Full 2023 season guide and players to watch for the Adelaide Footy League
The 2023 Adelaide Footy League season is here! We’ve made our predictions and picked the players to watch for all seven divisions in this comprehensive season preview.
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The 2023 Adelaide Footy League season will finally kick-off this weekend as Adelaide’s top suburban clubs prepare to clash for silverware.
Countless sides have strengthened during what was an entertaining pre-season full of major player movements and the competition looks set to host one of its most tightly-contested years yet.
Ahead of this weekend’s action we’ve analysed all seven divisions, made our predictions and picked the players to watch.
DIVISION ONE
2022 grand final: Port District 9.9 (63) d Prince Alfred OC 7.3 (45)
Keith Sims OAM Medallist: Nick Favretto (Goodwood)
Leading goalkicker: Jock McLeay (St Peter’s OC) – 48
Major ins: Luke Brown (Adelaide to Tea Tree Gully), Andrew Bradley (Glenelg to Prince Alfred OC), Joel Cross (Western Districts to Sacred Heart OC), Kenny Karpany (West Adelaide to Port District), Abe Davis (Sturt to Glenunga), Jade Cleeland (West Adelaide to Goodwood)
Major outs: Reece Slape (Goodwood to Goolwa/Port Elliot), Jake Sutcliffe (St Peter’s OC to Unley Mercedes Jets), James Hargreaves (St Peter’s OC to Yankalila), Jesse O’Brien (St Peter’s OC to Onkaparinga Valley) Hayden Kernahan (Brighton to Cove), Dale Pearce (Port District to Central District), Jesse White (Broadview to North Adelaide), Jared Petrenko (Broadview to Port Duglas), Kristian Roocke (Old Ignatians to Pembroke OS), Anthony Wilson (Old Ignatians to Pembroke OS)
Clubs: Brighton, Broadview, Glenunga, Goodwood, Old Ignatians, Port District, Prince Alfred OC, Sacred Heart OC, St Peter’s OC, Tea Tree Gully
Division one may be set for one of its most competitive years yet after yet another frantic pre-season.
While reigning premier Port District has lost key forward Dale Pearce, the inclusion of Kenny Karpany to Josh Ramsey’s troops should see the club – led by Sam Gray and Cooper Gaffney – finish near the top of the ladder again.
Prince Alfred Old Collegians has retained star midfielder Jack Trengove as well as backman Chris Curran, while former Glenelg captain Andrew Bradley also joins the mix, creating a potentially premiership-winning nucleus after the Old Reds fell to the Magpies last year.
Tea Tree Gully could make a significant move up the ladder this season after adding former Crows defender Luke Brown to its line-up and signing premiership coach Justin Maschotta, while Nathan Grima’s Glenunga should also remain in the mix for finals after adding Sturt forward and mid Abe Davis.
Goodwood has lost star defender Reece Slape but should remain one of the division’s stronger clubs behind coach Luke Donaldson and league best and fairest Nick Favretto, but Old Ignatians and St Peter’s OC may not be so lucky after losing multiple big names.
Matt Burgess’ Broadview side will rely on its rising young guns as well as Sam Liddle and Xavier Gotch after being promoted but losing Jared Petrenko and Jesse White, while fellow promoted side Sacred Heart OC may surprise a few after adding dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross.
Adelaide Uni, Broadview, Happy Valley, Henley, Morphettville Park, Old Ignatians, PNU and reigning premier SMOSH West Lakes will all compete in div one of the women’s competition.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
SHOC shocks to make grand final
While Hearts lost last year’s division two grand final to Broadview, star ruck and playing-coach Alex Cailotto’s already deep side has seen multiple big inclusions this year headlined by South Adelaide legend Joel Cross and could surprise by going far in September.
Cross returns from Kangaroo Island and joins a team packed with talent including half-back Seb Kerrish, key forward Tristan Carcuro and the versatile Clayton Symonds.
Jack back to his best, Princes win GF
While Jack Trengove still had a stellar season in 2022, the PAOC midfielder dropped off slightly from the standards he set in 2021.
