Salisbury Football Club back from the brink for Adelaide Footy League season 2023

Just one year after almost folding, a local footy club has recruited a SANFL-experienced coach and pulled four senior sides together as it prepares to bolt up the ladder in season 2023.

A local SA footy club will enter the 2023 season with four senior teams just one year after almost folding.

Adelaide Footy League division six club Salisbury was forced to halt its women’s program and only managed to pull one senior men’s side together heading into 2022 after being inches from folding due to a lack of volunteers and players during Covid.

Now, the Magpies have filled men’s A, B and C Grade sides and are on the cusp of finalising a senior women’s team.

President Liam Short said the return of old players and staff, as well as former Central District juniors coach Brett Joseph, had galvanised the club.

“It’s a real credit to the footy department at our club – we’ve worked really hard to reach out to current and past players to get their commitment for 2023 and we’ve managed to get Brett in as well who is a B Grade premiership coach with us,” Short said.

Salisbury in action last season. The club has pulled together four senior sides ahead of season 2023. Picture: Salisbury Football Club

“We’ve always been a family-friendly club and welcomed everyone with open arms. I think that culture was valuable because past members saw we were in a bit of strife and have really helped in getting us back on track.

“Thankfully our sponsors stuck by us last season as well, they could have easily bailed but to their credit they have been huge for us.”

The Magpies struggled in division five last season and were unable to register a single win as they dropped to division six for 2023.

Despite the challenges of 2022, Short was confident the club could continue to build through the coming campaign.

“We had a tough year last year on the field but everyone has stuck around and with a new coach and some new players I think we can compete and perhaps even get to finals,” he said.

“The girls will almost be starting from scratch again too so we just want to make sure we can gel them as a team and create that positive culture again.

Salisbury has been revitalised by the return of key and past players ahead of the coming season. Picture: Salisbury Football Club

“We want to build as a club and lay the groundwork, and I think if we can continue to progress we could be competing for premierships come 2024.”

Short also admitted there were more challenges to come, but said all the signs had been positive with player and volunteer numbers.

“It’s still going to be a challenge to build from here definitely, you don’t want to relax just because you’ve made it through a really tough period.

“We’re all aware, from committee members to players, that everyone has to give back to the club and play their part, understanding there’s life at the club after the game on the park.

“In terms of numbers we’ve had a fantastic turnout on the track through pre-season already which is great to see.”