Local SA footy’s top 30 coaches of 2024 ranked
From former AFL and SANFL stars to local legends, we’ve ranked local SA footy’s top 30 coaches of season 2024. See who made the cut.
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From former AFL and SANFL players to local icons, there is no shortage of top drawer coaches in local SA footy.
So, based solely on this season, we have drawn from the state’s country and suburban competitions to rank the top 30 coaches of 2024.
While finals success proved to be a major factor in selection, coaches who have turned their clubs around were also considered.
Here are our rankings from 30 to 1.
30. ANDREW JARMAN
(Port Noarlunga)
Jarman joined a struggling Port Noarlunga as coach ahead of season 2023 and has taken the club from winless in 2022 to semi finalists in 2024.
The SA footy legend has recruited well and led the Cockledivers to 14 wins during the minor round and a third spot finish before losing to Flagstaff Hill and Happy Valley in finals.
While the end of the year would have proved disappointing, Jarman has experienced consistent improvement from his players.
29. CALEB EDMEAD
(Two Wells)
One of SA country footy’s most successful coaches in recent years, Two Wells playing-coach Caleb Edmead has now led his club to three consecutive Adelaide Plains FL flags in his three years in charge.
Edmead’s Roosters were as dominant as ever around the ground this season, finishing minor premiers and tallying 16 wins and just three losses to claim another flag.
28. SCOTT THOMPSON
(Unley)
Thompson suffered relegation to division three in his first year in charge of Unley but has since had the Jets competing consistently in the division to make two consecutive preliminary finals.
The Crows great and former Port Adelaide development coach would be pleased with his third spot side’s 14-win performance this season but will be looking for improvement and promotion next year.
27. SAM COLQUHOUN
(Tanunda)
The Magpies went out in straight sets in this year’s BLGFA finals but Colquhoun’s efforts have not gone without recognition after the former Sturt and Port Adelaide gun and current Tanunda playing-coach led his side to the minor premiership with 14 wins.
The season marked one of major improvement for the club after it finished seventh last season and it should now be in position to build toward a flag after a number of dominant displays.
26. CRAIG HADDEN
(Angaston)
Joining as coach in 2022, Hadden has taken Angaston from sixth last year to a grand final this season after guiding his side to impressive defeats of South Gawler and of Tanunda in last week’s preliminary final.
A strong defensive outfit which attacks the footy relentlessly in the contest and can also score in bunches, Hadden has the Panthers prowling ahead of Saturday’s big dance.
25. STEVIE SUMNER
(Mypolonga)
A former senior community football coach of the year, Sumner has led Mypolonga to another grand final this season after falling short against Jervois in last year’s big dance.
The Tigers have tallied 12 wins under Sumner’s tutelage, impressing in finals to top Southern Mallee and Imperials.
Coorong stands as heavy favourite to take out the RMFL flag but Sumner’s grand final experience may prove to be the difference.
24. BRENDAN MCKEOUGH
(Reynella)
The Wineflies have been dominant yet again under McKeough this season and will be a strong chance to top Flagstaff Hill in this weekend’s grand final.
McKeough’s Reynella side finished as the minor premier this year has played a tough brand of footy all season, often holding opponents to low scores.
23. MARK WEAVER
(Gumeracha)
A standout coach in the Hills, Weaver has spearheaded Gumeracha’s emergence as the powerhouse of the Country Division.
Fresh off of back-to-back premierships, Weaver’s Magpies won 15 and lost just one game this season on their way to a third consecutive premiership, defeating Kangarilla by 20 points in the big dance.
22. SAM THARALDSEN
(Flagstaff Hill)
Tharaldsen has become a legend of Flagstaff Hill through his years as a dominant defender and captain, but he has also emerged as a promising playing-coach of the Falcons this season.
A revered figure at the club, Tharaldsen took over as coach after Sam Jacobs departed at the end of last season and has the Falcons in this Saturday’s grand final against Reynella after they beat the Wineflies by nine points in the second semi two weeks ago.
21. TOM HUTCHESSON
(Hatherleigh)
Joining Hatherleigh last season, former GWS listed Hutchesson has been a standout as playing-coach of the Eagles this year.
