Adelaide Footy League divisions to stay at 10 teams in 2022 after clubs do not go to vote

The Adelaide Footy League floated a plan for a major redraw of its men’s competition to reduce the impact of lockdowns – now a call has been made.

A plan for a major restructure of the Adelaide Footy League’s men’s divisions will not go ahead after clubs elected against proceeding to a vote.

The significant redraw – floated in August as a potential alternative by the league – involved cutting the traditional 10-team divisions down to eight in a bid to offset potential Covid lockdowns disrupting the season.

Clubs were presented with three options for next year’s structure including keeping the status quo but this week chose not to hold a vote, which meant the regular system would remain.

Under the potential restructure, clubs would have played a 14-round campaign with the four remaining weeks available for the league to reschedule games in the event of a lockdown.

Old Ignatians players celebrate during their division two grand final win last month, which won the club promotion to the top flight. Picture: Dean Martin

Iggies’ William Abbott is pursued by a Glenunga opponent. The Rams will also be promoted following the decision to stay with 10-team divisions. Picture: Dean Martin

In August, a league report said a reduction in team numbers for each division offered “significant relief to ongoing risks”.

The result would come as welcome news to the 12 clubs which won promotion following the finals series, but would have not been elevated to the division above had the restructure gone ahead.

Division two premier Old Ignatians will play in the top flight for the first time in its history while runner-up Glenunga will feature for the first time since 1980.

North Haven, Gaza (division two), Morphettville Park, SMOSH West Lakes (three), Pooraka, Kenilworth (four), Elizabeth, St Pauls (five), Brahma Lodge and Central United (six) are the other clubs set to gain promotion.

Under eight-team divisions, the league’s A grade competitions would have likely expanded from seven to nine.