Recruitment plans of Adelaide Footy League clubs for 2023 revealed

Division one and division two Adelaide Footy League clubs have revealed their recruitment strategies ahead of the new year as a highly-anticipated season 2023 fast approaches.

Adelaide Footy League season 2o23 draws nearer and clubs have added to their squads significantly throughout the past months of the off-season.

Many of the competitions sides have managed to land big stars, such as Tea Tree Gully – who recruited former Crows star Luke Brown – and Athelstone – who reeled dual Magarey Medalist Mitch Grigg in from Lobethal.

Ahead of what should be a thrilling 2023, we’ve taken a look at various division one and two clubs’ recruitment strategies, and analysed those yet to make a significant player move.

DIVISION ONE

Key signings so far:

• Andrew Bradley (Glenelg to Prince Alfred OC)
• Joel Cross (Western Districts to Sacred Heart OC)
• Luke Brown (Adelaide Crows to Tea Tree Gully)

Broadview

The Tigers have been put in a precarious position after winning the 2022 division two premiership, losing star players and former AFL guns in the versatile Jared Petrenko and big man Jesse White.

White – who only played six games for the club last season but was integral to its finals success – has moved to SANFL club North Adelaide, while Petrenko will represent Port Douglas in Cairns.

Coach Matt Burgess said the club would be specific in who it wanted to pick up as replacements.

Broadview coach Matt Burgess believed his side would be capable in division one despite key departures. Picture: Matt O'Born

“It’s a bit different to last year this time around because we’re able to be a bit more focused in on who we go after and the roles we want them to fill,” Burgess said.

“We need height, pace and ball-use off half-back so we’re pretty locked in on those needs.

“It’s been a bit hard to get guys to commit before the Christmas period but we’re confident we can bring some in when the new year hits and we’re also excited to continue developing our side – which is really even across the board – and getting more games into the younger guys.”

Glenunga

Glenunga has added West Adelaide’s Lyndon Upfeld and Sturt’s Abe Davis to its line-up after a successful debut campaign in division one.

Davis – who played over 100 games for the Double Blues – marks a major recruit for the Rams and should provide a strong goalkicking threat after tallying 36 majors in 17 league appearances last SANFL season.

Despite the acquisitions, coach Nathan Grima said Glenunga’s priority throughout the pre-season was to retain its current playing group after making the finals in 2022.

Abe Davis should complement Glenunga star Michael McMahon (pictured) well in 2023. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

“First and foremost our aim has been player retention – I played about 45 guys in the A Grade last season and 40 of those 45 have come back, which is pretty big for us,” Grima said.

“We wanted to try and bring in some top-end guys too in order to stay competitive and we’ve managed to do that so far.

“In an ideal world we’d like a dominant ruckman but there’s no point in searching super hard if there isn’t one available.

“You probably talk to about 20 to 30 guys throughout the whole recruitment process and we’ve been able to bring a couple in and also leave a good impression on others, which is important.”

Goodwood Saints

Goodwood has responded with intent this pre-season after losing the 2022 preliminary final to Prince Alfred Old Collegians, signing West Adelaide tall Jade Cleeland along with Connor Fairlie.

Luke Donaldson said Cleeland would add to the club’s size up front and down back, while Fairlie would bring the efficient ball-use the Saints lacked in the finals.

“We probably lacked a bit of leg speed and ball movement in the business end of the season and we felt we needed to address that first, while Cleeland is really going to help at either end,” Donaldson said.

Goodwood Saints coach Luke Donaldson (middle) was excited about the young crop of talent coming through at the club. Picture: Sarah Reed

“We also won a premiership in the U17s so we’re very excited about the kids who are going to come up and compete for a spot in the side.

“We’re going to get a lot of pace out of them and there are a few who I think will play early in the season.”

The Saints have also picked up Lachy Matthias from Payneham Norwood Union, who is expected to spend significant time with Glenelg in the SANFL.

DIV ONE CLUBS YET TO MAKE A MAJOR MOVE

Brighton

Brighton experienced a strong finish to the season in 2022 to finish seventh and save itself from relegation but is yet to announce major player recruitments ahead of 2023.

The Bombers have a youthful side compared to most in division one and coach Brett Backwell has managed to rely on and develop a number of young guns to progress in the division.

The club may look to that mantra again next season.

Old Ignatians

Old Ignatians lost a number of players and also coach Damian Boots after escaping relegation at the last gasp in season 2022.

Star players Kristian Roocke and Anthony Wilson have departed to Pembroke Old Scholars and new coach Daryl Spencer will have his work cut out to remain competitive in the division.

DIVISION TWO

Key signings so far:

• Josh Glenn (Golden Grove)
• Logan Hill (West Adelaide to Edwardstown)
• Michael Virgin (Glenelg to PHOS Camden)
• Mitch Grigg (Lobethal to Athelstone)

Payneham Norwood Union

PNU coach Jeremy Cini believed he had a strong group of players ready to compete for finals in division two.

The Falcons lost 21 senior names before being relegated from division one last season and has looked to sign multiple players this pre-season to fill the void.

“Last year we had to stabilise the group and stop the bleeding a little bit and we managed to do that even though we got relegated,” Cini said.

Payneham Norwood Union star Brad McKenzie (right) with Falcons coach Jeremy Cini. Picture: Payneham Norwood Union Football Club

“We’ve managed to sign a number of guys and retain most of our group from last season so we’re starting to build a strong nucleus.

“There are a lot of guys who have come through the juniors and are now starting to push for spots as well but we’re also keen to continue topping up with guys from other clubs or from the SANFL.

“From my perspective we’ll be very competitive but we’ll tackle the year as it comes.”

DIV TWO CLUBS YET TO MAKE A MAJOR MOVE

Adelaide Uni

The Blacks have brought former best and fairest Ben Adams back from Blackwood but still sits below Golden Grove, Athelstone and PHOS Camden on paper after all three clubs recruited big names such as Josh Glenn, Mitch Grigg and Michael Virgin.

Henley

The Sharks have been active in pre-season recruitment so far but have yet to sign a major name as the 2023 campaign fast approaches.

Maddy Hayes will return from injury next season in a boost for the club, while former West Adelaide forward Noah Flannagan remains the Sharks’ biggest signing so far.