (Mount Compass to Noarlunga)
Clubs:
ENCOUNTER BAY
Nickname: Eagles
Founded: 1921
Premierships: 10. 1940, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1967, 1989, 2013, 2015
GOOLWA/PORT ELLIOT
Nickname: Magpies
Founded: 2000
Premierships: None
LANGHORNE CREEK
Nickname: Hawks
Founded: 1906
Premierships: 17. 1933, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1960, 1962, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 2001, 2002, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020
MCLAREN
Nickname: Eagles
Founded: 1998
Premierships: 2. 2018, 2o22
MOUNT COMPASS
Nickname: Bulldogs
Founded: 1924
Premierships: 5. 1954, 1959, 1980, 2015, 2017
MYPONGA/SELLICKS
Nickname: Mudlarks
Founded: 1946
Premierships: 3. 1974, 1983, 1984
STRATHALBYN
Nickname: Roosters
Founded: 1879
Premierships: 23. 1910, 1911, 1919, 1920, 1924, 1925, 1928, 1933, 1952, 1958, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1978, 1971, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987, 2000, 2010, 2014
VICTOR HARBOR
Nickname: Kangaroos
Founded: 1885
Premierships: 27. 1911, 1914, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1928, 1930, 1934, 1935, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1972, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999
WILLUNGA
Nickname: Demons
Founded: 1874
Premierships: 24. 1923, 1936, 1938, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1961, 1964, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2021
YANKALILLA
Nickname: Tigers
Founded: Circa 1880s
Premierships: 5. 1962, 1963, 1969, 1970, 1985
Willunga has drastically improved since its grand final loss to McLaren, adding star West Coast midfielder Jack Redden after his retirement from the AFL, while the reigning premier Eagles remain a top contender after retaining triple Mail Medallist Brett Ellis.
Myponga/Sellicks has added multiple names including South Adelaide’s Hugh Daniel as the club looks to support former Melbourne and Collingwood gun Ben Kennedy who is coming off of a stellar 2022, while Langhorne Creek is also set for another big year after a busy off-season and retaining star forward/midfielder Coby Helyar.
Last year’s middle pack may experience starkly different 2023 campaigns, as while Victor Harbor has added gun South Adelaide forward Sam Overall who joins former Panthers mid Jesse McKinnon, Strathablyn has lost reliable midfielders Tom and Xavier Redden. Encounter Bay also took a hit in the pre-season after losing Cory Gamble but should still mount a serious finals challenge behind former Geelong forward Jake Tarca.
Mount Compass and Yankalilla – which has recruited James Hargreaves from SPOC – stay relatively the same as last season but Goolwa/Port Elliot could surprise a few after recruiting Reece Slape as playing-coach from Goodwood and South Adelaide.
The GSFL will host yet another senior women’s season, with Goolwa/Port Elliot, McLaren, Myponga/Sellicks, Victor Harbor, Willunga and Yankalilla/Encounter Bay all playing.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Kennedy takes top honour
After narrowly losing out to McLaren captain Brett Ellis last season, star forward Ben Kennedy will be a major chance for the GSFL Mail Medal in 2023.
The star forward has been unstoppable since return from the AFL, showing the ability to hit the scoreboard for fun and can also have a big impact in the middle.
Demons top Mudlarks in big dance
Willunga’s addition of midfield star Jack Redden has had the whole local footy community talking and it should see the Demons make the grand final if they remain fit.
Look for Myponga/Sellicks to surprise and top other powers in McLaren and Langhorne Creek however, with Kennedy combining with guns like Elliot Chalmers and Hugh Daniel.
Magpies avoid wooden spoon
Goolwa/Port Elliot has undergone a major makeover this pre-season, signing Goodwood star and South Adelaide defender Reece Slape as playing-coach.
Look for the Magpies to drastically improve this season under his guidance.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Willunga
2. Myponga/Sellicks
3. McLaren
4. Langhorne Creek
5. Encounter Bay
6. Victor Harbor
7. Strathalbyn
8. Goolwa/Port Elliot
9. Yankalilla
10. Mount Compass
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BEN KENNEDY
(Myponga/Sellicks)
Kennedy was unlucky not to take the Mail Medal off of McLaren star Brett Ellis last year but expect him to come back with a vengeance this year by tearing opposition defences apart and impressing on the ball.
JACK REDDEN
(Willunga)
Having just come off of a starring year in the AFL with West Coast, Redden should fit like a glove almost anywhere on the field for the Demons.
If he can stay fit he should produce one of the best seasons in local footy this year.
REECE SLAPE
(Goolwa/Pt Elliot)
A strong defender who can also pinch-hit through the middle, Slape shoulders new responsibility as playing-coach of the Magpies.
