Seb Kerrish, Keenan Jacobs, Jaden Ward join Daniel Menzel at Coorong Cats

A former AFL star has recommitted as playing-coach of an SA country club and remains confident of consecutive premierships after three key signings for 2025.

Coorong Cats playing-coach Daniel Menzel has backed his side for another premiership push. Picture: Sarah Reed

Former Geelong, Sydney and Woodville-West Torrens player Daniel Menzel has backed his SA country club to make another premiership push in season 2025 after multiple key player signings.

Joining as playing-coach of the Coorong Cats in the amalgamated club’s second River Murray Football League campaign last year, Menzel led the club to a historic undefeated season.

The dominant forward/midfield utility has returned as coach this year and believed the Cats could make a strong charge at back-to-back flags after recruiting Tailem Bend youngster Jaden Ward, Dudley United Best and Fairest Keenan Jacobs and Sacred Heart OC star Seb Kerrish.

Former Geelong and Woodville-West Torrens star Daniel Menzel has returned to Coorong as playing-coach in 2025. Picture: Morgan Sette

“After the success we had last year I guess there’s more expectation and more belief this year,” Menzel said.

“Last year there was a bit of unknown heading into the season but we’re confident now.

“We want to win it all again and the challenge now is going to be making sure we don’t have complacency set in.

“The additions we’ve made to the list have been huge and I’ve already seen the impact those guys are going to have even just during training.”

Coorong celebrates its 2024 RMFL premiership. Picture: Coorong Cats Football Club

The Cats dominated all areas of the game on their way to the flag last season but have still added to the forwardline, midfield and defence with their recruitment.

A young gun key forward for Tailem Bend last season, Ward should provide a major boost up front for the club, while former Naracoorte and Dudley star Jacobs will add toughness and high work rate to an already star-studded midfield which can include Menzel, former Crow Brodie Martin and former RMFL Mail Medallist Alex Stidiford.

Dominant halfback Seb Kerrish will undoubtedly be one to watch off of the backline for Coorong after yet another standout D1 AdFL season with Sacred Heart OC which saw him make the Team of the Year and finish runner-up in his club’s B&F.

Former Glenelg and SHOC player Seb Kerrish has joined Coorong Cats for season 2025. Picture: Coorong Cats Football Club

“Coming to a new club, they want to put their best foot forward and that is going to be huge in terms of driving the standards,” Menzel said.

“We know what they bring to the club and what they’re capable of.

“We’re all feeling pretty food at the moment and we’ve got a good balance of guys.

“I said it last year as well but I think the league is going to continue to get stronger and stronger and the close proximity to Adelaide makes a massive difference with recruitment.

“The league is in a really healthy spot.”