Glenunga Rams ready to compete for division one flag after arrival of Abe Davis

A division one Adelaide Footy League club believes it is set to improve on its finals finish last season after locking in the services of a SANFL star for season 2023.

A division one Adelaide Footy Club is ready to compete for silverware in season 2023 after retaining its 2022 finals side and adding a star SANFL goalkicking threat.

Former Sydney Swans player and Sturt 100-gamer Abe Davis has joined the Glenunga Rams for the upcoming season after booting 36 majors in 17 games for the Double Blues in 2022.

The gun forward, who can also play through the middle, adds to a strong Rams side which includes forward Michael McMahon, midfielder and captain Alex Haren, key defender Beau Schwarze and former North Adelaide and Norwood player Tom Langford.

Coach Nathan Grima said Davis – who finished third in the Farmer Medal last SANFL season – was already having a significant influence on his side, just a month into its pre-season preparation.

“Abe coming in makes a huge difference, he’s a top quality player and he’s already motivating a lot of the guys to follow his lead,” Grima said.

Abe Davis has left Sturt and joined Glenunga for Adelaide Footy League season 2023. Picture: David Mariuz

“We had a strong season making finals last year but what we did lack was some more top-end talent with SANFL experience and Abe is that sort of experienced player who is very competitive and knows what he wants to achieve this year.

“Lyndon Hupfeld (former West Adelaide) has joined us along with Abe as well and we’re excited to have him as well – hopefully we can help him get his enjoyment for the game back and he can produce a strong season too.”

The Rams surprised many in 2022 when his side made the finals in the club’s first division one season, ultimately getting knocked out by Goodwood in the first round.

Grima has retained most of his finals side and believed the return of more experienced players would help the club to further success in the top flight.

Glenunga star Michael McMahon should combine well with new recruit Abe Davis in season 2023. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

“The boys are going pretty well in the pre-season so far – we’ve had all of our A Grade guys out on the track each session and the attitude seems really good,” Grima said.

“There are a lot of young guys who will continue to improve through experience and we’re hoping we can get regular games into guys like Fletcher Wisman, Tommy Langford and Tom Bielby after injury-interrupted seasons.

“Sam Smith could be a big boost for us around the ground as well after three knee reconstructions in the last few years – no one deserves that to happen to them so we’re going to support him as much as we can.”

While Grima said he was expecting improvement out of the Rams, he believed division one would be as competitive as ever in 2023.

Glenunga coach Nathan Grima said he was expecting improvement out of his side in 2023. Picture: Max Stapleton

“We won’t take anyone lightly.

“Port District was probably the best-coached team last year and they could go to another gear this season, Prince Alfred OC deserved to be in the grand final after a bit of a slow start and teams like Goodwood are always in finals contention.

“A lot of teams outside of those three look strong as well and it’s been a competition recently where anyone can beat anyone.

“We just want to improve on our play last season and see where that takes us.”