Look for him to lead by example with dominant performances.
MID SOUTH EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2022 grand final: Kalangadoo 11.16 (82) d Hatherleigh 3.3 (21)
Mail Medallist: Tim Sullivan (Port MacDonnell)
Leading goalkicker: Michael Krieger (Kalangadoo) – 92
Major ins: Colby Munro (South Gambier to Port MacDonnell), Tom Hutchesson (Millicent to Hatherleigh), Cory Gamble (Encounter Bay to Mount Burr), Tyler Virgo (Kangarilla to Nangwarry), George Dutton (Peake to Robe)
Major outs: Michael Krieger (Kalangadoo to Casterton Sandford), Andrew Stone (Kalangadoo to West Gambier), Brandon Newton (Port MacDonnell to West Gambier), Jordan Galpin (Hatherleigh to Penola)
Clubs:
GLENCOE
Nickname: Murphies
Founded: 1910
Premierships: 17. 1932, 1935, 1936, 1949, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1985, 1991, 1992, 2004, 2007
HATHERLEIGH
Nickname: Eagles
Founded: 1947
Premierships: 5. 1971, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2013
KALANGADOO
Nickname: Magpies
Founded: 1900
Premierships: 16. 1927, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1958, 1982, 1984, 2001, 2014, 2019, 2022
KONGORONG
Nickname: Hawks
Founded: 1952
Premierships: 4. 1972, 1980, 1981, 1988
MT BURR
Nickname: Mozzies
Founded: 1946
Premierships: 19. 1959, 1960, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017
NANGWARRY
Nickname: Saints
Founded: 1965
Premierships: 4. 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999
PT MACDONNELL
Nickname: Demons
Founded: 1959
Premierships: 4. 1964, 1979, 1998, 2012, 2021
ROBE
Nickname: Roosters
Founded: 1946
Premierships: 6. 1962, 1964, 1968, 1987, 2003, 2018
TANTANOOLA
Nickname: Tigers
Founded: 1894
Premierships: 9. 190, 1912, 1921, 1947, 1948, 1973, 1975, 1986, 2006
It could be open slather in the MSEFL this season with 2022 premier Kalangadoo losing multiple key pieces including star goalkicker Michael Krieger.
Josh Woodall’s Port MacDonnell side – led by Mail Medallist and former Glenelg man Tim Sullivan – looks well-primed for a premiership push after recruiting Colby Munro from South Gambier, while Hatherleigh has also strengthened with former GWS and Millicent forward Tom Hutchesson.
Mount Burr has added Encounter Bay mid Cory Gamble to a talented cast which features Josh Fiebig and James Wallis but may struggle to fill the hole left by key forward Hamish Smith, who has left for Robe after a 66-goal season.
The Roosters, who will be coached by former West Adelaide player Nathan Brown, could be big improvers after adding Smith and Peake star George Dutton to the mix, while Glencoe has retained 2022 star Patrick Mitchell and should come close to finals.
Nangwarry should also finish closer to Kongorong and Tantanoola this season after picking up its first win in eight years last season.
The Saints have signed 2022 assistant Shayne Raymond as head coach and have added Kangarilla onballer Tyler Virgo.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Demons dominate finals
With Kalangadoo losing key players in the pre-season, the stage could be set for Port MacDonnell to win its second flag in three years.
Dominant utility Tim Sullivan is coming off of a strong 36-goal season and should lead his Demons to a deep finals run with new weapons at their disposal.
Sullivan crowned again
The former Glenelg forward was clearly the MSEFL’s best last season and should produce at an even higher level this season with the Demons retaining a number of stars and adding Colby Munro.
He booted 38 goals last year and was named among Pt MacDonnell’s best 14 times.
Saints surge from wooden spoon
Nangwarry has had a busy pre-season of recruitment and the club remains the most confident it has been for years after getting the monkey off the back last season.
Look for the Saints to avoid the wooden spoon under new coach Shane Raymond and also get off to a fast start against Mount Burr with Dane Swane playing a one-off game.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Port MacDonnell
2. Hatherleigh
3. Kalangadoo
4. Mount Burr
5. Robe
6. Glencoe
7. Nangwarry
8. Kongorong
9. Tantanoola
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ANDY HYLAND
(Nangwarry)
The star big man dominated up front for Nangwarry last season to boot 60 goals in 176 games.
Hyland could improve along with the Saints and should cause defences headaches yet again.
TIM SULLIVAN
(Port Macdonnell)
Is coming off of a fantastic season for the Demons and should produce again as his side charges for a flag.
Booted over 30 goals last year while playing a range of roles.
