Local SA footy’s top performing signings of 2025 ranked
A number of new recruits have been dominant through the first month of the 2025 local SA footy season so we’ve ranked our top 20 performers so far. See who made the cut.
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The local SA footy season is in full swing and a number of new recruits have impressed through the first month of play.
We’ve analysed each competition across the state to rank our top 20 performing signings of the season so far.
Here is our list from 20 to 1.
20. STEVE BURTON
(Barmera-Monash)
Formerly a Mail Medallist with the Roos, Burton’s return to the club from South Gawler has his side thinking about premiership redemption this year after falling to Renmark in 2024.
Is comfortably one of the best midfielders in the Riverland FL with his ability to attack the contest courageously, win the footy and create for teammates.
19. DYLAN WEAVER
(Tea Tree Gully)
Coinciding with the return of Alex McKay and Luke Brown, Weaver’s arrival at the Gullies has helped the side to a strong D2 start.
Often playing as a key defender who can also be deployed in various other roles, Weaver has an impressive ability to read the play and cut off attacks while also distributing efficiently.
18. JESSE MCKINNON
(St Peter’s OC)
Dual GSFL Mail Medallist Jesse McKinnon’s arrival at SPOC has been a big part of the club’s early surge up the division one ladder.
A big-bodied midfielder who covers ground as well as anyone in the competition, McKinnon’s ability to win the footy and gain important metres for his side has been key to the club’s 3-1 start.
17. LIAM NYE
(Willunga)
Joining Willunga from South Adelaide, midfielder Liam Nye has been a big part of the Demons’ strong run to start the season.
A skilled player who finds plenty of the footy, distributes well and can also hit the scoreboard consistently.
16. HARLEE CHANDLER
(Western United)
One of the top young guns in local SA footy, Chandler’s return to Western United for season 2025 has the club firmly aiming at a third consecutive premiership,
Supremely talented midfielder with elite hand and foot skills who can also move up front and hit the scoreboard.
15. JACOB PEDLER
(Mundulla)
Joining the reigning KNTFL premier from Unley, Pedler has been dominant for the Tigers.
A versatile player who can produce top drawer footy in the contest and in a number of other roles around the ground, Pedler has been one of Mundulla’s best during a strong early run for the club.
14. OTIS CARTHY
(CMS Crows)
Former Brighton Bombers captain Otis Carthy made the move to CMS Crows ahead of this Yorke Peninsula FL season and has been a star for his new club so far.
A tough midfielder who wins plenty of his own footy, distributes well and can also hit the scoreboard, Carthy has spearheaded a 3-1 start for the Crows.
13. AARON STEWART
(Athelstone)
A star for Modbury in season 2024, Stewart returned to Athelstone for 2025 and has been a standout to start the Raggies’ D2 campaign.
Stewart is a strong and versatile player who often does damage and can also move up front to hit the scoreboard when needed.
Has been a big part of Athelstone’s undefeated start.
12. JARROD SCHILLER
(Nuriootpa)
Nuriootpa remains undefeated to start the 2025 BLGFA season and former Central District star Jarrod Schiller has been a big reason for the success.
A dominant player on the ball so far, Schiller’s ability to win contested footy, efficiently find teammates and also hit the scoreboard regularly has him placed as the top performer in the league so far this year.
11. SEB KERRISH
(Coorong Cats)
One of D1’s top halfbacks/wings in recent seasons, Kerrish has been a star for the Cats since joining the RMFL from Sacred Heart OC.
Provides important run and carry, cuts off a number of attacks each week and one of the best distributors in the competition, Kerrish has his new club eyeing another flag in 2025.
10. BRAD BRYANT
(Brighton Bombers)
The Bombers have seemingly bounced back after their big round one loss to Athelstone in D2 and the play of former Penola star Bradley Bryant has been a big part of the turnaround.
Bryant can dominate through the middle with his run and carry as well as dangerous distribution and also has the ability to hit the scoreboard or create for his teammates.
9. JACKSON HOOPER
(Hahndorf)
Former Bridgewater-Callington and Southern Eagles star Hooper has been at his best since joining Hills FL juggernaut Hahndorf for the 2025 season.
An explosive and dynamic onballer who wins plenty of his own footy, distributes well and kicks goals, Hooper has the Magpies looking strong yet again.
8. NED MCHENRY
(Prince Alfred OC)
Taking over as playing-coach of the Old Reds after stepping away from AFL footy, McHenry has been a major positive for his new club both on and off the field.
A supremely skilled player who does damage through the middle and can create up front, McHenry currently has his side sitting just outside the top five at 2-2.
7. ANDREW BRADLEY
(Westminster OS)
Former Glenelg captain and premiership gun Andrew Bradley joined Westminster OS after successful stints with Prince Alfred OC and Kybybolite and has had an instant impact for the Dragons.
Capable of playing behind the footy, dominating in the contest or moving up front to create goalkicking opportunities, Bradley has helped to turn WOS into an early D3 contender.
6. HUNTER WINDOW
(Sacred Heart OC)
Former Glenelg SANFL League player Window has been a welcomed boost for the so far undefeated Sacred Heart OC in division on.
A highly skilled player who can do damage up front and in and around the contest, Window has been among SHOC’s best multiple times so far this season.
5. ADAM DEAKIN
(Salisbury North)
A versatile gun out of Central District who can play on the ball, up front or drop back, Deakin has had a big impact for Salisbury North in D1 so far this season.
A strong and skilled player who influences the game in a number of ways, Deakin has six goals so far and has been among the best three times.
4. ALEX BARNS
(Kingston)
Fresh off of winning the D4 medal with Morphettville Park, former North Adelaide ruck/forward Barns has been impressive as Kingston’s new playing-coach.
Barns has the ability to completely dominate the ruck, take big marks around the ground and also boot goals and has led the Saints to an early 4-0 record.
3. CAMPBELL COMBE
(Crystal Brook)
Combe’s return to hometown club Crystal Brook has turned the Roosters into heavy premiership favourites in the Northern Areas Football Association.
A dominant midfielder who can control a game with his tough and efficient work in the contest, Combe has been among Crystal Brook’s every week so far.
2. BEN KENNEDY
(Kingston)
Former Melbourne and Collingwood player Ben Kennedy has been dominant for Kingston after joining the KNTFL club following his recent success with Myponga-Sellicks.
A star forward/midfield utility who impacts the game in a number of ways, Kennedy has been a major key to the Saints’ early success this year.
1. HENRY NELLIGAN
(St Peter’s OC)
A huge signing for SPOC alongside McKinnon, Nelligan has had a major impact at his new club.
The former Norwood gun can play in the contest and win his own footy while also having an influence up front with his ability to create and kick goals.
Nelligan has been a key to his club’s surprise 3-1 start this season.
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