Local SA footy’s most influential figures revealed
Local SA footy has gone from strength to strength and we’ve profiled the people having the biggest impact – from presidents and executives to players, coaches and volunteers.
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Local SA footy has gone from strength to strength in recent years despite facing many challenges through and after the covid period.
A number of figures have had a major impact on the SA community football landscape and we’ve listed those who currently sit among the most influential from presidents and executives to players, coaches, volunteers and sponsors.
Those who made the cut were selected for their importance to clubs, competitions or local SA footy as a whole.
Here they are in alphabetical order.
MICK BRIEN
(Barossa, Light and Gawler FA president)
The revered president of the BLGFA has played a major part in ensuring one of the state’s biggest country competitions remains as strong as ever.
Has also been a strong advocate for the Barossa Valley to host a Gather Round game and played a part in the region securing an AFL contest in 2025.
DARREN HAWKINS
(Port District president)
Hawkins, along with former president and now vice president Craig Brown, has played a major part in the rise of the Adelaide Footy League’s most recent division one power.
Has overseen a gradual transformation of a club which had not won a D1 flag for 30 years to one which has fielded a number of former AFL and SANFL players and has claimed two of the past three premierships.
BRAD BUSCH
(SANFL league director – community football)
Community football director Brad Busch is an important part of the SANFL’s approach to the local game.
As a director, Busch has voting rights on all league decisions across SA community footy making his role one of the most important at the local level.
ABE DAVIS
(Glenunga player)
Winner of the last two Keith Sims OAM Medals as the best and fairest player in division one of the Adelaide Footy League.
The former Sydney, South Adelaide and Sturt player has been a major factor in Glenunga’s rise to being a legit and consistent D1 contender.
MATTHEW DULDIG
(SANFL executive general manager of football)
SANFL’s executive GM of football, Duldig has been highly-respected in SA footy through a number of years.
One of community footy’s most important figures, Duldig is responsible for overseeing all football in SA including the competitions and programs delivered by the SANFL and has had a major hand in the game’s growth and development.
SCOTT DUNCAN
(Country Zone Committee chair)
Chair of the SANFL’s Country Zone Committee, a Community Football Committee representative and a longstanding SANFL delegate in the South East.
Duncan has had a major impact in SA country football and has an important role to play in its ever-changing landscape, as seen with South East football’s recent restructure.
DANIEL EDDINGTON
(Adelaide Footy League president)
The president of the Adelaide Footy League, Eddington has worked in one of the league’s most important roles.
Has worked alongside league chief John Kernahan to ensure the competition remains strong and experiences continued growth.
DENISE FRAHN
(River Murray Football League)
A hardworking volunteer who has dedicated years of time to one of SA’s stronger country competitions, Frahn’s impact in 2024 cannot be understated.
Battling breast cancer, Frahn worked tirelessly to almost single-handedly run RMFL TV coverage of the competition’s games each week, a service which supplies 40 per cent of the league’s revenue.
SHAWN FORD
(SANFL head of community football)
Overseeing community football in SA for the SANFL, Ford has been highly influential.
Ford plays an important role in the continued future growth of all local SA footy competitions and has recently been integral in the restructure of football in the South East.
WILL FROGLEY
(Master Builders SA chief executive, sponsor)
Heading up Master Builders, a major partner of the Adelaide Footy League, Frogley’s contribution has been significant.
Has also worked with the league to implement the ‘Born to Build’ program and provide job opportunities and advice for players outside of their footballing responsibilities.
ROD GEORGE
(Broadview secretary)
One of the most influential members of division one club Broadview, George has held a number of roles through decades with the Tigers on the committee and in all other areas and has been a major part of the club’s return to the top division.
Currently the Tigers secretary, George dedicates significant time to many areas around the club and is also an expert in the club’s history.
George also served on the SAAFL committee and created the home final system.
PHIL GOGEL
(River Murray Football League president)
RMFL president Gogel has overseen two strong years of River Murray FL footy and has been one of the most important figures in the region.
The competition has welcomed two amalgamated clubs during his tenure and has drawn some of its biggest ever names, including this year’s Coorong playing-coach Daniel Menzel.
MATT GOLDING
(Hahndorf coach)
One of the most successful coaches currently in local footy, Golding has been a major part of Hahndorf’s dominant run in the Hills.
Recently coached the Magpies to an undefeated season and has led the club to five premierships since joining in season 2018.
KATE GRANDEY
(Golden Grove president)
The first ever female president of an Adelaide Footy League club.
Grandey has opened doors for other female leaders at the local level and has also been integral in Golden Grove’s rise to becoming a contender in division one men’s and women’s football through her 25 years of service to the club.
TIM HALL
(Prince Alfred OC president)
A former PAOC player, Hall has been instrumental as president and part of the club’s committee, overseeing a successful era in division one.
Princes have claimed two premierships since 2019 while playing in three grand finals, the most recent win being over Glenunga last year.