The former Melbourne captain will get back to his best and take out the Keith Sims OAM Medal as Craig Pitt’s Princes aim for redemption this year.
Latham leads all goalkickers
Tea Tree Gully’s Brodie Latham emerged as a genuine goalkicking force in 2022 and with a number of top forwards such as Jake Sutcliffe, Nick Murphy and Dale Pearce leaving the division, look for the skilled forward to lead the pack.
Latham should also thrive in the Gullies’ new-look side, featuring Luke Brown, and will develop quickly under returning coach Justin Maschotta.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Prince Alfred OC
2. Port District
3. Tea Tree Gully
4. Sacred Heart OC
5. Goodwood
6. Glenunga
7. Broadview
8. Brighton
9. St Peter’s OC
10. Old Ignatians
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JACK TRENGOVE
(Prince Alfred OC)
Trengove should be back to his best in season 2023 after another strong campaign last year.
Princes will be looking for the champion midfielder to fire as they aim for redemption this year and he should undoubtedly answer the call.
JOEL CROSS
(Sacred Heart OC)
SHOC’s success will have a lot to do with the inclusion of the dual Magarey Medallist this year as he arrives after a dominant stint in Kangaroo Island.
A skilful midfielder/forward who can hit the scoreboard with ease, if Cross can be at his best, Hearts will be hard to stop.
LUKE BROWN
(Tea Tree Gully)
Brown’s move straight from the Crows to Tea Tree Gully was one of the biggest in local SA footy for 2023 and should undoubtedly pay dividends for the club.
A dominant defender who might spend some time in the middle, Brown could take the Gullies to the next level.
DIVISION TWO
2022 grand final: Broadview 7.11 (53) d Sacred Heart OC 6.5 (41)
FA Bloch Medallist: Henry Papatolis (PHOS Camden)
Leading goalkicker: Tristan Carcuro (Sacred Heart OC) – 52
Major ins: Mitch Grigg (Lobethal to Athelstone), Lindsay Thomas (Portland to North Haven), Logan Hill (West Adelaide to Edwardstown), Jed Spence (Norwood to Payneham Norwood Union), Josh Glenn (Golden Grove), Michael Virgin (Glenelg to PHOS Camden)
Major outs: Todd Lewis (PHOS Camden to West Gambier), Daniel Cluse and Aaron Stewart (Athelstone to Modbury), Lachy Webb (PNU to Barossa District)
Clubs: Adelaide University, Athelstone, Edwardstown, Golden Grove, Henley, North Haven, PHOS Camden, Payneham Norwood Union, Rostrevor OC, Salisbury North
While newly-promoted Golden Grove will be premiership favourite after adding former SANFL forwards Josh Glenn and Dallas Hill to an undefeated line-up featuring Cam Shenton and Lewis Johnston, Athelstone and North Haven should also emerge as major contenders.
Mitch Grigg has returned to junior club Athelstone after spending time at Lobethal and winning a Hills flag, while former AFL forward Lindsay Thomas has signed with North Haven after dominating for Portland in div four.
Payneham Norwood Union coach Jeremy Cini should lead his relegated side to a finals appearance this year after adding Norwood’s Jed Spence to a line-up which includes former AFL mid Brad McKenzie, while Henry Papatolis and PHOS Camden should also be around the mark after Michael Virgin’s arrival from Glenelg.
West Adelaide club champion has joined Edwardstown after the club’s surprise promotion to division two but will have a challenge on his hands as other competitive clubs in PHOS Camden, Henley and Adelaide Uni also compete for top five.
A relatively unchanged Rostrevor OC may struggle after being relegated from division one, while Eugene Warrior’s Salisbury North side will need another big season from forward Steve Wellington if it wants to survive relegation.
Division two of the women’s league should also be entertaining, with Angle Vale, Blackfriars OS, Brighton, Gaza, Golden Grove, Goodwood, TTG and Westminster OS all fielding sides.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Golden Grove wins second straight flag, double promotion
The Kookaburras went undefeated in division three last season and should be primed for another premiership push behind Cam Shenton, Lewis Johnston and Jake Pitman.
