Snelling, Gould, Wilson, son of a gun headline SANFL’s top 50 signings for 2024
Fifty players are signed, sealed and deliver as the countdown to the 2024 SANFL season begins. We reveal what each player brings to their new club.
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Norwood has been the SANFL’s big mover and shaker in the off-season as the powerhouse club plots a return to glory following a dramatic fall from grace last season.
The Redlegs, who sensationally won the 2022 premiership after a thrilling one-point grand final win against North Adelaide, slumped from first to seventh this year after losing their first eight games before finishing strongly, winning six and drawing one of their last 10 matches.
Now – after scouring Australia for talent – they are poised to bounce back hard after signing a host of quality recruits leading into Christmas.
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Norwood, which has lost star midfielders and 2022 premiership players Matthew Nunn (Payneham) and Nik Rokahr (Swan Districts), has regained Cooper Murley and Alastair Lord from the AFL, swooped on midfield ball magnet and state player Mitch O’Neill from South Adelaide and signed a handful of exciting prospects from interstate clubs.
They include Essendon VFL captain Billy Cootee and Tasmanian star Ben Simpson, who finished runner-up in the TSL’s Alastair Lynch Medal (the equivalent of the SANFL’s Magarey Medal).
The Roosters have also been very active, recruiting seven players, including former juniors Tariek Newchurch and Blayne O’Loughlin, who have returned to the club after stints at the Crows, while beaten grand finalist Sturt has beefed up its side.
It has added former AFL players Will Snelling (from Essendon) and Flynn Perez (North Melbourne), along with Bombers VFL star Sam Conforti, while several other clubs have also been busy in the recruiting market.
Former Sydney Swan Will Gould, who has returned to premier Glenelg, and Arlo Draper, who has returned to South Adelaide from Collingwood, are other key names to sign for SANFL clubs for next season.
In a major local club switch, Sturt star Patrick Wilson has moved to West Adelaide.
Central District has produced the romantic story of the SANFL signing spree, luring exciting teenager Jack Callinan – son of club great Ian Callinan – to the club from Tasmania after he was surprisingly overlooked at the AFL drafts.
With clubs still wheeling and dealing as the countdown continues to the 2024 SANFL season, which is expected to start in late March, here are the top 50 recruits, in alphabetical order, who are already signed, sealed and delivered.
OSCAR ADAMS
(Glenelg)
Key defender, 20, 198cm, 91kg
From St Kilda.
Key backman returns to Tigerland after spending two years on St Kilda’s AFL list following his selection at pick 51 at the 2021 national draft.
Injuries curtailed Adams’ development at the Saints as he failed to play an AFL game.
But he is a raw talent and a nice size who could play a key role in Glenelg’s rebuilt defence.
“We’re very happy to have a Glenelg junior back at the club,’’ Tigers head of football Paul Sandercock said.
“Oscar is athletic, had a solid year in the VFL for Sandringam this year, is looking to continue his improvement and we are keen to give him every opportunity in our backline.’’
JAKE ARUNDELL
(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 21, 169cm, 65kg
From Box Hill VFL.
Crafty small forward from the VFL will add some serious excitement to South’s forward line.
Arundell is quick, a strong tackler and dangerous around goal.
“Jake’s running power and smarts are real strengths that he brings to the team while his ability to get up field and then back to goal is something that will suit our style of football,’’ Panthers coach Jarrad Wright said.
“Jake is a smart user of the ball and can impact the scoreboard, which he displayed for Box Hill this year.’’
BRAD ASHCROFT
(North Adelaide)
Key forward, 23, 190cm, 88kg
From Turvey Park/GWS Academy.
A member of Turvey Park’s premiership-winning team this year, Ashcroft had a strong season, kicking 69 goals and being named centre half forward in the Riverina Football League Team of the Year.
Ashcroft had previously represented the NSW/ACT Riverina Football League combined side and been involved with the GWS Academy and VFL program.
He is a strong, competitive forward who is a good finisher.
“Brad is a very aggressive, super-competitive player who loves getting after the opposition,’’ North coach Jacob Surjan said.
