Golden Grove adds former North Adelaide forward Liam Verity for season 2025

A division one Adelaide Footy League club has set itself up for a big 2025 season after adding a former SANFL forward to a star-studded squad.

A division one Adelaide Footy League club has set itself up for what could be a big season after adding a former SANFL key forward to an already star-studded list.

Golden Grove, coached by former Central District star Luke Barmby and led by former AFL/SANFL players Josh Glenn, Lewis Johnston, Cam Shenton and Jake Pitman, has signed former North Adelaide and Modbury spearhead Liam Verity for season 2025.

Verity, who booted 267 goals in 74 games for Modbury, has arrived at the Kookaburras alongside new recruits Lam Simon (North Adelaide), Sam Duke, Oliver Robinson, Harry Kowal and Dylan Pilkington and added a sense of excitement during a gruelling pre-season for the side.

“Liam will bring another strong focal point for us in front of the footy,” Barmby said.

Former North Adelaide and Modbury key forward Liam Verity has joined Golden Grove. Picture: Modbury Football Club Facebook

“He’ll give us some grunt up forward, compete well, take some good marks and impact the scoreboard.

“He has a great work ethic and reads the play well so we’re really excited to see him in Kookaburra colours.”

While the recruits have been impressive in the pre-season, Barmby said established key players of the side had also gone up a gear, led by star inside midfielder Jake Pitman.

“Jake, Michael Cavallaro, Josh Dobie and Mitch Payne have gone up another level with their fitness and training, really driving standards and running personal bests.

Golden Grove coach Luke Barmby (middle) with stars Cam Shenton (left) and Lewis Johnston (right). Picture:Golden Grove Football Club

“Pre-season has been really tough but the boys have embraced the challenge, gotten themselves fit and are ready for the season to start.”

Golden Grove experienced a strong maiden division one season last year but bowed out to eventual preliminary finalist Payneham Norwood Union in a home elimination final.

With a number of talented recruits joining an already impressive list, many could be expecting a strong finals performance from the Kookaburras this year.

Barmby said his side was keeping everything in perspective.

“We’re a bit more understanding of what division one asks of you as a player, coach team and club,” he said.

Golden Grove will be a team to watch in D1 this coming season. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

“The motivation is definitely there but it’s not about redeeming a finals loss, it’s more in the sense of being prepared the best we can physically and mentally, driving high expectations … and then showcasing what we know we’re capable of.

“We believe that our best footy is capable of beating anyone and feel that we have the squad to have an impact this year.

“We’re also aware that the competition is extremely tight and we will need to perform each week but most importantly improve on what we were able to do last season.”

The Kookaburras will take on newly promoted Salisbury North at Harpers Field in round one.