Add former AFL and Norwood forward Josh Glenn as well as Central District gun Dallas Hill to the mix, and you have a truly formidable force.
Grigg dominates medal count
Fresh off of a dominant year with Lobethal, Grigg should be back to his brilliant best through the middle for Athelstone in division two of the Adelaide Footy League.
The Norwood legend has the ability to single-handedly win games on the ball and can also move up front to bag goals.
ROCS face double relegation
Rostrevor OC coach Ben Watkins has his work cut out for him this season after his young side was relegated from div one in 2022.
Staying safe in division two could be too big a task for the club considering the improved strength of the competition and another relegation may loom large.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Golden Grove
2. Athelstone
3. North Haven
4. Payneham Norwood Union
5. PHOS Camden
6. Edwardstown
7. Henley
8. Adelaide Uni
9. Rostrevor OC
10. Salisbury North
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BRAD MCKENZIE
(Payneham Norwood Union)
The former AFL and Norwood gun had a strong season for the Falcons in division one last year as a defender and midfielder and will need to be at his best this season if PNU wants to win promotion back to the top div.
LINDSAY THOMAS
(North Haven)
One of the most lethal forwards in the Adelaide Footy League, Thomas’ arrival at North Haven could take the club right into contention for a flag.
The small’s ability to win the ball in the contest and finish on either side makes him a must-watch this year.
MITCH GRIGG
(Athelstone)
Grigg has returned to his junior club after a premiership season with Lobethal and should become one of the top players in the league.
He will spend most of his time in the middle but can also rotate up front and kick goals.
DIVISION THREE
2022 grand final: Golden Grove 9.8 (62) d Edwardstown 1.5 (11)
GS Heard Medallist: Jake Pitman (Golden Grove) and Tim Davey (Modbury)
Leading goalkicker: Liam Verity (Modbury) – 88
Major ins: Paul Puopolo (Virginia to Hope Valley), Ryan Llewellyn (Central District to Modbury), George Thring (Keith to Pembroke OS), Kristian Roocke (Old Ignatians to Pembroke OS), Anthony Wilson (Old Ignatians to Pembroke OS), Mitch Mead (Woodville-West Torrens to Seaton Ramblers), Jake Sutcliffe (St Peter’s OC to Unley Mercedes Jets)
Major outs: Mitch Clisby (Westminster OS to Mitch Clisby), Izak Richards (Flinders Park to Woodville South), Ben Legoe (Scotch OC to Robe)
Clubs: Flinders Park, Gaza, Hope Valley, Modbury, Pembroke OS, SMOSH West Lakes, Seaton Ramblers, Unley Mercedes Jets, Westminster OS.
Pembroke OS should be primed for a finals charge this season after adding the likes of George Thring, Anthony Wilson and Kristian Roocke to its talented 2022 premiership side, while Hope Valley has also added major talent after being promoted, with Paul Puopolo joining key target forward Daniel Nobes at the club.
Modbury and Flinders Park will be deserved favourites next to Pembroke OS after strong 2022 seasons, the Reds retaining the Schwarz brothers as well as star forward Justin Hardy, while the Hawks have added versatile defender Ryan Llewellyn – who finished fourth in Central District’s best and fairest count last year.
Scotch OC has added Norwood reserve Sam Hargreaves but may struggle to finish above fifth while Westminster OS also has a challenge on its hands after losing star defender and former Melbourne player Mitch Clisby.
Scott Thompson’s Unley Mercedes Jets side should also be one to watch after adding a number of players including former Sturt and SPOC forward Jake Sutcliffe.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Kings crowned again
Pembroke OS was far too strong for division four last season and should go close to a minor premiership and major finals success after adding three stars in Thring, Wilson and Roocke to a line-up which already boasts players like Max Thring, Mark and Tom Evans and Alex Forster.
Look for the Kings to win a second straight flag and earn promotion to division two.
Hope Valley makes a prelim
The Demons surprised by defeating Plympton and making the division four grand final last season but should be a contender for a top five finish this season as they launch another promotion bid.
The return of triple AFL premiership forward Paul Puopolo to his junior club should give Hope Valley one of the most dangerous attacks in the division.