“He has strong hands and is a beautiful kick for goal and will also bring great leadership qualities to our team.’’
NATHAN BARKLA
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/half-forward, 19, 187cm, 75kg
From Port Adelaide.
Eagles junior Barkla returns to the club after spending a year at AFL club Port Adelaide following his selection as a Next Generation Academy product.
Barkla played 15 SANFL league games for Port this year, averaging eight disposals and two inside 50s.
He previously averaged 20 disposals and four clearances at under-18 level for the Eagles.
“Nathan has played a full year of SANFL football (for Port) and is ready to improve his game and prove himself as a consistent league player,’’ Eagles chief executive David Couzner said.
WILSON BARRY
(Central District)
Midfielder, 21, 187cm, 83kg
From Brisbane VFL/Morningside.
The QAFL State representative is quick and versatile, capable of playing in the midfield, on a wing or at halfback.
“He is a selfless individual who will always play team-first football,’’ Central football manager Mark Ross said.
“His strengths include his speed, decision making, endurance, ball use and ability to win the ball cleanly in and around a stoppage.
“Wilson will be able to play off halfback or a wing when required, such is his flexibility, and his work ethic, strong mental attitude and desire to always test himself against the best are all traits that make him a perfect fit for our club.
“His ability to know when it is time to take on the opposition with his run or give the ball off using quick hands or effective foot skills at critical times has really impressed us while his running capacity is incredible, which will be important on the large expanses of the ‘Ponderosa’ (Elizabeth Oval).’’
JACK BOYD
(Woodvlle-West Torrens)
Key forward/ruckman, 22, 196cm, 82kg
From Werribee.
Highly-rated tall from the VFL will add plenty of aerial power for the Eagles.
Boyd offers a big presence in attack with his ability to take a strong mark and kick goals while he is also adept in the ruck, giving new coach Sam Jacobs some flexibility with his big men.
“Jack is a mobile, tall forward with good athleticism that will allow him to play multiple roles for us,’’ Eagles chief executive David Couzner said.
JORDON BOYLE
(Norwood)
Midfielder, 26, 178cm, 75kg
From West Adelaide.
Seasoned SANFL midfielder, with 71 games under his belt with West and the Crows, adds some experience and leadership to the Redlegs.
“Jordon’s a well-credentialed SANFL player,” Norwood coach Jade Rawlings said.
“He is really eager to resume SANFL footy with us and can relate to what we stand for as a club.
“He’s a highly skilled player, a left-footer who has the capability to play on the wing, halfback and as an inside midfielder and we are bullish that his best footy is still ahead of him.’’
STEVE BURTON
(Adelaide)
Midfielder, 25, 178cm, 83kg
From South Gawler.
A triple Mail Medallist and dual premiership midfielder with Gawler South, Burton has been a country star since leaving Central District.
He is strong and a big ballwinner and will be a valuable SANFL top-up player for the Crows.
“He’s an absolute ball magnet who has a beast of a body,’’ Adelaide SANFL football manager Jarrod Meers said.
“He’s a strong, inside mid who can also be damaging at either end of the ground.’’
JACK CALLINAN
(Central District)
Small forward, 18, 179cm, 81kg
From Clarence/Tasmania Devils.
A romantic story for Central as it signs son of a gun Jack Callinan – the 18-year-old boy of club great Ian Callinan, who won four premierships and a Jack Oatey Medal with the Bulldogs while also playing 32 AFL games for the Crows.
Callinan was considered unlucky not to be drafted this year after a strong season with the Tasmania Devils in the Coates Talent League, where he kicked 23 goals in 11 games, and the title-winning Allies at the AFL under-18 championships.
Like his dad, Jack is a classy goalsneak with great attacking instincts and high footy IQ.
He is a true chip off the old block and was a member of this year’s AFL Academy squad.
“Jack has earned a reputation as the elusive, clever and goalscoring small forward that clubs look for,’’ Bulldogs football manager Mark Ross said.