TOM HUTCHESSON
(Hatherleigh)
After returning from GWS and dominating in the middle and up front for Millicent, Hutchesson will pull on the blue and gold for Hatherleigh.
If he can perform at his best for the Eagles, they’ll go close to a premiership again.
RIVER MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2022 grand final: Imperial 11.18 (84) d Jervois 7.7 (49)
Mail Medallist: Harley Montgomery (Imperial)
Leading goalkicker: Johnny Boras (Imperial) – 77
Major ins: Aidan Coakley (Christies Beach to Tailem Bend), Matt Skrypek (Mount Compass to Mannum), Lachlan Thomas (Tailem Bend to Jervois)
Major outs: Sam De Michele (Imperial to Barmera-Monash), Harry Porter (Tailem Bend to Tanunda), Matt Weistra (Mannum to Port District)
Clubs:
COORONG
Nickname: Cats
Founded: 2022 – merger between Border Downs Tintinara and Meningie
Premierships: None.
IMPERIAL
Nickname: Imps
Founded: 1931
Premierships: 22. 1931, 1946, 1948, 1952, 1953, 1957, 1958, 1967, 1969, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2011, 2018, 2022
JERVOIS
Nickname: Bluds
Founded: 1926
Premierships: 26. 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1984, 1986, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2020, 2021
MALLEE DISTRICTS
Nickname: Storm
Founded: 2022 – merger between Karoonda and Peake
Premierships: None.
MANNUM
Nickname: Roos
Founded: Circa 1927
Premierships: 11. 1928, 1929, 1944, 1949, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1960, 2003, 2013, 2015
MYPOLONGA
Nickname: Tigers
Founded: 1928
Premierships: 7. 1938, 1939, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 2017, 2019
RAMBLER
Nickname: Roosters
Founded: 1931
Premierships: 16. 1931, 1933, 1950, 1951, 1971, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2016
SOUTHERN MALLEE
Nickname: Suns
Founded: 2022 – merger between Lameroo and Pinnaroo
Premierships: None.
TAILEM BEND
Nickname: Eagles
Founded: 1946
Premierships: 14. 1947, 1954, 1960, 1962, 1965, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000
Three new clubs – Coorong, Southern Mallee and Mallee Districts – will compete in the RMFL this season after a number of mergers resulted from the disbanding of the Mallee Football League.
Reigning premier Imperial and runner-up Jervois should finish near the top again this year but the Bluds will have some adversity to fight through after being fined and stripped of four premiership points for this season and next season by SANFL due to salary cap breaches in 2022.
While Tailem Bend has lost young gun Lachie Thomas to Jervois and Harry Porter to Tanunda, the inclusion of Christies Beach gun Aidan Coakley in the midfield should bode well for the Eagles and see them soar yet again in 2023.
Mannum has been busy with recruitment this year, notably picking up Mount Compass midfielder Matt Skrypek to compensate for the loss of onballer Matt Weistra to Port District, while Rambler and Mypolonga have had relatively quiet pre-seasons and will need to find a new gear this year to move up from the bottom half.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Coorong makes finals
One of the competition’s three new merger clubs, the Cats look strong on paper heading into season 2023.
Stacked with players from one of the Mallee FL’s most successful clubs in Border Downs Tintinara, and having retained Meningie stars such as former Adelaide Crow Brodie Martin and midfielder Sam Sanders, Coorong could be set for a big year.
Bluds take flag
Despite the punishment handed down from SANFL, Jervois looks as strong as ever this year.
The Bluds have retained star forward Josh Scott, standout utility Taite Silverlock and also picked up rising Tailem Bend star Lachie Thomas for their 2023 campaign and should go deep yet again.
Coakley pips Scott for medal
After years as a dominant SFL midfielder, Coakley has joined Tailem Bend in a huge move.
The workhorse onballer should dominate at his new club and will just beat out Bluds key forward Josh Scott – a chance at 100 goals this year – for the Mail Medal.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Imperial
2. Tailem Bend
3. Jervois
4. Coorong
5. Mannum
6. Rambler
7. Mallee Districts
8. Mypolonga
9. Southern Mallee
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AIDAN COAKLEY
(Tailem Bend)
The star midfielder has had a sensational pre-season and should become one of the most dominant players in the RMFL this year.
BRODIE MARTIN
(Coorong Cats)
A change of culture for Martin may just do the former Crows gun a world of good as the newly-founded Coorong Cats gear up for season 2023.
Look for Martin to appear among Coorong’s best each week.
JOSH SCOTT
(Jervois)
Scott experienced an interrupted 2022 season but should be ready to go for 2023.