Dragons drop, double relegation for Gaza
Westminster OS snuck into finals last season but has lost key players in defender Mitch Clisby and midfielder/forward Riley Wilsdon ahead of the 2023 season.
Gaza, who experienced a challenging 2022 in division two, have been active in recruitment but also lost star mid Ryan Burns and multiple others.
Both clubs may struggle to stay in the division and could very well drop down for next year.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Pembroke OS
2. Modbury
3. Flinders Park
4. Unley Mercedes Jets
5. Hope Valley
6. Scotch OC
7. Seaton Ramblers
8. SMOSH West Lakes
9. Westminster OS
10. Gaza
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ANTHONY WILSON
(Pembroke OS)
Wilson was on Port Adelaide’s top-up list last season while also playing SANFL and for Old Ignatians.
One of the most skilled and explosive small forwards in the state, his decision to join the Kings makes them hot favourites in the division.
JAKE SUTCLIFFE
(Unley Mercedes Jets)
The Sturt premiership forward starred for St Peter’s OC last season in division one and will be a key for Unley this year.
A strong bodied target who can boot goals from anywhere and often comes up big in the clutch.
PAUL PUOPOLO
(Hope Valley)
Puopolo enjoyed a strong year at Virginia in 2022 after retiring from the SANFL but has returned to Hope Valley for this season.
The triple AFL premiership player should combine brilliantly with key tall Daniel Nobes and produce many exciting moments.
DIVISION FOUR
2022 grand final: Pembroke OS 19.5 (119) d Hope Valley 9.6 (60)
JW Schulz Medallist: Frank Timpano (Pooraka)
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Nobes (Hope Valley) – 87
Major ins: Curtly Hampton (Plympton), Brody Trembath (Brighton to Morphettville Park), Dave Hankin (Imperial to Morphettville Park), Ryan Burns (Gaza to Morphettville Park)
Major outs: Lindsay Thomas (Portland to North Haven), Ian Milera (Portland to Proprietary/Risdon), Jake Mazzone (Hectorville to Barossa District), Zac Peake (Plympton to Naracoorte)
Clubs: CBC OC, Hectorville, Kenilworth, Lockleys, Mitcham, Morphettville Park, Plympton, Pooraka, Portland, Walkerville
Plympton looks primed and ready to finally gain promotion back to division three after falling just short last season with an upset preliminary final loss to Hope Valley.
The Bulldogs have added former Adelaide midfielder Curtly Hampton as they look to launch a premiership campaign.
Promoted side Lockleys should also be strong, with 100-goal forward Ben Haren returning this season, while other newly-promoted club Hectorville may drop off slightly after losing star mid and division five medallist Jake Mazzone to Barossa District.
Morphettville Park will be a side to watch after dropping from division three last season, the Roos looking to bounce back after losing deadly forward/ruck combo Alex and Chris Barns to injury last year.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Roos play-off in big dance
Morphettville Park sits as the great unknown in division four this season after dropping down from division three.
While the Roos dropped last year, they were without both Alex and Chris Barns for large portions of their campaign.
They’ll be a major threat if they can keep their side fit in 2023.
Haren boots another tonne
The former Sydney Swans and South Adelaide utility has been dominant as a key forward throughout his Adelaide Footy League career so far and should not let up this season.
Haren showed his ability to boot goals from anywhere for the Demons last year and will be a huge threat up front this year as he aims to record his second straight 100-goal campaign.
Dogs dominate to win flag
While Plympton has lost goal-threat Zac Peake to Naracoorte, the acquisition of former AFL mid Curtly Hampton should be a significant one for the Bulldogs.
Look for ruck Stuart Taverner and Hampton to combine effectively and lead their side to a premiership.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Plympton
2. Lockleys
3. Pooraka
4. Morphettville Park
5. Walkerville
6. CBC OC
7. Mitcham
8. Portland
9. Hectorville
10. Kenilworth
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ALEX BARNS
(Morphettville Park)
Barns experienced an injury-riddled season with Morphettville Park in 2022 but will be a terror up front and in the ruck if he can remain fit this year.
