Division three club Edwardstown pulls off monster player haul ahead of 2022 Adelaide Footy League season

An Adelaide Footy League club has boosted its finals chances by securing the signature of five separate SANFL experienced players – most from the same outfit.

After finishing sixth in 2021, division three Adelaide Footy League club Edwardstown has signed five players with SANFL experience to bolster its 2022 finals chances.

2021-listed West Adelaide players – and 2015 premiers – Aaron Anderson and Josh Schiller have joined the club, while former Bloods Phil Hopton and Jess Watchman have also put pen to paper.

Jake Harrap – a former Glenelg forward – has also joined, while local players Liam Schiller and Matt Dempsey have arrived to round off a busy off-season for Edwardstown so far.

Midfielder Anderson – who played 209 total games for West Adelaide, including 72 league appearances, and also played a key role in the side’s 2015 premiership, was eager to get back to his old club with best mate Schiller.

West Adelaide premiership player Aaron Anderson has signed with Edwardstown for the 2022 Adelaide Footy League season and will be joined by six more recruits. Picture: Michael Marschall

“Edwardstown was my junior club. I’ve always had a connection with it and the club has always been very supportive of my football journey,” Anderson said.

“It’s always been my intention to give back to the footy club and help them be more successful, and it’s exciting to now have the opportunity to play with Josh and some other mates and hopefully experience some success.”

30-year-old Anderson, along with Schiller, had been at West Adelaide since under-16s but had experienced injury setbacks in recent years, only playing nine league games last season.

He said he was in need of a more relaxed approach to football in 2022.

Former Blood Josh Schiller will be joining best mate Aaron Anderson at Edwardstown next season. Picture: Sarah Reed

“It was getting a bit harder to train four nights a week. The last couple years have really been straining especially when it impacts my work and personal life,” Anderson said.

“It’s about that enjoyment factor too. I’ve already caught up with a few of the boys I’ve never met before and I’m just looking forward to developing with the team and having a better balance with my footy.”

Edwardstown’s 2021 season left a bit to be desired, but the influx of signings highlights the club’s intent to get back to the high divisions.

Anderson said he had full faith in himself, his old and new teammates, and the coaching staff to get the club back where it needed to be.

Edwardstown big man Scott Rosenzweig up against Flinders Park. The season didn’t quite go as planned for Towns but a slew of recruits is set to bolster the club’s finals chances in 2022. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“A lot of us have known coach Damian Salievic for a long time and we really respect him. I’m looking forward to joining him and educating the younger guys about the demands of high level footy, which can hopefully take some of those guys to another level,” he said.

“Edwardstown has been around the mark for a couple years now and I think with the new additions – who have a lot of experience – and the group of boys who are developing, we can start to make sure we’re a high performing club once again and eventually get back to division one.”

The team will hit the track for preseason within the coming weeks.