Full 2025 season guide and players to watch for the Adelaide Footy League
The 2025 Adelaide Footy League season kicks off this weekend. We’ve analysed how each club sits, made our predictions and picked the players to watch for all seven divisions.
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The 2025 Adelaide Footy League season will finally kick-off this weekend as Adelaide’s top suburban clubs prepare to clash for silverware.
A number of 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
2024 grand final: Port District 9.10 (64) d Glenunga 6.8 (44)
Keith Sims OAM Medallist: Abe Davis (Glenunga)
Leading goalkicker: Brodie Latham (Tea Tree Gully) – 45
Major ins: Dom Denton (Thevenard to Port District), Jack Firns (Woodville-West Torrens to Port District), Mitch Marini (Adelaide Uni to Glenunga), Ned McHenry (Adelaide to Prince Alfred OC), Jesse McKinnon (Victor Harbor to St Peter’s OC), Sam Morris (Norwood to Payneham Norwood Union), Liam Verity (Modbury to Golden Grove)
Major outs: Alex Haren (Glenunga), Trent Heffernan (Port District to Central Yorke), Tully Kennett (Glenunga), Jack Matchett (Glenunga to CMS Crows), Lachy McNamara (Prince Alfred OC to NSW), Craig Pitt (Prince Alfred OC) Jed Spence (Payneham Norwood Union)
Clubs: Broadview, Glenunga, Golden Grove, Payneham Norwood Union, Port District, Prince Alfred OC, Rostrevor OC, Sacred Heart OC, Salisbury North, St Peter’s OC
Port District has lost reliable onballer Trent Heffernan after winning the 2024 premiership but should be just as strong this year after adding former Woodville-West Torrens utility Jack Firns and triple Western Eyre Mail Medallist Dom Denton to the fold.
Names like Scott Lycett, Sam Gray, Joey Haines, Matt Rose and Louis Sharrad will all return for Districts as they aim for a third flag in four years.
Ned McHenry remains the biggest division one signing, the former Crow joining Prince Alfred OC as the club’s new playing-coach after the retirement of Craig Pitt at the end of the 2024 season as the Old Reds aim to improve on their sixth spot finish last year.
Glenunga has welcomed new coach Alex Guy after Nathan Grima’s decision to step down and while the Rams have lost a number of important players, they have recruited well by bringing in former Crows SANFL onballer Mitch Marini and have also retained back-to-back Keith Sims OAM Medallist Abe Davis.
Golden Grove has added firepower up front after bowing out of the 2024 finals in the first round last year, signing former North Adelaide and Modbury key forward Liam Verity, who has booted 267 goals in 74 AdFL games.
The Kookaburras should be a contender with the likes of Cam Shenton, Lewis Johnston, Jake Pitman and Josh Glenn all returning, while Jeremy Cini’s Payneham Norwood Union will also remain a threat after adding Norwood premiership midfielder Sam Morris to a team which boasts names like Brad McKenzie and Matthew Nunn.
Old Scholars clubs Sacred Heart OC and St Peter’s OC should be tough for most to beat, SHOC led by Alex Cailotto again this year and SPOC bringing in a number of names including former SANFL midfielder and dual GSFL medallist Jesse McKinnon.
Both promoted clubs in Rostrevor OC (D2 premier), led by star coach Damian Boots, and Salisbury North, led by former Central District gun Luke Habel, remain strong on paper, while Broadview could also be a team to watch under new coach Jack Fergus.
PREDICTIONS
Ditters do it again
Port District has only strengthened for this season despite the loss of Heffernan, retaining a number of key players from its grand final list and adding Dom Denton and Jack Firns.
With names Lycett, Gray, Rose, Haines and Sharrad all set to play a major part again this year, the club should deservedly head in as the major favourite for a back-to-back flag and third in four years.
Verity leads goalkicking
A strong key forward with the potential to kick big bags of goals, Verity will have plenty of silver service with distributors like Shenton, Pitman, Glenn and Johnston trotting out for Golden Grove.
Look for him to have a major impact as the Kookaburras’ key talisman up front.
Nunn takes out top honour
Payneham Norwood Union should win a good amount of games again this year and former Norwood captain Nunn came very close to snagging the Keith Sims OAM Medal last year, only beaten out by Jake Pitman and Abe Davis.