A dominant forward and onballer in his own right, Hutchesson’s ability to lead his side and prepare his players tactically for any challenge in the Mid South Eastern FL has stood out and the Eagles look likely to win their first flag since 2013.
20. DANIEL MENZEL
(Coorong)
Joining Coorong as playing-coach this season, former Geelong, Sydney and Woodville-West Torrens gun Menzel has been instrumental in making the Cats an undefeated force in the River Murray FL.
Dominating up front and around the ground as a player, Menzel has helped to build a winning culture at his new country club and is just one win from completing an undefeated campaign.
19. MATT BURGESS
(Broadview)
Departing Broadview for an opportunity in the SANFL next season, Burgess kept Broadview afloat in division one despite a number of key injuries throughout the season.
A division two premiership coach with the club in 2022, Burgess coached his side to seven wins (just two away from finals) and an impressive final round victory over Brighton to remain in the top flight.
18. MATT MCDONOUGH & TOM CLARKE
(Lockleys)
Teaming up at Lockleys back in 2021, McDonough and Clarke have co-coached the Demons from division five all the way to division two after making the D3 big dance this year.
The pair led their side to a division four flag in 2022 and have made two consecutive grand finals since, with the Demons playing attractive and selfless footy this year but falling to Henley in division three.
17. DAMIEN HERZICK
(Willaston)
A former assistant with North Adelaide, Herzick has led Willaston on a strong grand final run in the Barossa Light and Gawler FA this year after finishing fifth last year.
The Donnybrooks have been as dangerous as anyone in the competition this season to finish second on the ladder and Herzick’s defensive approach to his side’s 70-69 second semi final win over league leader Tanunda saw them book a spot in the big dance.
16. DAIMON HEAD
(Henley)
West Adelaide Reserves coach in 2023, Head joined Henley as head coach this year and made an instant impact.
Head helped to recruit a number of names at the start of the year such as former Power player Matt Broadbent and West Adelaide young gun Kane Sherlock, and instilled a selflessness and strong defensive approach in the Sharks to lead them to 18 wins this year and a memorable div three premiership.
15. GIANNI PETRUCCI
(McLaren)
The highly respected coach of McLaren has played a major part in establishing the Eagles as a power of the Great Southern Football League, leading the club to back-to-back flags in 2022 and 2023 and a preliminary final this year.
A well-rounded team which is typically strong in the contest, Petrucci’s McLaren outfit has lost just seven games in the last three years and should be capable of bouncing back next season after a prelim loss to Darren Shillabeer and Myponga-Sellicks.
14. CRAIG PITT
(Prince Alfred OC)
One of PAOC’s most successful leaders in club history, playing-coach Craig Pitt kept his Old Reds competitive in sixth spot on the division one ladder this year after the side suffered a high number of player departures following last season’s D1 premiership.
A versatile asset himself, Pitt’s ability to lead his side by example, develop youngsters and strategise for big games highlighted his tenure in charge of Princes, which he recently called time on.
Pitt made three consecutive div one grand finals and won two flags in his five years as coach.
13. DAMIEN CROSS
(Victor Harbor)
While the Roos have picked up a number of star players this season including Ben Heaslip and Bryce Gibbs, Cross’ ability to bring his players together and have them clicking has been just as important to the club’s success so far.
With a 16-2 minor round record, the top spot Roos have dominated in the GSFL with their slick ball movement and forward efficiency to sit as the favourite for the flag in this weekend’s big dance.
12. DARREN SHILLABEER
(Myponga-Sellicks)
Some may have been surprised by Shillabeer’s arrival at Myponga-Sellicks after the club finished third twice under Rod Mitchell, but the former Barossa District reserves coach and new Mudlarks playing-coach has been a major boost for the club.
A dominant forward on the field, Shillabeer’s fresh approach and guidance has seen the Mudlarks make an impressive run to this year’s GSFL grand final from fourth spot.
11. LUKE BARMBY
(Golden Grove)
The star playing-coach of Golden Grove when the Kookaburras went undefeated in division three in 2022 and won the division two flag in 2023, Barmby helped his side to div one finals from the interchange this year.
