Morphettville Park, Alex Barns laying foundations for long-term success in Adelaide Footy League

A rising Adelaide Footy League power has what it takes to compete for back-to-back flags according to its marquee ex-SANFL signing.

A newly-promoted Adelaide Footy League club looks set for more major success in 2022 despite moving up a division, according to its new star signing.

Former North Adelaide premiership ruckman Alex Barns said Morphettville Park had all the tools to compete in division three after winning the division four premiership in 2021.

The Roos broke their 31-year-long A Grade premiership drought last year when they defeated SMOSH West Lakes, and followed that success to sign Barns in the offseason.

Barns – who will now have the chance to play with his brother, Chris at Morphettville Park – said he was impressed by the club’s preseason preparation.

Morphies footy club supplied

“I’ve settled in super well at the club – obviously with my brother being here, there’s a big connection now with family – and the fact it’s around the corner from where I’ve grown up is also great,” Barns said.

“From what I’ve seen and experienced I have no doubt about the talent at the club – it’s premiership standard.”

Barns, now 27 years old, was a dominant ruckman in the SANFL for the Roosters, with the ability to move forward and boot multiple goals.

He said he was hoping to use his SANFL learnings and experience to guide a talented group of youth at Morphettville Park.

“For me it’s about whatever I can do each week to help us win and to help us improve,” Barns said.

Alex Barns was a star at North Adelaide and famously produced a dominant goalkicking display in the club’s 2018 grand final win over Norwood. Picture: SARAH REED

“I want to make a difference wherever I can, help a lot of the younger guys who are keen on getting to SANFL and then make everyone else better too whether this is by advice or lifting training standards.

“I think the club is in a really good spot at the moment with a lot of talent and they all have fun, which is important because when that happens success usually follows.”

Roos coach Steve Nolis was confident of his side’s potential with the April start to the season fast-approaching.

He said it had fine-tuned his game plan for tougher competition.

Edward Doak celebrates a Morphettville Park goal in last year’s finals. The club went on to win the division four flag. Picture: Dean Martin

“We understand going up a division is a big step but we’ve had a strong preseason despite Covid interruptions and we’ve been able to really work on our plan,” Nolis said.

“The boys look fit and healthy and Alex (Barns) has raised the bar in every aspect. He’s a real leader on and off the field and is someone I can rely on.

“There will be some real challenges ahead with a lot of div three clubs recruiting well and we need to be at our best every week because we don’t want to stagnate after last year’s success we want to improve.”

The club’s first game will be a grand final rematch against SMOSH West Lakes on April 2.