GEOFF HEARD
(Adelaide Footy League historian, Scotch OC)
The Adelaide Footy League’s honorary historian and a key member of the Scotch Old Collegians Football Club, Heard continues to have a big impact locally.
Has tallied 55 years of involvement with Scotch OC and has been in a number of roles from the committee to club president, while also holding roles within the SAAFL/AdFL.
ANDREW JARMAN
(Port Noarlunga coach)
One of local SA footy’s biggest names, Jarman has had influence at a number of community clubs.
Previously experiencing a solid stint with Willaston before heading to Gaza, Jarman has recently spearheaded Port Noarlunga’s transformation from winless to Southern FL contender.
GRAHAM KAESLER
(Hahndorf president)
A highly-regarded pillar of one of SA’s strongest country footy clubs, Kaesler has had a significant impact as club president.
Has overseen an extremely successful run at all levels for the Magpies which has included multiple A Grade flags while also sponsoring the club.
JOHN KERNAHAN
(Adelaide Footy League chief)
The Adelaide Footy League remains the state’s biggest competition below the SANFL and has gone from strength to strength rapidly under the guise of Kernahan, undoubtedly one of SA footy’s most influential figures.
Kernahan led the AdFL well through a coronavirus-damaged season and has since helped to accommodate nearly 30 divisions of men’s and women’s teams while navigating rule changes and other challenges the game presents, such as on-field behaviour and standards – a space the league has excelled in.
GRANT LEVY
(Great Southern Football League president)
Taking on the job ahead of season 2023, GSFL president Grant Levy has already overseen two majorly successful seasons.
The competition has remained as strong as ever under Levy’s leadership while also attracting big names such as Jack Redden and Bryce Gibbs.
PETER LINDNER
(Chairman – SANFL community football committee)
Lindner has had decades of influence in country footy and is an important part of the SANFL’s community football board.
Helps to make key decisions around community football in SA including all country and suburban leagues delivered by the SANFL.
SCOTT LYCETT
(Port District player)
Joining Port District directly after retiring from the AFL, former West Coast premiership ruck and Port Adelaide Power gun Lycett was a major part of the club’s second flag in three years this season.
One of the biggest names to join an Adelaide Footy League side in recent years, Lycett was dominant through the 2024 season and produced a starring display on grand final day against Glenunga.
TRAVIS LYNN
(Hills Football League president)
Lynn wanted the HFL to be the strongest country competition in SA when he took over as president ahead of season 2024 and the league remains in that conversation.
Has overseen yet another successful year for the league in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
GARRY MCINTOSH
(Payneham Norwood Union)
McIntosh has had a huge impact on division one club Payneham Norwood Union in many areas, from volunteering his time for a number of jobs through 20 years, to winning men’s flags as a player and coach and also coaching juniors.
Macca’s best work has come in the women’s footy space in recent years – he has spearheaded the women’s program at the Falcons and this year coached the division one side to a famous premiership win over Broadview.
DANIEL MENZEL
(Coorong playing-coach)
The former Geelong and Sydney forward joined River Murray FL club Coorong shortly after retiring from SANFL football after a successful stint with Woodville-West Torrens and spearheaded an undefeated run by the Cats.
Menzel recruited key players, dominated around the ground through the year and coached a spectacular run to give the club its first ever premiership.
PETER MITCHELL
(Mid South Eastern FL president)
An important figure in the South East, Mitchell has overseen a number of positive years for the MSEFL as president.
Has also played a key role in the restructure of South East football with SANFL.
JAMIE MORGAN
(Plympton president)
Morgan currently holds both the president and junior football director positions at Plympton and has been a key driver for new clubrooms.
Morgan has been president of the Metro South Junior Football League, was a major part of the Bulldogs winning 2022 SANFL Juniors club of the year and was recognised as the Sportsperson of the Year by the City of Marion in 2023 for his dedication to the growth of the game in the south-west of Adelaide.
JIM PARKINSON
(Prince Alfred OC chairman/football director)
The Old Reds have experienced one of their most successful eras with Parkinson being heavily involved as chairman and football director through that period.
Has been instrumental in the club’s progression to becoming arguably the biggest D1 power and helped to bring in big names such as Craig Pitt, Jack Trengove and Chris Curran in recent years.
DAVID PITTMAN
(Glenunga)
Pittman has played an integral role in the rise of Glenunga in recent years.
A club sponsor and A Grade assistant coach, the former Crows premiership player has also spearheaded recruitment for the Rams, helping to build a strong list which has now made two consecutive division one grand finals.
JOSH RAMSEY
(Port District coach)
Port District’s recent success in division one of the Adelaide Footy League has coincided with Ramsey’s arrival as club A Grade coach.
The former West Adelaide assistant coach has played a key part in the club’s recruitment of AFL and SANFL players such as Scott Lycett, Sam Gray, Matt Rose and Joey Haines and has masterminded two premiership wins in three years over PAOC and Glenunga.
RON REDFORD
(Western Eyre Football League president)
President of the Western Eyre FL since 2008, Redford has had a significant involvement in community football for a long period of time and has been an influential figure in EP footy over a number of years.