Barmby has led a versatile and dangerous Golden Grove side capable of switching up their approach on the fly this year and while they suffered an elimination loss to PNU, a fourth place finish is something the Kookaburras will build off of next year.
10. ALEX CAILOTTO
(Sacred Heart OC)
While Sacred Heart OC did not quite get it done in finals this season, Cailotto has helped to turn the club into a legit division one contender since taking on the playing-coach job last season.
Division two runners-up in 2022, SHOC has recorded two consecutive seasons of 13 wins and five losses through strong defensive footy in the AdFL’s top div and should be set for more finals success in the near future.
9. JACK KELLY
(Kybybolite)
Kelly spearheaded one of the biggest turnarounds in local SA footy this year, coaching Kybybolite from bottom spot in 2023 to top in 2024.
Additions of players such as Jack Trengove and Andrew Bradley helped the Tigers’ cause but Kelly’s tactics and influence were obvious to all as his side won 14 more games than season 2023 through high-pressure, attacking footy and just fell to Mundulla in the grand final.
8. LUKE WIESE
(Mundulla)
While Mundulla finished top of the KNTFL ladder last season before Wiese took the reins as head coach, the new Tiger coach pulled off a sensational finals recovery to help his club to the premiership it desired after last year’s prelim loss.
Finishing second on the ladder this year, Mundulla lost 111-43 to Keith in the first qualifying final before beating Border Districts, bouncing back to top Keith 106-73 and then upsetting flag favourite Kybybolite in a defensive grand final masterclass.
7. DALE EICHNER
(Nairne Bremer)
The Rams made the gutsy move to the top division of Hills footy when Eichner took over and have thrived under him since, winning last year’s grand final against local power Hahndorf and making this year’s big dance as they aim for back-to-back flags.
Last year’s premiership marked the club’s first ever in the top division and Eichner could be on the cusp of helping the Rams to another this weekend.
6. LUKE HABEL
(Salisbury North)
Playing-coach of Salisbury North this season, Habel had a huge impact in his first year with the club.
While the former Central District player is more than handy on the field, his tactical approach and influence was plain to see as the Hawks finished as minor premiers with 16 minor round wins and earned promotion to div one for the first time since 2017.
5. JOSH RAMSEY
(Port District)
Ramsey coached Port District to its first div one premiership in 30 years in 2022 and has led his side to this season’s grand final after another strong year.
Ditters have produced high quality football around the ground under Ramsey and often suffocate sides with their ability to apply forward half pressure.
4. MATT GOLDING
(Hahndorf)
A revered coach for Hahndorf through a number of seasons, Golding won four consecutive Hills FL flags with the club directly after joining in season 2018.
The Magpies fell short to Nairne Bremer in the grand final after an undefeated minor round last season but have not lost a game this season as they prepare to meet the Rams again in this year’s big dance.
Hahndorf has been typically strong in every area around the ground, dominating on the ball and punishing opposition up front.
3. JEREMI CINI
(Payneham Norwood Union)
Cini has had a major impact at Payneham Norwood Union and has taken the Falcons from division two last year to a division one preliminary final appearance this season.
The Falcons have played some highly attractive footy under the former Woodville-West Torrens assistant and should be a contender again next year.
Juggling player availability challenges and a number of new additions to the side, Cini led a strong finals run for the Falcons as they beat both Golden Grove and SHOC away from home.
2. DAMIAN BOOTS
(Rostrevor OC)
Previously a premiership coach with Old Ignatians, Boots has had a major impact at Rostrevor OC since taking the reins in 2023.
After finishing fourth last season, Boots coached his side to a top two spot and division two flag this year with an impressive win over Salisbury North.
Rostrevor has played attractive footy under Boots, has been one of the competition’s most balanced sides this year and will be a team to watch in div one next year.
1. NATHAN GRIMA
(Glenunga)
A former player with North Melbourne and Central District and previously coach of Sturt, Grima has helped Glenunga to become a force in div one of the AdFL yet again this year after taking the Rams to the division with a 2021 div two GF appearance.
The Rams have been elite defensively through a number of years under Grima and have become more potent offensively this season to win 18 of their 19 games so far.
The side has booked a clash with Port District in the div one grand final, its second consecutive grand final in the top flight, and a win would mark Grima’s first flag with the club.
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