BAILEY CHAMBERLAIN
(Port Adelaide)
Midfielder, 21, 180cm, 76kg
From West Adelaide.
After 20 league games for the Bloods in the past three years, the classy midfielder has moved to Port as a SANFL top-up player.
Chamberlain is a balanced ball-winner with good acceleration and versatility, allowing him to be used in multiple positions.
When not required by Port, Chamblerain will play for Adelaide Footy League club Henley Sharks.
DARCY CLIFFORD
(Adelaide)
Defender/midfielder, 24, 190cm, 87kg
From Langhorne Creek.
Highly-rated country footballer from Langhorne Creek, where he is a premiership player, has joined the Crows as a SANFL top-up player.
Clifford can provide run and carry off halfback as well as being an impactful midfielder while he also has an eye for goal when moved forward.
He is good in the air and has represented the SA country team.
“He’s a switched-on kid who is a good size and will add some versatility to our team,’’ Adelaide SANFL football manager Jarrod Meers said.
SAM CONFORTI
(Sturt)
Midfielder, 21, 173cm, 74kg
From Essendon VFL.
Versatile midfielder/small forward finished second in Essendon VFL side’s best and fairest award in 2022, illustrating his credentials.
Conforti – a Bendigo Pioneers product – will add further class to Sturt’s midfield and forward line.
“As a proven State League performer at VFL level, Sam will provide great versatility for us across a number of roles,’’ Sturt football manager Chris Trapp said.
“He can offer speed to the midfield, outside run on the wing and goalkicking ability when forward.’’
JOEVE COOPER
(Norwood)
Small forward, 18, 174cm, 72kg
From Murray Bushrangers.
Exciting small forward played for the Murray Bushrangers in the under-18 Coates Talent League and Shepparton’s senior side this year.
“He’s a very impressive young man, very independent,’’ Norwood coach Jade Rawlings said.
“Coeve is a small, skilful forward who we believe has a lot of potential.
“We believe in his ability and character and think that he will fit into our program really quickly.’’
BILLY COOTEE
(Norwood)
Midfielder/forward, 20, 178cm, 77kg
From Essendon VFL.
Highly-rated as a player and for his leadership skills, Cootee captained Essendon’s VFL side at just 20 this year.
He played every game for the Dons at state league level in 2023, finishing third in the club’s best and fairest award.
“Billy is a really impressive young man,” Redlegs coach Jade Rawlings said.
“Being captain of Essendon’s VFL team as a 20-year-old is a reflection of his character and leadership.
“He was a really consistent performer as a midfield-forward and we think he is going to have a big impact for us.’’
CHRIS CURRAN
(Glenelg)
Key defender, 32, 190cm, 86kg
From Prince Alfred Old Collegians.
Glenelg’s 2019 premiership captain made the surprise decision to return to the SANFL – and the Bay – after two years at Adelaide Footy League club Prince Alfred Old Collegians, where he also won a flag.
A rock solid defender and backline playmaker, Curran left the SANFL to focus on work and personal commitments but is now back, where he will add class, experience and leadership to the reigning premier.
A dual SA state representative, he was named skipper of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year in 2019 and 2021.
“It’s exciting to be back down the Bay,’’ Curran said.
“Above all it fits in with my family and work priorities and I’ve still got the competitive drive to strive for another premiership here.’’
SAM DANIELE
(Adelaide)
Midfielder/forward, 24, 175cm, 73kg
From Broadview.
Standout Adelaide Footy League midfielder/forward finished third in the Division 1 medal this year.
He is lightning-quick and classy, has an eye for goal and will be keen to showcase his skills at SANFL level.
“He has speed to burn and very silky skills and we hope he will be a very dangerous small forward for us,’’ Crows SANFL football manager Jarrod Meers said.
JAYDEN DAVIS
(Adelaide)
Forward, 20, 183cm, 82kg
From Prince Alfred Old Collegians.
The Adelaide Footy League’s leading Division 1 goalkicker and a premiership player with PAOC this year, Davis has talent to burn.
