Prince Alfred OC experiences major squad overhaul for Adelaide Footy League season 2024

Reigning Adelaide Footy League division one premier Prince Alfred OC has seen as many as 15 players leave ahead of season 2024, but coach Craig Pitt still believes the club can compete for back-to-back flags.

The Adelaide Footy League’s reigning division one premier has suffered a significant number of departures ahead of the 2024 season but remains confident of launching another grand final bid.

Prince Alfred OC, which defeated Glenunga in last season’s div one grand final to win its second flag in three years, has seen “around 10 to 15” players depart the club ahead of this season, according to playing-coach Craig Pitt.

Among those leavers are superstar midfielders Jack Trengove and Andrew Bradley, who have returned to junior club Kybybolite in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, and former Glenelg premiership captain Chris Curran who has returned to the Bays after two years away from the SANFL.

Promising young ruck Jordan Neal has also left to Norwood, while key forwards Jayden Davies and Tyson Brazel are currently on the Crows and Power top-up lists respectively.

Prince Alfred OC has seen a major squad overhaul after its 2023 flag. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

“We’ve had a lot of turnover and it’s probably been a bit unfortunate from our perspective but we’re always happy for guys to pursue bigger things at SANFL clubs,” Pitt said.

“I guess it’s pretty similar to what we went through after the 2021 premiership where we had a lot of guys either retiring or leaving.

“We showed we could pull together for that season and I think we can do that again this year.”

Princes suffered a slow start to that 2022 campaign but would go on to make the grand final, eventually losing to Port District.

Pitt said while the club would remain active in recruitment, it would prioritise school leavers and players coming through the ranks to fill the holes this season.

Former Melbourne captain Jack Trengove has returned to Kybybolite after winning a second premiership with PAOC. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

“We’ve put a big emphasis on school leavers, which we essentially see as our junior program and we’re also investing in players who have been here for a decent period of time.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who have come through the B Grade and we think it’s their turn now to lift the bat and take over for the footy club.

“We’re always looking to bring in more talent if we can but the core of our group is going to come from both the experienced and the young guys who have been here.”

Division one should be as strong as ever in 2024 with Scott Lycett, Matt Rose and Joey Haines joining Port District, rising power Golden Grove entering the fold, and Glenunga continuing to build after its grand final loss.

Prince Alfred OC coach Craig Pitt celebrates his side's 2023 premiership. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

Despite the tough competition, Pitt believed his new-look side would have what it takes to launch yet another premiership bid.

“We’re not really too concerned about other teams or looking back to what happened last year, we’re focusing on ourselves and what we’re going to look like,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very different team and we’ll probably play a bit of a different style but I think we’ve got a great culture and foundation here and we’re going to have what it takes.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what we can produce and achieving something with this group.”