Adelaide Footy League confirms Old Ignatians to stay in division one despite rumours of a drop for 2023

The Adelaide Footy League has quelled a move for a divisional shake-up ahead of season 2023 despite the inquiries of multiple clubs who want to move divisions.

Local SA footy’s biggest competition has moved to quell a dramatic divisional shake-up after division two clubs inquired about the status one of the league’s top outfits.

Division one club Old Ignatians will not become a third club to be relegated from the top flight ahead of season 2023 according to league chief John Kernahan, despite a substantial player exodus throughout the pre-season.

It is understood multiple division two clubs explored the possibility of replacing Iggies in division one with the club suffering a significant amount of departures.

“We’re not aware that there are any more challenges for Old Ignatians than any other club,” Kernahan said of the list changes.

“To be fair, all clubs have cycles of players each season and these clubs react accordingly.”

Jared Centenera with the ball during Old Ignatians’ opening round clash against Prince Alfred OC last season. The club will remain in division one for season 2023. Picture: Morgan Sette

Throughout the off-season period, Old Ignatians has lost almost half of its playing troops from last season, including coach Damian Boots and multiple stars including former SANFL guns Kristian Roocke and Anthony Wilson to new division three club Pembroke Old Scholars.

Boots had major success throughout his period at the club, leading the A Grade to Iggies’ first ever division two premiership in 2021 and to narrow safety from relegation by percentage in 2022 with a last-round win over premier Port District.

The veteran coach will take charge of Rostrevor Old Collegians in division two this coming season.

A source close to the situation told The Messenger a number of division two clubs inquired about the position of Old Ignatians in late 2022, but were made aware of the club’s intent to stay in the top flight.

Former SANFL gun Anthony Wilson is one of the big names to leave Iggies for season 2023. Picture: David Mariuz

Local star Kristian Roocke has joined Anthony Wilson at Pembroke OS. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Kernahan said the only thing which would determine who goes up or down in the Adelaide Footy League would be its promotion and relegation system.

“In any given year, someone finishes top and someone finishes bottom,” Kernahan said.

“It’s pretty black and white for us, Iggies are in division one and we haven’t considered any other contingency,” he said.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan confirmed Old Ignatians would be staying in division one after avoiding relegation last season. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

It is understood Rostrevor Old Collegians, who finished ninth in division one last season, would have been the team to replace Old Ignatians if the club did drop down.

Payneham Norwood Union went through a similar player exodus in the 2022 pre-season and were eventually relegated from the division, finishing bottom.

The competition is expected to release its full fixture in the coming weeks.

The Old Ignatians Football Club was contacted by The Messenger.