A former Glenelg junior captain and state under-18s representative, Davis will be a strong target in attack while also having the ability to roll through the midfield.
“He has extreme talent, a booming left-foot kick and knows where the goals are,’’ Crows SANFL football manager Jarrod Meers said.
ARLO DRAPER
(South Adelaide)
Midfielder, 20, 186cm, 80kg
From Collingwood.
The 45th selection at the 2021 AFL national draft, Draper returns to Pantherland after two seasons and no AFL games at Collingwood.
The tall midfielder, who averaged 17 disposals in the VFL for the Magpies this year, will link up at South with his younger brother, Sid, who is one of South Australia’s top 2024 draft prospects.
“Arlo was drafted as a dynamic midfielder/forward and at Collingwood has developed his defensive craft and rebound, so he has plenty of flexibility to where he can play,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“I’m really excited to continue to develop his game through our midfield, using his speed and power out of contest, but he can also be very dangerous inside forward 50 for us.’’
LUKE FELLOWS
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 20, 190cm, 84kg
From Turvey Park/GWS Academy.
Starred for Turvey Park in its premiership-winning Riverina Football League season, winning the club best and fairest and being named best on ground in the Bulldogs’ grand final victory.
A former GWS Academy member, Fellows is a tall, hard-running midfielder who wins plenty of the ball and is good aerially.
“Luke is a running machine who uses the ball well and can play inside or outside the contest,’’ Roosters coach Jacob Surjan said.
“At 190cm, he will add size and versatility to our midfield and be able to play multiple roles for us, with his ability to go forward and kick goals.’’
CAMERON FLEETON
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Defender, 22, 192cm, 89kg
From Greater Western Sydney.
Selected by the Giants with pick 58 at the 2020 AFL national draft from the Geelong Falcons, Fleeten played his first two AFL games this year – against Collingwood in Round 9 and St Kilda in Round 10 – before being delisted.
A strong intercept defender, he reads the play exceptionally well and uses his intercept marking and precise left-foot kicking to set up play from the back half.
Fleeten made this year’s VFL team of the year, illustrating his quality.
“Cam is a medium-sized defender who performs well in the air and creates good ball movement out of the backline,’’ Eagles chief executive David Couzner said.
JAKE GASPER
(Central District)
Small forward, 23, 183cm, 80kg
From Port Melbourne.
Classy, small-medium forward from the VFL has been a consistent performer in Victoria’s state league competition and continually monitored by AFL clubs.
A product of the Oakleigh Chargers’ under-18s, Gasper is a proven goalsneak who Central believes will quickly become a fan favourite with his “ability to connect the game between the arcs as well as hunt the opposition when they have the ball’’.
“Jake has been a very good performer at VFL level over the past couple of seasons and will add high-quality finishing inside our forward 50,’’ Bulldogs football manager Mark Ross said.
“We firmly believe he will also offer further creativity and depth in and around our midfield.’’
WILL GOULD
(Glenelg)
Defender, 22, 192m, 102kg
From Sydney.
Glenelg 2019 premiership defender returns to the Bay after four years at AFL club Sydney, which selected him with the 26th selection at the 2019 national draft.
Gould played only four AFL games for the Swans but starred for their VFL team, being named VFL Player of the Year in 2022.
From Lucindale in Glenelg’s southeast country recruiting zone, Gould is an All-Australian under-18 player who captained South Australia at the AFL under-18 championships.
While he played as a defender in the Tigers’ 2019 flag side, Gould was originally a forward and can also play through the midfield, adding to his appeal.
“I’m absolutely stoked to be back at the Bay and looking forward to trying to back up what was an amazing year for the club,’’ he said.
OSCAR HARPER
(Central District)
Key forward, 18, 194cm, 93kg
From North Launceston.
The grandson of Hawthorn, West Adelaide and Central key position player Bruce Stevenson, Harper is a promising key forward who is strongly built at 194cm and 93kg and is still growing.
He finished third in the 2023 Rodney Eade Medal, which is awarded to the best development league player (under-18) in the TSL, illustrating his potential.