The Falcons midfielder should get a bit more joy this season with former Redlegs teammate Sam Morris joining and is set to poll well.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Port District
2. Golden Grove
3. Payneham Norwood Union
4. Sacred Heart OC
5. Glenunga
6. Prince Alfred OC
7. Rostrevor OC
8. St Peter’s OC
9. Salisbury North
10. Broadview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ABE DAVIS
(Glenunga)
Winner of the last two D1 medals, Davis is a must-watch player in local SA footy.
A big-bodied onballer who can dominate sides with his ability to win the footy and cleanly dispose, Davis is also a force up front often taking big marks and kicking important goals.
SCOTT LYCETT
(Port District)
Lycett was dominant in the finals on one leg last year and will be a force again if he remains fit.
Unstoppable on his day in the ruck and can also do major damage up front when needed.
NED MCHENRY
(Prince Alfred OC)
The former Crows livewire will inject some energy into his new club and could be in for a huge year with the Old Reds.
A skilled and crafty utility who can spend time up front or in the contest, McHenry will be the barometer for PAOC.
DIVISION TWO
2024 grand final: Rostrevor OC 10.6 (66) d Salisbury North 7.13 (55)
FA Bloch Medallist: Mitch Grigg (Athelstone)
Leading goalkicker: Macx Teague (Flinders Park) – 54
Major ins: Luke Brown (Tea Tree Gully), Zach Buechner (Central District to Henley), Dane McFarlane (Woodville-West Torrens to Henley), Alex McKay (Tea Tree Gully), Henry Papatolis (Phos Camden to Goodwood Saints), Brett Simpson (CBC OC to Modbury), Reece Slape (Echunga to Goodwood Saints), Luke Thompson (Woodville-West Torrens to Flinders Park), Dylan Weaver (Gumeracha to Tea Tree Gully)
Major outs: Matt Broadbent (Henley), Mitch Marini (Adelaide Uni to Glenunga), Aaron Rainey (Lockleys to Morphettville Park), Jarman Sigal (Brighton to North Adelaide), Liam Verity (Modbury to Golden Grove)
Clubs: Adelaide Uni, Athelstone, Brighton Bombers, Flinders Park, Goodwood Saints, Henley, Lockleys, Modbury, Old Ignatians, Tea Tree Gully
Division two has seen an injection of talent for the 2025 season and should host a highly competitive year.
The flag race seems wide open on paper after both Rostrevor OC and Salisbury North earned promotion at the end of 2024, but Tea Tree Gully and Henley look to be two top sides.
While 2024 D3 premier Henley is reportedly set to lose Matthew Broadbent due to SANFL commitments, the Sharks have added former League players Zach Buechner and Dane McFarlane to the fold alongside last season’s standout Sharks onballer Kane Sherlock.
Tea Tree Gully was highly competitive in division one last season before being hit by injuries and Justin Maschotta’s team looks set for a strong run in D2 with Alex McKay returning to the club after time interstate and former Crow Luke Brown signing for 2025 after suffering an ACL tear during the 2023 finals.
Flinders Park’s addition of former WWTFC premiership star Luke Thompson could see the Reds take another step with the Schwarz brothers also returning, while Mitch Grigg and Athelstone will also be a side to watch after retaining a number of key players and adding former Raggies Dan Cluse and Aaron Stewart.
Goodwood Saints will look to improve on its 2024 season after failing to earn promotion back to the top division and has added dual FA Bloch Medallist Henry Papatolis and former SANFL defender Reece Slape, while Lockleys, led by star forward Ben Haren, will also be in the mix.
While Modbury has lost Liam Verity to Golden Grove, the addition of former CBC OC star leader Brett Simpson should help to cover for the departure.
PREDICTIONS
Grigg goes back-to-back
One of the best players in the AdFL last season, Grigg has reportedly had a big pre-season and should hit the ground running again for the Raggies this year.
A tough onballer with elite skills, Grigg will receive plenty of votes from the umpires if the Raggies win a high amount of games.
Gullies go all the way
TTG came agonisingly close to avoiding relegation from division one last season but should be a major chance to go back up this year.
The additions of Alex McKay and Luke Brown back to the fold are hugely significant for the Gullies and should see the side compete all the way til late September.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Tea Tree Gully
2. Henley
3. Athelstone
4. Flinders Park
5. Lockleys
6. Goodwood Saints
7. Modbury
8. Brighton
9. Adelaide Uni
10. Old Ignatians
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LUKE BROWN
(Tea Tree Gully)
The former Crows defender will return to TTG this year after suffering an acl in 2023 and missing all of the 2024 season.
Should prove to be a major asset in a number of roles around the ground and could be a game-changer in finals if he remains fit.
