Local SA footy 2025 pre-season track watch

From new recruits to young guns and established stars, a number of local SA footy names have impressed in the pre-season so far. See our intel on the standouts ahead of season 2025.

The local SA footy pre-season is underway for 2025 and a number of names have been impressing their coaches across the state.

See our intel on the standout players each week right here.

Here are the names in alphabetical order.

HUNTER CARTER

(Port District, Adelaide Footy League)

Hunter Carter pulled a hamstring before Port District’s grand final win over Glenunga last season but has reportedly returned in great shape for pre-season.

Carter has impressed coaches on the track through the club’s first few sessions and could be set for a big year in 2025.

JACK FIRNS

(Port District, Adelaide Footy League)

Port District recruit Jack Firns. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Former WWTFC premiership player Firns has been a standout in the early pre-season for reigning D1 premier Port District.

A versatile player, Firns has performed well during match simulation and should add extra strength to the lineup for 2025.

ANTHONY HELLEBAUT

(Salisbury North, Adelaide Footy League)

A standout forward for Salisbury North last season, Hellebaut has returned to pre-season in top shape for the Hawks.

Hellebaut will be looking to repeat his efforts of last division two season in division one next year.

JACKSON HOOPER

(Hahndorf, Hills Football League)

Former Southern Eagles gun Jackson Hooper. Picture: Southern Eagles Football Club

Star recruit Jackson Hooper has impressed Hahndorf coach Matt Golding since arriving from Southern Eagles.

Hooper has been one of his side’s fittest in the pre-season and is set to add grunt and defensive accountability to the Magpies midfield.

DYLAN HOPGOOD

(Hahndorf, Hills Football League)

Fresh off of a best on ground display in the 2024 HFL grand final, Hopgood has been a standout in the pre-season.

He is in top condition and could become one of the top players in the competition next year.

BEN KENNEDY

(Kingston, Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League)

Ben Kennedy should be a major boost for Kingston. Picture: Kingston Saints

Kingston’s star recruit for season 2025, former Melbourne, Collingwood and Myponga-Sellicks gun Kennedy has impressed coaches on the track so far this pre-season.

A versatile player who can dominate on the ball or up front, Kennedy will undoubtedly be one to keep an eye on next year.

SAM MORRIS

(Payneham Norwood Union, Adelaide Footy League)

Sam Morris is set to star for PNU next season. Picture: SANFL

PNU’s star recruit out of Norwood, Morris has been one of the standouts across the pre-season so far.

The Redlegs premiership player will bring experience and toughness to the Falcons midfield next season.

TOM MCDERMOTT

(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)

A rising star for Sacred Heart OC, McDermott has continued to impress for his club in preparation for season 2025.

A versatile and skilled player who can do damage through the middle or on the wing, McDermott has been performing on the track and could be set for a big season.

JESSE MCKINNON

(St Peter's OC, Adelaide Footy League)

Jesse McKinnon during his time with South Adelaide. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

A star recruit from Victor Harbor, McKinnon has impressed coaches at SPOC throughout the pre-season.

A big-bodied midfielder who can impact the game in a number of ways, McKinnon has been a standout on the track and in match sims and should be a major standout for SPOC this year.

BEAU MCRAE

(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide footy League)

McRae experienced an up and down 2024 season for SHOC but has been in great form throughout the pre-season according to club coaches.

A hardworking player with reliable skills, McRae has impressed on the track and should be one to watch in season 2025.

JORDAN O’BRIEN

(Salisbury North, Adelaide Footy League)

Salisbury North’s captain dominating in the pre-season comes as no surprise but Hawks coaches would be excited by O’Brien’s condition ahead of a big division one season.

A superstar midfielder at his best, O’Brien will need to have a strong year if his side wants to experience success in the top div.

JONNIE READ

(St Peter's OC, Adelaide Footy League)

The versatile St Peter's OC star has been one of the club's top performers in the pre-season.

A key position player who can also fill a number of other roles around the ground, Read looks set for another big year in div one.

HAYDEN SAMPSON

(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern Football League)

Hayden Sampson of the Panthers handballs during the Round 1 SANFL match between South Adelaide and Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium in Adelaide, Friday, March 29, 2024. (SANFL Image/David Mariuz)

A young gun returning from South Adelaide, Sampson is set to inject skill and power into the Mudlarks lineup this coming season.

Has impressed so far in preparation and will be one to watch in the GSFL in 2025.

AARON STEWART

(Athelstone, Adelaide Footy League)

Athelstone’s new recruit has impressed coaches on the track so far.

A standout midfielder through a number of years in the AdFL, Stewart should provide a major boost for the Raggies next season.

HARRY TUNKIN

(Kingston, Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League)

Former Millicent star Harry Tunkin has impressed with Kingston in the pre-season. Picture: Millicent Football Club

One of the top youngsters in local SA footy, Tunkin’s move from Millicent to Kingston has the Saints excited for next KNTFL season.

Tunkin has impressed with his work rate and fitness so far in the pre-season and looks set for a huge 2025.

FLETCHER WISMAN

(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)

A versatile youngster for Glenunga, Wisman has impressed coaches with his conditioning and performance on the pre-season track.

A breakout season from the young forward/midfield utility would be significant for the Rams after losing a second straight div one grand final.