The North Adelaide premiership winner remains one of the most skilled bigs in the competition.
BEN HAREN
(Lockleys)
Haren’s 109-goal tally in 2022 makes him being a must-watch player a given this year.
A strong mark out in front and a skilled big off of the deck, Haren can take over games with moments of brilliance and bags of goals.
CURTLY HAMPTON
(Plympton)
Hampton will bring valuable AFL and SANFL experience to Plympton this season and should make the Bulldogs favourites in division four if he can perform at his best through the middle.
DIVISION FIVE
2022 grand final: Hectorville 12.7 (79) d Lockleys 8.8 (56)
JB Dicker Medallist: Ben Haren (Lockleys), Daniel Mason (Gepps Cross), Jake Mazzone (Hectorville)
Leading goalkicker: Ben Haren (Lockleys) – 109
Major ins: Corey Solly (Gaza to Kilburn), Scott Galbraith (Southern Flinders to Kilburn), Aaron Wiles (AFL Canberra to Kilburn), Lucas Di Sotto (Peake and District to Woodville South), Izak Richards (Flinders Park to Woodville South)
Major outs: Jock Van Kempen (Colonel Light Gardens to PHOS Camden), Blake Dodson (Colonel Light Gardens to Payneham Norwood Union), Chris Knapp (Eastern Park to Loxton), Matt Nielsen (Pulteney to Adelaide Uni)
Clubs: Blackfriars OS, Colonel Light Gardens, Eastern Park, Elizabeth, Gepps Cross, Kilburn, Pulteney, Trinity OS, West Croydon, Woodville South
Kilburn has been the most active division five club throughout the pre-season and could reap the rewards this year after adding star midfielders Corey Solly and Scott Galbraith, as well as Canberra utility Aaron Wiles, while Woodville South has also been proactive after relegation from division four.
Colonel Light Gardens may be one of the big droppers this year after losing key on-ballers Jock Van Kempen and Blake Dodson to division two, while Eastern Park will also need to recover from losing Chris Knapp to the Riverland.
Gepps Cross has not been as busy in the off-season but should be a major chance at taking the minor premiership after holding on to div five medallist Daniel Mason and onballer Matt Sawilski.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Mason the standout again
Daniel Mason is fresh off of a fantastic 2022 and should lead by example for the Rams yet again this year.
The star onballer has the ability to win countless contested possessions and should be the standout for his club in another medal bid.
Mansell hits 100-mark
Gun Eastern Park forward Shawn Mansell booted 70 goals in just 14 games last season, including a spectacular 20-goal display against St Paul’s OS.
If he can play every game this season, he’ll go close to reaching the tonne.
Hawks drop back down
West Croydon impressed in the division six finals last season to earn promotion to division five but the club may be hard-pressed to remain in the div after a reasonably quiet pre-season.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Gepps Cross
2. Woodville South
3. Kilburn
4. Pulteney
5. Eastern Park
6. Colonel Light Gardens
7. Trinity OS
8. Elizabeth
9. Blackfriars OS
10. West Croydon
PLAYERS TO WATCH
COREY SOLLY
(Kilburn)
Solly has arrived at Kilburn after impressive seasons with Gaza and should boost the Magpies’ troops significantly.
A versatile weapon who can slot in the middle or play in key positions.
DANIEL MASON
(Gepps Cross)
Last season’s joint division five medal winner, Mason is due for another big year at the Rams.
A dominant midfielder who can set-up teammates or boot goals himself.
SHAWN MANSELL
(Eastern Park)
Mansell produced one of the most exciting individual displays in the Adelaide Footy League last season and will be the Demons’ key point of attack again this year.
DIVISION SIX
2022 grand final: Trinity OS 13.15 (93) d West Croydon 7.6 (48)
AG Bert Medallist: Patrick O’Dea (Marion)
Leading goalkicker: Dom Barilla (Trinity OS) – 61
Major ins: Shane Harvey (Brighton to Marion), Seb Fairlie (Border Downs Tintinara to Marion)
Major outs: Matt Richards (Greenacres to Gaza)
Clubs: Adelaide Lutheran, Brahma Lodge, Central United, Fitzroy, Greenacres, Marion, Rosewater, Salisbury, Smithfield, St Paul’s OS
Division six will see five new teams in 2023, with promoted sides Greenacres and Adelaide Lutheran joining relegated clubs St Paul’s OS and Salisbury as well as Smithfield, which returns after two years on the sidelines.