“Oscar is still young and will be given some time to develop his craft as a key forward but he is a very strong mark, reliable kick and, most importantly, a wonderful human,’’ Bulldogs football manager Mark Ross said.
“Oscar’s performance to finish third in the Rodney Eade Medal is significant as he missed a handful of games due to injury and college football commitments.’’
AUSTIN HARRIS
(North Adelaide)
Small utility, 20, 178cm, 73kg
From Essendon VFL.
Originally from Cairns, Harris came through the Gold Coast Suns Academy.
An All-Australian junior, he has played VFL for the Suns and Essendon, where he spent the 2023 season.
He’s quick, skilful, has X-factor qualities and the versatility to play in attack, midfield or defence.
“Austin plays with a flair that we like at North Adelaide,’’ Roosters coach Jacob Surjan said.
“He has great speed, agility and uses the ball well and is very driven to get the best out of his football.
“Aussie is a high motor young man with a great appetite to learn and improve.’’
ALASTAIR LORD
(Norwood)
Defender, 20, 181cm, 80kg
From Essendon.
The Norwood junior returns to the club after two seasons on Essendon’s AFL list after he was selected at pick 46 at the 2021 national draft.
Played one AFL game as an unused sub in 2022 but represented the Bombers’ VFL team 36 times.
Possesses speed and loves to run and carry the ball from halfback.
“Being Alastair’s old club we hoped that we would be someone that he wanted to come back and play for and we are bullish about his growth over the past two years,’’ Norwood coach Jade Rawlings said.
“We are open minded about where he will play for us, although he has a lot of traits that are suited to playing in defence.
“That’s where I saw him play his best in 2021 as an under-18 and where he was developing strongly at Essendon.”
CALLUM McCARTY
(South Adelaide)
Midfielder, 23, 175cm, 74kg
From Essendon VFL.
A strong, inside midfielder with a nice left-foot kick, McCarty will bolster a midfield which has lost some key players, including Magarey Medallist Bryce Gibbs (Victor Harbor) and Mitch O’Neill (Norwood).
“We have certainly found a quality person who has a terrific attitude towards hard work and buying into a team ethos,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“Cal is a strong inside mid with smart stoppage craft and clean hands. His workrate to defend and support his teammates wherever possible was something that stood out for us in watching him this year.”
AUSTIN MCDONALD
(Adelaide)
Midfielder, 19, 180cm, 83kg
From Central District.
A former South Australian under-18 player, McDonald, who also represented SA at basketball, is a fine athlete who has moved to Crowland from Central.
He is a classy midfielder with great endurance.
“Austin has a huge tank and has really impressed us with his training so far,’’ Adelaide SANFL football manager Jarrod Meers said.
“He’s a powerful athlete who is predominantly a midfielder but he can also play in other positions, which will be handy for us.’’
LUKE MCKAY
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/halfback, 26, 182cm, 80kg
From Narrandera/Canberra Demons.
Originally from Narrandera, a small town located in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales, McKay is a triple best and fairest winner for his hometown club.
He also played for the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL, alongside a former Eagle, Mitch Hardie, who was selected by Geelong in this year’s AFL mid-season rookie draft.
“Luke is a hard-running midfielder/half back with good foot skills who will offer versatility to our team,’’ Woodville-West Torrens chief executive David Couzner said.
MAXIMUS MONAGHAN
(Central District)
Midfielder/forward, 21, 185cm, 81kg
From Belconnen (ACT)/GWS Academy.
Powerful midfielder/forward will add strength and grunt to the Bulldogs next season.
Well known to 2023 Central Magarey Medallist Harry Grant and his Dogs teammate Leyton Chisholm, having played alongside them at GWS, Monaghan overcame an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign to star in Belconnen’s grand final win against Ainslie, having 26 disposals and kicking four goals.
“A strong and courageous ballwinner with a reliable and, at times, thumping kick, Max will apply tackling pressure to the opposition when they have the pill and is very strong one-on-one in the air and at ground level,’’ Central football manager Mark Ross said.