A strong supporter and advocate for football across the EP, Redford has devoted his time to the local competition as well as the Mortlock Shield and will be a key figure in how the future of the game in the region is shaped.
DANIELLE ROBRAN
(Adelaide Footy League)
Robran has dedicated significant time and effort to women’s and junior football in Adelaide and has previously been the female footy director at the Henley Football Club.
Robran has had, and will continue to have a major impact on the shape of the AdFL women’s competition as it continues its rise in SA.
COLIN ROWSTON
(Adelaide Footy League umpire manager)
Rowston’s job as umpire manager of the Adelaide Footy League has been as important as ever as demand for umpires continues to grow at the local level.
Rowston is responsible for organising over 400 registered field, boundary and goal umpires to cover 120 games each Saturday, or negotiating how to make up the numbers when needed, which has contributed to the league’s continued success.
DENNIS SCHLEIN
(Walkerville Football Club)
Schlein has dedicated decades of service to Walkerville and is still a major figure at the division four club.
Has had a hand in a number of areas at the club and has been the secretary for 30 years and has served as the club delegate to the SAAFL.
He received the Walkerville Council’s Mayor’s Choice Award this year in recognition of his integral service.
JOHN SCHULZ
(Kenilworth Football Club)
A giant of the Kenilworth Football Club, Schulz has been one of the most influential figures of a local SA footy club over decades.
Now the Adelaide Football Club’s Integrity and Security Officer, Schulz has held a number of major roles at Kenilworth including coach, secretary, treasurer and football director, and now remains on the club’s board with a focus on facility management.
He has also coached the state inclusive side, served on the board of the Adelaide Footy League and has been key to securing $3.5 million in Commonwealth, State and local funding for his club.
CRAIG SCOTT
(Goodwood Football Club)
Also an executive committee member of the Adelaide Footy League, Craig Scott has had a major influence on one of the state’s strongest clubs of the 21st Century.
Has nearly 50 years of involvement with Goodwood and served as president from 2017 to 2022, overseeing the development of a standout junior program, a female football program and a number of junior and senior premierships.
DAVID SHIPWAY
(Limestone Coast Football League)
A former SANFL commissioner and Community Football Committee chairperson, Shipway remains one of the state’s most influential local footy figures.
Currently a board member of the Limestone Coast Football Netball League and passionate community footy ambassador, Shipway has over 30 years of service dedicated to local football.
‘Shippy’ has a reputation for rolling up his sleeves for important causes and has been key in raising significant amounts of money for local players and clubs in need.
He has also won the AFL’s Jack Titus Award for his service and has the SANFL’s volunteer of the year award named after him.
MICHAEL SUMMERS
(Limestone Coast Football League president)
A longtime contributor to footy in the South East, LCFL president Michael Summers has played an important part in ensuring the future of football in the region.
Has also played a key role in the restructure of South East football with SANFL.
MARTY SMITH
(Payneham Norwood Union president)
Smith took over as president of one of local SA footy’s biggest clubs ahead of season 2024 and has already overseen a historic season for the club.
With the men’s side back contending in division one under Jeremy Cini and behind the leadership of star recruit Matthew Nunn and the women’s side winning its first D1 flag this year, Smith looks set to help the Falcons to more major success.
BILL THREADGOLD
(Air Diffusion Agencies owner, local footy sponsor)
Threadgold’s Air Diffusion Agencies has had a major hand in sponsoring local SA sporting bodies through many years.
He has been a major sponsor of the Southern Football League for decades as well as the Reynella Football Club and was this year inducted into the SFL hall of fame.
SEAN TOOHEY
(SANFL head of football operations)
SANFL’s head of football operations, one of Toohey’s major responsibilities is to also oversee community football.
Combines with Duldig and Ford to ensure local SA footy’s present and future stays strong across country and suburban competitions.
JACK TRENGOVE
(Kybybolite player)
The former Melbourne AFL captain and SANFL gun has had a major impact as a player since returning to the community level, initially for Prince Alfred OC and now Kybybolite.
One of the major names in local footy, Trengove helped PAOC to two premierships and also won the D1 medal before heading back to junior club Kybybolite with a number of Princes teammates to take the club from one win in 2023 to top of the ladder in 2024.
CRAIG WARMAN
(Southern Football League president)
Warman has contributed to the SFL and local SA football for over 40 years.
Has been president for nearly 20 years and has modernised league operations, relocated the headquarters and introduced its Hall of Fame.
He was SA’s nominee for the AFL Community Volunteer of the Year for 2024.
STEPHEN YOUNG
(Athelstone president)
Young has been the president of the Athelstone Football Club since 2002 and is also an Adelaide Footy League executive committee member.
He has overseen the club’s growth on the field during his tenure as it continues to compete in division two behind big names such as Mitch Grigg, while also being instrumental in a strong juniors and women’s program as well as the Max Amber Sportsfield redevelopment.
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