Former SANFL, Morphettville Park star Alex Barns joins Kingston in KNTFL

A former SANFL star and reigning Adelaide Footy League medallist has joined a new club as playing-coach for season 2025.

A former SANFL premiership star and reigning Adelaide Footy League medallist has joined a South East club for season 2025 after a standout 2024 campaign.

Former North Adelaide ruck/forward utility Alex Barns has signed with Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League club Kingston as playing-coach after a dominant div four AdFL season with Morphettville Park which saw him claim the JW Schulz medal as the division’s best and fairest.

Barns, who played a significant part in North Adelaide’s 2018 premiership success, returned to his junior club in season 2022 and eventually captained the side through its 2024 campaign which ended on Saturday with a semi final loss to Westminster OS.

He said the move to Kingston gave him an opportunity to progress his footy career.

Former North Adelaide star Alex Barns has joined Kingston for season 2025. Picture: Sarah Reed

“It really appealed to me when I looked at my footy career – I’ve won a SANFL premiership, given as much as I can to my junior club and now the next step for me is coaching and the opportunity to really lead a team,” Barns said.

“Being captain at Morphettville Park this year with a very young and inexperienced group gave me a lot of good experience.

“This year was one of my most enjoyable and satisfying in football, I’ve got a really good relationship with Morphettville Park and I’m grateful for the time I spent there.”

While Barns has not had much coaching experience, he was confident he could lead the Saints and build towards more KNTFL success for the club.

“It will definitely be a challenge and there will be a bit of a learning curve but I’m confident in what I stand for and what I believe in,” he said.

Barns was one of the Adelaide Footy League’s top players this year after dominating as a ruck/forward utility. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I’m going to be around the ball a lot on the field and influencing the structure a lot and I have no questions about on-field ability or ability to lead a team.”

Barns will join a number of former North Adelaide players in the KNTFL including Kingston players Mackenzie Slee, Tom Rogers and Tom Matsouliadis, as well as Keith stars Cameron Craig, Aaron Young and Lewis Hender – a close friend.

He said he was looking forward to learning from and going up against his old teammates.

“I’m definitely excited to play with and go up against some old teammates.

“I’m specifically looking forward to playing against Lewis, he’s one of the loudest players on the field so I’m looking forward to shutting him up a bit.”

Barns believed he could galvanise Kingston. picture: Calum Robertson

Kingston experienced an injury-riddled 2024 season and finished eighth on the KNTFL ladder this year after a grand final appearance in 2023.

While Barns could not guarantee the ultimate success right away, he was confident he could help the Saints back to where they wanted to be.

“One thing I’m really big on is when you play footy, most clubs don’t win a flag every year so the reason you play can’t solely be about that,” he said.

“It’s about developing people and relationships, being with your mates and finding that purpose that drives the group.

“A team doesn’t become a grand finalist and forget how to play footy so I’m confident in what we’ve got, but my biggest focus is going to be on enjoying the process and hopefully building success from that.

“I think I can be a boost for the side and galvanise the group into the future.”