“Max is of high quality both on and off the field and will bring a strong work ethic and undoubted professionalism to our club.’’
JORDAN MOORE
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Key defender, 22, 196cm, 95kg
From Glenelg.
Tall backman has moved from the Tigers to Eagles in search of more league opportunities.
Standing at an imposing 196cm, Moore is a former State under-18s player who possesses great closing speed and footy smarts.
“Jordan is a tall key defender who will be able to match up well against the competition’s key forwards,’’ Eagles chief executive David Couzner said.
JOSH MORRIS
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Defender, 22, 186cm, 82kg
From Hawthorn.
The 2019 under-18 premiership Eagle is returning to the nest after four years at Hawthorn, where he played 15 AFL games but none this year.
Is tough and has an ability to shut down opposition small forwards and the Eagles expect him to be an important part of their back six.
“Josh has become a key defender who has a solid endurance base and can quickly transition the ball out of the back lines,’’ Woodville-West Torrens chief executive David Couzner said.
COOPER MURLEY
(Norwood)
Midfielder/forward, 20, 178cm, 74kg
From Collingwood.
Norwood junior Murley returns to The Parade after spending two years on Collingwood’s AFL list
Selected at pick 49 at the 2021 national draft, he played 20 VFL games this year, primarily as a forward, kicking 13 goals, and has talent to burn.
“Cooper was part of both our Norwood junior and senior programs in 2021 prior to being drafted to Collingwood and we feel that he has a burning desire to be a part of Norwood again and to continue to strive to improve his footy,’’ Redlegs coach Jade Rawlings said.
“We think he will slot back into our program seamlessly and want to expose him to being a midfielder, which he was previously at Norwood.
“We think he can be a mid-forward similar to (2022 premiership player) Baynen Lowe and new recruit Billy Cootee.’’
TOBY MURRAY
(Adelaide)
Ruckman/forward, 20, 200cm, 94kg
From Wangaratta Rovers.
The giant ruckman/forward is the younger brother of Adelaide AFL defender Nick Murray and has joined the Crows’ SANFL team.
A strong overhead mark and mobile around the ground, Murray has played for Collingwood at VFL level and the Allies at the AFL under-18 national championships.
Has been on the radar of AFL clubs and will now get the chance to develop his craft with the Crows.
TARIEK NEWCHURCH
(North Adelaide)
Forward/midfielder, 21, 183cm, 83kg
From Adelaide.
North junior returns to the club after spending three years on the Crows’ AFL list.
Originally from the West Augusta club in the Roosters’ country zone, Newchurch possesses electrifying speed and elite skills and is particularly dangerous around goal.
He has kicked 76 goals in 54 SANFL games.
“We’re super-excited to have ‘Bucky’ (Newchurch) back at the club,’’ North coach Jacob Surjan said.
“We make it a priority to bring back North Adelaide juniors from the AFL system and Tariek has all the weapons we like, with his speed, running and elite ball use.
“He is a great person and a leader in his community and we are all looking forward to his dashing runs down the Prospect wings.’’
BLAYNE O’LOUGHLIN
(North Adelaide)
Halfback/midfielder, 20, 176cm, 74kg
From Adelaide.
O’Loughlin – nephew of Sydney great Michael O’Loughlin – returns to the Roosters after spending last season with the Crows’ SANFL team as part of the league’s rookie program.
Considered unlucky not to be selected at the 2021 AFL drafts, O’Loughlin – an emergency for North’s 2021 grand final team – is highly skilled and very creative.
He played 15 SANFL games for Adelaide this year, averaging 11 disposals and three tackles.
“Blayne has flexibility, good footy IQ and he kicks the ball well, which is a big part of our game,’’ North football services manager Darryl Wintle said.
“We’re excited to have a junior come back full-time into our program and he’ll add some potency to our ball movement.’’
MITCH O’NEILL
(Norwood)
Midfielder, 22, 178cm, 76kg
From South Adelaide.
Former West Coast Eagle, drafted from Tasmania, played 49 games in three seasons for the Panthers, where he established himself as one of the SANFL’s premier midfielders.
