Broadview backs squad development in Adelaide Footy League after departures of stars Jesse White and Jared Petrenko

An Adelaide Footy League premiership side remains confident it can reacquire two former AFL players in the ‘not too distant future’ as it gears up for a challenging 2023 season.

A reigning Adelaide Footy League premier will gear up for the season without two star players, but remains confident of reacquiring them after 2023.

After taking out the 2022 division two flag over Sacred Heart Old Collegians, Broadview will head into season 2023 without star big man Jesse White and former Crow Jared Petrenko.

White – who played six games including finals for the Tigers – recently joined SANFL club North Adelaide, while Jared Petrenko has agreed to coach Port Douglas in the AFL Cairns competition.

Tigers coach Matt Burgess said the club was not surprised by the departures, but expected both White and Petrenko to return in the future.

“We weren’t really shocked by them leaving, Jesse and ‘Pup’ (Petrenko) are both top quality players,” Burgess said.

New North Adelaide SANFL recruit Jesse White in his new guernsey at Prospect Oval. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Petrenko in action for Broadview last season. He has departed for Port Douglas. Picture: Matt Oborn

“We all spoke at the end of the year and they said the club gave them a bit of love for the game again. Jesse obviously didn’t want to get a few years down the track and feel he didn’t give it his all at a higher level, and Jared has sought a bit of a change and a new role.

“I definitely believe we’ll see them in a Broadview guernsey again, they loved their time at the club and they now have that premiership connection here as well.”

Broadview was dominant throughout season 2022, under the guidance of young captain Jay O’Leary as well as recruits Nick Liddle, Xavier Gotch, White and Petrenko.

Burgess believed the side could account for the absence of two stars with development as well as recruitment.

“We were pretty even across the board last season, I think that was our major strength, and we’re excited to develop our side and get more games into the young guys, which will be key to our success going forward.

Broadview coach Matt Burgess with former South Adelaide star Nick Liddle. Picture: Matt Oborn

“We’ll miss them off the field too, but we’ve got a lot of great leaders including Jay (O’Leary).

“The positive is that now we can be a little bit more specific about who we go after in terms of recruits, which has allowed us to focus in on some guys.”

Broadview will play its first division one season in 13 years in 2023.

The club faces a challenge, with the top flight’s clubs primed for another competitive year.

Burgess said his side was ready to go.

“I think we’ll be more than competitive,” he said.

“The young guys are only going to experience that natural growth – get fitter and stronger – and I think the team can go to another level overall.”

“The boys have come back in really good shape as well and are as fit as ever on the track, which is a great sign.”