Flagstaff Hill signs Zane Kirkwood as coach for Southern Football League season 2023

A local SA footy club has signed its second big name in a matter of days as it aims to surge back into premiership contention in 2023.

Yet another champion SA footballer has joined a local SA footy club as it retools ahead of a big 2023 season.

Dual Magarey Medallist and former Sturt premiership player Zane Kirkwood has joined Southern Football League club Flagstaff Hill as coach, just days after star ex-Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs also signed with the Falcons.

Kirkwood – who retired from the SANFL in 2021 – is coming off of a strong season through the middle for Tanunda and will now lead his new side as it aims to bounce back from its first premiership-less season since 2015.

“The club is extremely excited to have Zane on-board in a non-playing role and we know he is looking forward to getting to know our members, support staff, players and committee and becoming a part of our community,” A Flagstaff Hill spokesperson said.

“Zane needs no introduction having had a prolific and storeyed SANFL career with Sturt including playing over 200 league games, winning premierships, taking on captaincy and many other individual accolades throughout his career.

Dual Magarey Medallist & premiership captain Zane Kirkwood walks from the ground after announcing his retirement from the SANFL. He will now coach Flagstaff Hill in the Southern Football League. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“His leadership qualities, experience and knowledge are second to none – in addition to being a fantastic person, his attention to detail and passion for the game is going to put our club in a great position to develop our players and enhance our systems with his expertise and understanding of football.”

The signing marks the third major name to join the SFL in the last two weeks, with former SANFL and AFL star Andrew Jarman joining before Jacobs last week, signing as Port Noarlunga’s coach.

It is a period which could mark a new era of rejuvenation for the competition, which has not attracted names as big for multiple years.

League president Craig Warman said it showed players and coaches recognised the quality of the competition.

Kirkwood after winning the 2016 Magarey Medal. Picture: Sam Wundke

“For guys like that to think our competition is strong enough for them to join, I think it says a lot about what we’re doing and that we’re doing it right,” Warman said.

“They’re bringing more experience and quality to the league and there’s a really big buzz right now – it will only see the competition flourish.

“As far as I’m concerned the SFL is in a really good spot and we’re going to see a growth in numbers and more big names joining.”

While the Falcons missed the grand final last season, their recent signings will give them a major opportunity to win their seventh flag in eight years.