MITCH GRIGG
(Athelstone)
The Raggies superstar was at his brilliant best last season and should be a force again this year.
Dominant big-bodied onballer who has no trouble winning contested footy, finding teammates and hitting the scoreboard.
LUKE THOMPSON
(Flinders Park)
A major signing for the Reds, Thompson will add some more muscle to the backline/midfield for Flinders Park along with star leadership.
Will be one to watch as his side aims for a strong finals push.
DIVISION THREE
2024 grand final: Henley 15.9 (99) d Lockleys 7.8 (50)
GS Heard Medallist: Mark Rowe (North Haven)
Leading goalkicker: Ben Haren (Lockleys) – 86
Major ins: Andrew Bradley (Kybybolite to Westminster OS), Rogan Kennedy (Loxton to Edwardstown), Keanu Miller (North Adelaide to North Haven), Jake Sutcliffe (Tanunda to Unley)
Major outs: Matthew Min (Hope Valley to Mannum), Daniel Nobes (Hope Valley to Willunga), Henry Papatolis (PHOS Camden to Goodwood Saints), Michael Virgin (PHOS Camden to Moonta)
Clubs: Edwardstown, Hope Valley, Kilburn, North Haven, PHOS Camden, Pembroke OS, Scotch OC, Seaton Ramblers, Unley, Westminster OS
Westminster OS has made the biggest move of the off-season in division three, the newly promoted club capitalising on its 2024 momentum by signing old scholar and former Glenelg, PAOC and Kybybolite star Andrew Bradley.
Edwardstown has had an active pre-season after suffering relegation to the division acquiring midfielder Rogan Kennedy from Loxton to add alongside players like Logan Hill and Josh Schiller, while fellow relegated side PHOS Camden may struggle after losing Henry Papatolis and Michael Virgin.
Kilburn should be well-poised for a run at finals after winning the division four premiership, the Chics’ second flag in a row, while Unley will remain a strong contender under Scott Thompson and behind the leadership of dominant utility Mitch Duval.
North Haven will be another side to watch having retained reigning league medallist Mark Rowe for the year.
PREDICTIONS
Jets fly to flag
After multiple years of falling short 2025 could be the time for Unley to make a major run at the division three flag.
The team has experienced significant continuity in recent seasons and Mitch Duval remains one of the top players in the competition with the ability to lead a side deep in September.
Bradley D3’s best
From Glenelg to Prince Alfred OC and Kybybolite, Bradley has experienced success wherever he has been and played at a high level.
A dominant and versatile player who can play on and behind the ball or do damage going forward, Bradley should be an instant hit with the Dragons and will poll very well.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Unley
2. Westminster OS
3. North Haven
4. Kilburn
5. Pembroke OS
6. Edwardstown
7. Seaton Ramblers
8. Scotch OC
9. PHOS Camden
10. Hope Valley
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ANDREW BRADLEY
(Westminster OS)
A supremely skilled player who can impact the game in a number of ways, Bradley has the ability to take over and win matches for his side.
Will be the standout player in a talented Dragons midfield.
JAKE SUTCLIFFE
(Unley)
Former Sturt premiership forward Sutcliffe has returned to Unley after time with Tanunda and could be the difference maker for the club this season.
A strong and explosive player up front who boots big goals, Sutcliffe will be key to a potentially more high scoring approach by the Jets this year.
DIVISION FOUR
2024 grand final: Kilburn 15.11 (101) d Westminster OS 3.9 (27)
JW Schulz Medal: Alex Barns
Leading goalkicker: Nick Leck (Westminster OS) – 75
Major ins: Guy Page (Sturt to Plympton), Alex Kudra (Walkerville), Ben Drogemuller (Barmera Monash to Morphettville Park), Aaron Rainey (Lockleys to Morphettville Park)
Major outs: Alex Barns (Morphettville Park to Kingston), Kye Dean (Colonel Light Gardens to Kangarilla), Jak Goudman-Glasson (Hectorville to Ironbank Cherry Gardens), Ian Milera (Gepps Cross), Zac Peake (Plympton), Brett Simpson (CBC OC to Modbury)
Clubs: CBC OC, Colonel Light Gardens, Gepps Cross, Hectorville, Kenilworth, Mitcham, Morphettville Park, Plympton, SMOSH West Lakes, Walkerville
Plympton should be the frontrunner for the division four premiership this season despite losing Zac Peake after falling short again in 2024, the Bulldogs adding former Sturt star Guy Page to an already talented list.