If he continues his form from recent seasons he will be the best forward in the competition.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2022 grand final: Reynella 9.3 (57) d Morphett Vale 6.7 (43)
Mail Medallist: Samuel Whitbread (Reynella)
leading goalkicker: Ben Geytenbeek (Happy Valley) – 72
Major ins: Sam Jacobs (Flagstaff Hill), Zane Kirkwood (coach) (Tanunda to Flagstaff Hill), Andrew Jarman (coach) (Willaston to Port Noarlunga), Hayden Kernahan (Brighton to Cove)
Major outs: Aidan Coakley (Christies Beach to Tailem Bend), Ben Geytenbeek (Happy Valley to RSMU Hawks), Cam McGree (Reynella to Glenelg), Justin Schurgott (Happy Valley to RSMU Hawks)
Clubs:
ALDINGA
Nickname: Sharks
Founded: 1879
Premierships: 9. 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1991, 1993.
CHRISTIES BEACH
Nickname: Saints
Founded: 1964
Premierships: 7. 1967, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1983, 1994
COVE
Nickname: Cobras
Founded: 1984
Premierships: 2. 1998, 2008
FLAGSTAFF HILL
Nickname: Falcons
Founded: 1979
Premierships: 7. 1986, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
HAPPY VALLEY
Nickname: Vikings
Founded: 1951
Premierships: 8. 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2012
MORPHETT VALE
Nickname: Emus
Founded: 1898
Premierships: 9. 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
NOARLUNGA
Nickname: The Shoes
Founded: 1897
Premierships: 6. 1970, 1982, 1986, 1991, 2001, 2014
PORT NOARLUNGA
Nickname: Cockledivers
Founded: 1935
Premierships: 4. 1965, 1973, 1985, 1997
REYNELLA
Nickname: Wineflies
Founded: 1905
Premierships: 7. 1969, 1975, 1977, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2022
Flagstaff Hill, captained by star defender Sam Tharaldsen, will start this SFL season as premiership favourite despite just missing out on a shot at a seventh straight flag, the club adding Crows legend Sam Jacobs to its lineup and dual Magarey Medallist Zane Kirkwood as coach.
Reynella has retained forward Bailey Marshman and Mail Medallist Sam Whitbread but will lose star ruck/forward utility Cam McGree to Glenelg after the big man won best on ground honours in the 2022 grand final.
Port Noarlunga could surprise and move up the ladder after responding to its winless season by adding SA footy legend Andrew Jarman as coach and also recruiting names like Goodwood’s Anthony Dempsey and Strathalbyn best and fairest Tom Redden.
Noarlunga should still be around the mark for finals after retaining most of its squad, while Morphett Vale – led by former South Adelaide gun Anthony Biemans – will also be contenders.
Cove has seen the return of star young gun defender Hayden Kernahan and may improve on last year, while Aldinga could be set to stagnate along with Christies Beach, which recently lost star veteran Aidan Coakley, and Happy Valley, which has seen leading goalkicker Ben Geytenbeek and star leader Justin Schurgott depart.
Flagstaff Hill will aim for a second straight womens flag, with Aldinga, Christies Beach, Cove, Hackham, Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga and Reynella all competing in 2023.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Sauce wins the medal
Jacobs may be tied up with off-field responsibilities at the Crows this season but his quality in the ruck is undeniable.
A legend at Adelaide who was known for his brilliant tap work, expect the veteran to dominate in the contest and also hit the scoreboard.
Wineflies go back-to-back
Flagstaff Hill will be favourite on paper but Reynella’s side remains as stacked as ever heading into the season despite the loss of Cam McGree.
Players like Marshman, Whitbread, Marc Borholm, Callan Semple and Robert Irra all have extensive finals experience in the SFL and could very well lead the Wineflies to another flag.
Saints suffer
Christies Beach lost spiritual leader and club icon Aidan Coakley to Tailem Bend in the off-season and could suffer the ripple effects to slide down the ladder after finishing sixth last season.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Flagstaff Hill
2. Reynella
3. Morphett Vale
4. Noarlunga
5. Cove
6. Happy Valley
7. Port Noarlunga
8. Christies Beach
9. Aldinga
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SAM JACOBS
(Flagstaff Hill)
The iconic Crows big man will be on ever fan’s ‘to watch list’ this season and for good reason.
A star ruck who will undoubtedly push up the ground and hit the scoreboard, Jacobs should be dominant.
SAM WHITBREAD
(Reynella)
Whitbread will need to be at his best again this year if the Wineflies want to go back-to-back, meaning the midfielder should take responsibility and perform at a high level.
