Prince Alfred OC ready for back-to-back challenge in 2022 Adelaide Footy League season

Boosted by the returning league Best and Fairest and two SANFL-experienced signings, the Adelaide Footy League division one premier is looking stronger than ever.

The Adelaide Footy League’s top side has itself primed and ready for a strong run at consecutive flags, according to the man in charge.

Playing-coach Craig Pitt believed the signings of former Glenelg premiership captain Chris Curran and versatile Redleg Sam Buckham were looking better than ever for Prince Alfred OC during a strong preseason.

The club – led by league Best and Fairest Jack Trengove – stormed its way to an impressive premiership over Payneham Norwood Union in 2021 and is hell bent on making it two in a row this year.

Former Glenelg captain Chris Curran will be a huge boost in the middle for the Reds. Picture: Sarah Reed

“We’re looking really good. We’ve had super good numbers on the track every night of preseason, which is great because the more depth you have particularly during Covid the easier it’ll be in the season,” Pitt said.

“Chris (Curran) has fit in really well – he’s a natural leader and is fully committed to what we’re doing. His experience is going to be huge for us.

“Sam (Buckham) has been the same and he’s played here before during his years on the Norwood list so he’s super comfortable.”

Pitt also said Trengove was looking as good as ever on the track with the season fast approaching.

The star midfielder was in league-best form last year and has maintained his fitness and shape well throughout the offseason.

PAOC superstar Jack Trengove could be set for an even better 2022 after his dominant 2021 season. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“Jack’s a machine. He doesn’t have an off button that’s for sure,” Pitt said.

“He has that same drive he had when he entered the AFL. He’s going to get even better the more acclimated to the league he becomes.

“He’s also been a great support for me in his assistant coach role and continues to be fantastic around the club.”

The Reds have experienced a reasonable influx of youth coming out of school and into the side this year.

Pitt said not having to replace many personnel and instead add players has allowed the club to spend more time on refining its game plan.

“We’ve got a lot of kids coming in adding energy, keeping pressure on the older guys, which has been fantastic,” he said.

Cameron Giles Playing-coach Craig Pitt (right) celebrates the Reds’ 2021 premiership with Cameron Giles. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“We’ve been able to add things here and there to our game plan this year. Make it a bit more sound in general and spend more time on that.”

Pitt was hoping this preparation would translate into another grand final run.

“Obviously everyone wants to win a premiership. We’re no different. We want to get a really good start and build on that momentum to hopefully get to where we got to last year,” he said.

“It’s hard to go back-to-back but I think we have the ability.”

The club’s season will start in early April, with the league fixture still to be released.