Local SA footy player movement rumour mill
Local SA footy silly season is here and a number of big name players could be set to join a community club for 2025. Read everything we’ve heard through the rumour mill.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The local SA footy silly season is here with a number of clubs looking to bolster their troops after a thrilling 2024.
With a number of former AFL and SANFL players potentially available across the state, word is beginning to travel on where some of the big names could end up.
The rumour mill is already in full motion and will only continue to gather pace in the coming weeks and months.
So, in no particular order, here are some of the whispers we’re hearing about where the big names could be playing next year.
We‘ll be staying tuned throughout the off-season to see which ones become fact and which are merely fiction.
TROY MENZEL
(Coorong)
Menzel has retired from the SANFL level after a premiership career with Woodville-West Torrens and word is he will join his brother, Daniel at reigning River Murray FL premier Coorong.
The former Carlton and Crows forward would be a major signing for the Cats, who went undefeated under Daniel Menzel’s tutelage as playing-coach this year.
GUY PAGE
(Edwardstown)
Sturt 200-gamer Guy Page has called time on his SANFL career with the Double Blues and is said to be a chance to return to Edwardstown, his junior club.
The premiership defender is known to have an interest in coaching but would prove to be a big boost for Towns if the division three club is able to lure him home.
MATTHEW SNOOK
(PHOS Camden, various)
Superstar Glenelg midfielder Snook has retired after winning his third flag with Glenelg and could be available locally.
Snook’s junior club, PHOS Camden is set to ask the question after a tough division two season but other clubs are also said to be interested if he considers playing at the local level in 2025.
MATTHEW PANOS
(Rostrevor OC, various)
Norwood legend Matt Panos has retired from the SANFL after playing his 150th game for the Redlegs in their grand final loss to Glenelg on Sunday.
‘The King’ won two premierships with the club in 2014 and 2022 and is said to be a chance to join Rostrevor OC as a former Rostrevor College player.
STEVEN SLIMMING
(Unley)
Sturt premiership player Slimming has called time after 150 games with the Double Blues.
The gun wingman played his junior footy at Unley and the Jets are said to be interested in his services after just missing out on promotion to division two of the AdFL.
CHRIS CURRAN
(Victor Harbor, various)
The former Glenelg captain made a triumphant return to the Bays this season after winning a D1 flag with Prince Alfred OC in 2023, playing a major part in the side’s thrilling grand final win over Norwood.
Curran is said to be a chance to call time on his Glenelg career after winning another premiership and could very well join Victor Harbor and brother-in-law Bryce Gibbs.
SHANE EDWARDS
(Golden Grove)
The triple AFL premiership player and 300-gamer with Richmond returned home to South Australia in 2022 and has been involved with junior club Golden Grove.
The skilled playmaker has strong connections at the club and could be an option as the Kookaburras look to improve on their finals finish in div one.
RILEY BONNER
(Goodwood Saints)
Goodwood reportedly asked the question of Bonner after he was delisted by Port Adelaide last season and the flanker could be approached again after being delisted by St Kilda at the end of season 2024.
He would prove to be a huge coup for his junior club which missed finals in division two.
PHOENIX FOSTER
(Wudinna, various)
Foster has been delisted by Geelong and could be a chance to return to the local level in SA if he does not find his way on to another list.
A Wudinna United product, the young utility should be approached by his local club and a few others in the area.
SAM MCINERNEY
(Various)
Sam McInerney has called time on his North Adelaide career after 98 games and a premiership with the Roosters.
Word is the star utility is being chased by hometown club Jamestown-Peterborough as well as Crystal Brook.
JAMES WILLIS
(Ingle Farm)
Another who has been delisted by Geelong, James Willis has big connections with his junior club Ingle Farm and could make a return next year.
A skilled midfielder, Willis would be a big pick-up for the Bulldogs ahead of the 2025 Adelaide Footy League season.
TEX WANGANEEN
(Various)
Son of SA footy legend Gavin, Tex Wanganeen has been delisted by Essendon and is expected to return home if he does not find his way on to another list.
While SANFL is said to be the more likely option, the former Prince Alfred College and Sturt player will be approached by local clubs.
MITCH HARDIE
(Various)
The former Woodville-West Torrens midfielder has been delisted by Geelong after being named in the VFL Team of the Year and is said to be a chance to venture back to SA.
Local clubs will ask the question if Hardie, originally from NSW, does consider a return.
KAINE BALDWIN
(Henley, various)
Baldwin has been delisted by Essendon after eight games in three years and the former Glenelg gun is said to be a high chance to return home to SA.
The utility played his junior years at Henley and the Sharks will circle if he returns home and opts not to play SANFL footy.
CAMPBELL COMBE
(Crystal Brook)
SIGNED:Crystal Brook
Magarey Medallist and five time North Adelaide Best and Fairest Combe has called time on his starring career with the Roosters.
He is expected to return to hometown club Crystal Brook and play alongside brother Will in the Northern Areas Football Association.
The 2024 Barrie Robran Club Champion would be a major addition for Crystal Brook after the club suffered elimination in the first round of finals this year.
Watch replays: Australian Junior Hardcourt Tennis Championships, Day 2
Three top seeds locked up quarter final appearances at one of Tennis Australia’s top junior tournaments, while a Queenslander’s hot start drew to a close. Check out the schedule. Catch the REPLAYS.
Read more
‘Change is required’: Restructure looms for major SA footy region
Plans of a restructure are being floated for one of SA’s biggest country footy and netball regions, with the SANFL set to meet with local league and club representatives. See what the future could hold.
Read more