TOM REDDEN
(Port Noarlunga)
A long-time star in the GSFL, Redden takes on a new challenge under Jarman at Port Noarlunga.
Redden is a strong mid who can play almost any role around the ground and should prove valuable for the Cockledivers.
SPENCER GULF FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2022 grand final: Solomontown 11.12 (79) d Proprietary/Risdon 9.10 (64)
Mail Medallist: Corey Davey (Solomontown)
Leading goalkicker: Dylan Aldridge (Proprietary/Risdon), Dylan Boundy (Solomontown) – 56
Major ins: Jordan Serle (Kadina to Proprietary/Risdon), Clayton Milera (South Augusta to Proprietary/Risdon), Ian Milera (Portland to Proprietary/Risdon)
Major outs: Dylan Aldridge (Proprietary/Risdon to Moonta), William Milera (West Augusta to North Whyalla), Billy-Jo Russell (South Augusta to West Whyalla)
Clubs:
CENTRAL AUGUSTA
Nickname: Bloods
Founded: 1912
Premierships: 27. 1912, 1914, 1917, 1919, 1922, 1923, 1926, 1930, 1937, 1941, 1943, 1947, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1960, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1991, 1992, 2009, 2010, 2011
PORT PIRIE
Nickname: Bulldogs
Founded: 1909
Premierships: 29. 1909, 1912, 1914, 1915, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1927, 1937, 1939, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
PROPRIETARY/RISDON
Nickname: Lions
Founded: 1993
Premierships: 2. 2015, 2021
SOLOMONTOWN
Nickname: Cats
Founded: 1893
Premierships: 5. 1984, 1988, 1991, 1993, 2022
SOUTH AUGUSTA
Nickname: Bulldogs
Founded: 1912
Premierships: 17. 1918, 1928, 1938, 1939, 1942, 1964, 1981, 1983, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
WEST AUGUSTA
Nickname: Hawks
Founded: 1915
Premierships: 32. 1920, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1996, 2005, 2013
Proprietary/Risdon had salt rubbed into the wounds when star forward Dylan Aldridge left the club after its grand final loss to Solomontown, but major additions of Jordan Serle, Clayton Milera and Ian Milera have the Lions sitting as flag favourites for 2023.
Solomontown also sits in a strong position heading into the season, with league best and fairest Corey Davey again set to dominate through the middle and occasionally join Dylan Boundy up front.
South Augusta, led by star captain Darcy Kildea, will have its work cut out for it after losing Clayton Milera and Billy-Jo Russell but should still challenge for a deep finals run with standout midfielders Kriston Thompson, Caleb Ritter and Aziel Stuart as well as gun forward Trent Ritter locked in for this year.
West Augusta will also be one to watch after finishing bottom without a win last season, the club having the potential to move up the ladder after picking up North Adelaide listed players Cayle Little and Ethan Doolan.
Port Pirie and Central Augusta should remain above the Hawks however, after retaining the majority of their 2022 lists.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Milera leads all goalkickers
Former Glenelg and Port Adelaide SANFL forward Ian Milera was dominant for Portland in the Adelaide Footy League last season and should fit Proprietary/Risdon like a glove in the SGFL.
Look for him to apply strong pressure in the forwardline and finish efficiently in front of goal.
South Augusta makes big dance
While the loss of Clayton Milera will sting the Bulldogs, expect the side’s leaders to bounce back big time this season.
A consistent powerhouse of the SGFL in recent years, the club still has the talent to make a deep finals run.
Davey goes back-to-back
Solomontown star Corey Davey – formerly on the Crows’ top-up list – has been a superstar for the Cats and hit career-best form in local footy last season through the middle and up front, booting 49 goals and tallying 15 best player mentions.
Expect him to back it up this year after winning the 2022 flag.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Proprietary/Risdon
2. Solomontown
3. South Augusta
4. Port Pirie
5. Central Augusta
6. West Augusta
PLAYERS TO WATCH
COREY DAVEY
(Solomontown)
The versatile Solomontown star has been a force in the SGFL and should again impact the middle and forwardline at a high level.
DARCY KILDEA
(South Augusta)
The Bulldogs captain had a strong 2022 season but he could be set to reach his best level of production for a while as his team looks to compete in season 2023.
IAN MILERA
(Proprietary/Risdon)
An exciting goal machine, Milera could single-handedly win games for Proprietary/Risdon this season.
Former TSL premiership star signs with SANFL club
A premiership star of the new defunct Tasmanian State League has signed with a South Australian powerhouse for 2025. See the details.
‘Really keen’: Dual Mail Medallist joins division one club
A former SANFL midfielder and dual Mail Medallist has joined a division one Adelaide Footy League club in a major move ahead of season 2025.