Gepps Cross, which has retained Dom Barry, has made a big signing with former Glenelg gun Ian Milera joining the fold as the Rams aim to improve on a disappointing injury riddled 2024 season, while Walkerville could be a chance to move up the ladder with the returning Sean Kuerschner and former Loxton North B&F Alex Kudra.
Mitcham, led by superstar forward Max Smyth, should be a team to watch in the division this season after convincingly claiming the D5 flag, while fellow promoted club Colonel Light Gardens may struggle after losing standout player Kye Dean to Kangarilla.
Hectorville has lost star forward Jak Goudman-Glasson, CBC OC has lost the Marchioro brothers as well as Brett Simpson and may struggle to remain in the division after suffering relegation from division three, while SMOSH West Lakes will attempt to turn its fortunes around after acquiring former South Adelaide player Tate Lovering.
Morphettville Park should remain competitive in the division despite losing 2024 D4 medallist and captain Alex Barns, with the Roos picking up superstar Lockleys key back Aaron Rainey and Riverland midfielder Ben Drogemuller.
PREDICTIONS
Dogs finally get their day
Plympton has dominated consecutive minor rounds but left wondering why during finals.
This could be the year for the Dogs to go all the way however with former Sturt star and premiership player Guy Page joining the club to add versatility and leadership.
Page wins medal
Page will undoubtedly be one of the top players in division four this year.
With the ability to play on the ball and in a number of other roles, the former Sturt man should stand out each week for the Bulldogs.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Plympton
2. Mitcham
3. Gepps Cross
4. Morphettville Park
5. Kenilworth
6. Walkerville
7. Hectorville
8. Colonel Light Gardens
9. CBC OC
10. SMOSH West Lakes
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DOM BARRY
(Gepps Cross)
An excitement machine for the Rams, former Norwood and Melbourne player Dom Barry remains one of the competition’s most skilled names.
Can dominate a game up front with his nose for goal or burn teams for pace through the midfield.
GUY PAGE
(Plympton)
Skilled and versatile defender who should also see time on the ball with the Bulldogs.
Page can bring the toughness and experience the club needs to take the next step.
DIVISION FIVE
2024 grand final: Mitcham 18.12 (120) d Colonel Light Gardens 8.7 (55)
JB Dicker Medal: Kye Dean (Colonel Light Gardens)
Leading goalkicker: Max Smyth (Mitcham) - 99
Major ins: Zion Coulthard (Edwardstown to Pooraka), Sean Hee (Salisbury to Eastern Park), Ari Rigney (Eastern Park), Harry Westhoff (Tailem Bend to Marion), Adam Varcoe (Eastern Park)
Major outs: Patrick O’Dea (Marion to PHOS Camden), Nathan Rayner (Woodville South to Fitzroy)
Clubs: Eastern Park, Gaza, Greenacres, Marion, Pooraka, Portland, Pulteney, Salisbury, Trinity OS, Woodville South
Eastern Park enters the 2025 season as the hot favourite for the division five flag after keeping star utility Chris Knapp and adding Edwardstown’s Zion Coulthard, former AdFL gun Ari Rigney, local star Adam Varcoe and 2024 D6 medallist Sean Hee.
Fellow promoted side Salisbury may struggle after losing Hee to its 2024 rival but the Magpies still have enough talent to compete in the division if they can perform consistently.
Marion has retained most of its side after losing O’Dea to PHOS Camden and has added Tailem Bend big man Harry Westhoff as it looks to make a push towards promotion, while Pulteney has also retained its key performers from last season.
Portland has re-signed star players Jake Neade and Terry Milera after finishing eighth last season and should be a solid chance to remain in the division beyond season 2025.
PREDICTIONS
Hee claims second medal
A star for Salisbury last season, Hee should find joy again after joining a talented Eastern Park side.
A skilled player who finds plenty of the footy, Hee could find himself with more space to work this year alongside names like Knapp and Varcoe.
Demon demolition
Eastern Park will deservedly be the favourite this season and should be a huge chance if the side can remain fit heading into September.
A well-balanced side with plenty of ammo through the middle and up front, the Demons should be too hard to stop in 2025.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Eastern Park
2. Marion
3. Pulteney
4. Greenacres
5. Salisbury
6. Woodville South
7. Portland
8. Pooraka
9. Trinity OS
10. Gaza
CHRIS KNAPP
(Eastern Park)
While Hee could be the star of the show for Eastern Park this season, Knapp still remains as one of the club’s most effective and important players.