Marion could be the team to beat this year after adding former Marion star Shane Harvey to its midfield and also acquiring Border Downs Tintinara gun Seb Fairlie, while Central United and Greenacres should also be sides to watch after strong 2022 seasons.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Rams run rampant
Marion has bolstered its side significantly after just missing an opportunity for promotion last season and should be one of the powers in the division this season as they launch their strongest bid for a premiership in years.
Harvey takes medal
A premiership player during his time at Brighton, midfielder Shane Harvey should have a major impact upon return to his junior club in Marion.
Expect him to dominate out of the middle and lead the Rams to contention.
Gibson leads goals tally
Matt Gibson booted 100 goals for Greenacres in season 2022 (including finals) and should come close to that mark again this year with the Dragons retaining most of their attacking weapons ahead of round one.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Marion
2. Central United
3. Greenacres
4. Salisbury
5. Rosewater
6. Brahma Lodge
7. Fitzroy
8. Smithfield
9. Adelaide Lutheran
10. St Paul’s OS
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MATT GIBSON
(Greenacres)
Another 100-goal player in the Adelaide Footy League last season, Gibson was the main force in Greenacres’ undefeated year and should produce yet another exciting campaign in 2023.
SHANE HARVEY
(Marion)
Harvey had fallen out of the A Grade rotation at Brighton before joining Marion and will be hungry to win a premiership with the Rams.
A dominant midfielder who has premiership experience from his Bombers days, Harvey will be one of the most skilled in the division.
DIVISION SEVEN
2022 grand final: Greenacres 14.6 (90) d Adelaide Lutheran 9.10 (64)
RA Stennett Medallist: Matt Gibson (Greenacres)
Leading goalkicker: Matt Gibson (Greenacres) – 100
Major ins: Terrel Rigney (Ardrossan to Ingle Farm)
Major outs: Liam Davis (Houghton Districts to Payneham Norwood Union)
Clubs: Flinders University, Hackham, Houghton Districts, Ingle Farm, Mawson Lakes, Mitchell Park, OSB Lonsdale, Para Hills
While Flinders Uni has not brought any major names in for season 2023, the club has acquired a number of depth players and should compete in division seven as a result.
Houghton Districts has lost Liam Davis to PNU but will still remain a threat in the division, while Para Hills will also be a club to keep an eye on after dropping from div six.
Ingle Farm should head into the season as favourite for the premiership after being relegated from div six, the Bulldogs acquiring Ardrossan midfield star Terrel Rigney.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Ingle Farm goes undefeated
Despite a challenging 2022 season in which the club dropped from division six, expect Ingle Farm to be dominant in division seven after picking up Terrel Rigney.
If the side can start the season in form, it will be hard to slow down.
Rigney relishes new challenge
After standing out as one of the Yorke Peninsula’s best players in 2022, Terrel Rigney takes on a new challenge in division seven of the Adelaide Footy League.
Don’t be surprised to see the skilled mid dominate for Ingle Farm and win the division medal.
Martin takes Houghton Districts to big dance
Jake Martin had a fantastic 2022 season during which he booted 67 goals in 20 games and picked up nine best player mentions.
If Martin can fire again, his side will make the grand final and earn promotion.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Ingle Farm
2. Houghton Districts
3. Flinders University
4. Para Hills
5. Hackham
6. Mawson Lakes
7. Mitchell Park
8. OSB Lonsdale
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JAKE MARTIN
(Houghton Districts)
Martin’s ability to influence his side up the ground with strong marking and to also hit the scoreboard with ease makes him one of the most dangerous players in division seven.
TERREL RIGNEY
(Ingle Farm)
Rigney can dominate a game along the wing or through the middle and will bring significant experience from his time at Ardrossan.
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