Adelaide Footy League division one sees ‘biggest’ player exodus in recent memory, according to coaches

Adelaide Footy League coaches have expressed concern over an exodus of players from the top flight as SA country clubs swoop, but the chief says the competition’s appeal is as high as ever.

Increased interest in the Adelaide Footy League from SA’s regional competitions has led to more players switching clubs to the country than ever, according to local coaches.

While the league attracted an array of talent from the SANFL last season and has landed big names such as Luke Brown, Mitch Grigg and Joel Cross, the competition’s top division has seen over 30 players switch guernseys already.

Around 20 of these have been to country sides across the state.

Goodwood coach Luke Donaldson said there had been significant attention from country clubs throughout the pre-season.

“It’s usually quite challenging for anyone to attract a bunch of talent but what has made it more challenging this year is a lot of the country clubs are really targeting div one of the amateur league more than ever,” Donaldson said.

“This would probably be the biggest exodus we’ve seen since I’ve been a part of the league.”

Goodwood coach Luke Donaldson (middle) said the division one player exodus was the biggest he had experienced. Picture: Sarah Reed

Goodwood has lost multiple players to country clubs including Jacob Hughes, Tom Barry and star defender Reece Slape to Goolwa/Port Elliot in the Great Southern Football League.

Other big names to depart division one include Sam Buckham (Prince Alfred OC) and Dylan McNeil (Old Ignatians) who have departed to Padthaway and Keith in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League.

St Peter’s Old Collegians has also lost star midfielders Jesse O’Brien and James Hargreaves to Onkaparinga Valley in the Hills Football League and Yankalila in the GSFL.

KNTFL president Peter McLellan said the competition’s clubs would continue to bring in big names.

“Players like coming down here, we’re an improved league like a lot of country leagues, we’re a clean league and the clubs and fans are very good to their players,” McLellan said.

Sam Buckham has joined Padthaway after a strong season for Prince Alfred OC. Picture: Morgan Sette

St Peters OC star James Hargreaves has departed the club for Yankalila. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“The money is pretty much the same, the salary cap is similar just about everywhere, but there’s a little extra for travel.

“We’ll keep paying and bringing guys down – every country league is the same – if you can get good guys from the city it usually improves your club and the standard of footy, which will only see us grow.”

As per the SANFL community salary regulations, Adelaide Footy League implements a cap of $2500 a match per club, while regional competitions are allowed around $500 extra due to travel payments.

The approved player points system for signings is the same statewide, with clubs allowed a maximum of 15 points to spend on players depending on ladder position the previous season.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said he was not concerned about an exodus of players.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said the Adelaide Footy League was as attractive as ever despite losing some players. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“It’s a little bit of swings and roundabouts – only 12 months ago we were crowing about the flow of players coming in but at the end of the day it’s not new, players go to the country for an experience,” Kernahan said.

“An analysis of players coming in as opposed to leaving would suggest we’re still in really good stead – we get caught up with who’s left without considering who’s coming in or staying.

“All that said, it would behove the SANFL and their credibility within the footy community to have some heads on a spike if the reason for an exodus was because of player payment breaches.”