A dangerous big-bodied midfielder who wins plenty of the footy and gains important metres for his side, Knapp can also play up front as a dominant forward who is clean overhead and reliable in front of the big sticks.
TERRY MILERA
(Portland)
One of the top players in the competition, Milera will be a must-watch player this year.
The former St Kilda and Glenelg gun is one of the most skilled players in the AdFL and can do it all from winning the footy in the middle to kicking important goals.
DIVISION SIX
2024 grand final: Eastern Park 7.10 (52) d Salisbury 6.5 (41)
AG Bert Medal: Sean Hee (Salisbury)
Leading goalkicker: Josh Rosenthal (Fitzroy) - 131
Major ins: Dion Doolan (Koonibba to Fitzroy), Luke Teasdale (BBH to OSB Lonsdale)
Major outs: Ari Rigney (Ingle Farm to Eastern Park)
Clubs: Adelaide Lutheran, Blackfriars OS, Fitzroy, Houghton Districts, Ingle Farm, OSB Lonsdale, Para Hills, Rosewater, St Paul’s OS, West Croydon
Fitzroy has strengthened after missing out on promotion from division six last year with EP gun Dion Doolan joining the side to add a bit more athleticism and skill to the midfield/forward troops alongside key target Josh Rosenthal.
Ingle Farm has lost Ari Rigney but retained most of its side after a strong division six season in 2024 and should be able to compete again this year.
Para Hills should be one to watch as well this year having retained star forward Daniel Weetra, while OSB Lonsdale could also be a team to keep an eye on in the early season.
PREDICTIONS
Lions go all the way
Fitzroy produced a strong 2024 and with the list improving for 2025 expect the Lions to go far this season.
Rosenthal and Dion Doolan could prove to be a deadly combo against most of the division’s opposition.
Rosenthal tallies a tonne
He booted 131 goals last season, but Josh Rosenthal might not be done yet, the big key forward signing on for another year with Fitzroy and reportedly looking good in the pre-season.
Should terrorise most teams up front.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Fitzroy
2. Para Hills
3. Ingle Farm
4. St Paul’s OS
5. OSB Lonsdale
6. Houghton Districts
7. West croydon
8. Adelaide Lutheran
9. Rosewater
10. Blackfriars OS
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DION DOOLAN
(Fitzroy)
An excitement machine out of the EP, Doolan is a skilled athlete who can take big marks, kick important goals and set his teammates up with accurate disposal.
DANIEL WEETRA
(Para Hills)
Weetra joins Rosenthal as one of the top forwards in the division.
His ability to take high-flying marks and boot skilful goals makes him one of the most exciting players in the div.
DIVISION SEVEN
2024 grand final: Para Hills 11.9 (75) d OSB Lonsdale 10.9 (69)
RA Stennett Medal: Luke Allan (Hackham)
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Weetra (Para Hills) - 134
Major ins: Anthony Daish (Colonel Light Gardens), Matt Spencely (Hackham)
Clubs: Brahma Lodge, Central United, Elizabeth, Flinders Uni, Hackham, Mawson Lakes, Mitchell Park, Smithfield
Hackham has emerged as the big favourite for the division seven premiership this year after making the huge signing of former Crows SANFL gun and Waikerie star Matt Spencely.
A dominant forward/midfield utility, Spencely joins 2024 medallist Luke Allan and key forward Glenn Draper at the Hawks.
Former Elizabeth player and coach Darryl Cotter has returned to lead the club and should help the Eagles on a path to retribution after the club suffered one of the worst years in its history on the park.
Mawson Lakes and Central United should be competitive again this season, while Mitchell Park could contend for finals after retaining most of its list.
PREDICTIONS
Hawks fly past Eagles for flag
The acquisition of Spencely to slot into the forwardline alongside Draper or midfield next to Luke Allan makes Hackham a potential juggernaut in the division.
They should have what it takes to go all the way if fit, with Elizabeth the main contender.
Spencely claims medal
Luke Allan won the medal last year and the Hawks could see another medal winner this year in Spencely.
He should stand out as a versatile star in the division.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Hackham
2. Elizabeth
3. Central United
4. Flinders Uni
5. Mitchell Park
6. Brahma Lodge
7. Mawson Lakes
8. Smithfield
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MATT SPENCELY
(Hackham)
An all-round quality player with the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck, Spencely can play as a dangerous forward or a skilled midfielder.
Will add plenty to an already strong Hackham side in division seven.
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