A tough, inside ball magnet, he averaged 24 disposals, five clearances and six tackles this year, polling a team-high 12 Magarey Medal votes.
O’Neill represented South Australia in the 2022 State game against Western Australia in Perth.
“Mitch is a quality player,” Norwood coach Jader Rawlings said.
“He is a high level competitor and established a really good level of performance over the past three years in the competition. He has a high level of conditioning, is a great contest player and there are a lot of parts of his game that complement the way we play.”
FLYNN PEREZ
(Sturt)
Defender, 22, 189cm, 82kg
From North Melbourne.
Classy defender lobs at Unley having played 24 AFL games in four seasons for North Melbourne, including five this year.
Selected at pick 35 at the 2019 national draft from the Bendigo Pioneers, Perez has overcome two knee reconstructions to become a classy, playmaking backman who can shut down opponents.
He was a standout dual-sport athlete as a teenager, captaining Victoria in underage soccer.
“Flynn is a highly-skilled player with an elite kick,’’ Sturt coach Martin Mattner said.
DAYNE POSTHUMA
(Central District)
Key defender, 19, 200cm, 90kg
From Queanbeyan Tigers/GWS Academy.
The towering teenage defender uses his size and strength to negate opponents in marking contests.
He also is developing a nice intercept marking game and uses the ball well, giving Central a backline playmaker.
“Dayne is a big guy who is developing very well and is very talented by foot,’’ Central football manager Mark Ross said.
KAI PUDNEY
(Central District)
Midfielder, 23, 186cm 78kg
From Woodville-West Torrens.
The 2021 Eagles premiership wingman has moved to Central after playing 54 league games in the past five years.
A running machine, he will love the wide open expanses of his new home ground Elizabeth Oval.
“His running capacity is outstanding and we want him to use that to break lines for us, particularly at Elizabeth,’’ Bulldogs football manager Mark Ross said.
“We want to score more and to be able to score you need to be able to run, so most of the players we have recruited this year run hard and create going forward.
“When (Magarey Medallist) Harry Grant wins the ball inside for us, we want him to be able to give it to someone like Pudney, who can break the lines and get it inside 50 quickly.’’
CODY RAAK
(North Adelaide)
Key defender, 21, 194cm, 85kg
From the Western Bulldogs.
Raak spent two years on the Dogs’ list after he graduated from the club’s Next Generation Academy program to be signed as a Category B rookie.
An intercept defender who is strong in the air, he reads the game well and uses the ball efficiently.
“Cody will give us great flexibility in defence, his positioning is outstanding and he has a great football mind,’’ North coach Jacob Surjan said.
SAM RAMSAY
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 22, 183cm, 77kg
From South Adelaide.
Former Carlton player spent two years at Pantherland, playing 23 games and showing an ability to play inside and outside the contest.
Has speed and a penetrating left-foot kick who North coach Jacob Surjan says will “add a different look to our midfield group’’.
“Sam is an elite ball user who has huge upside and improvement in his game,’’ Surjan said.
“When he’s fit and firing he will be able to play multiple roles for us, offering a very penetrating kick, a clean inside game and great spread on the outside.’’
KYE ROBERTS
(Port Adelaide)
Wing/halfback, 20, 187cm, 73kg
Classy runner moves to Port from West after playing seven league games for the Bloods.
Roberts had previously trained at Port under the SANFL’s Rookie Program.
As a SANFL top-up player, he will provide the Magpies with plenty of run and carry while he can play various roles for them.
TOM RUNDLE
(West Adelaide)
Key defender, 22, 193cm, 90kg
From Surfers Paradise.
Returns to the Bloods, where he made his league debut in 2022, after a one-year stint in Queensland.
“Tom’s ability to take a contested mark is excellent, along with making good decisions by hand and foot,’’ the club said in a statement.
“Tom most recently played for us as a tall defender but he’s shown he can play at either end of the ground.
“Prior to his departure, Tom was considered an exciting prospect for the club’s continued improvement and his return has been very well received.’’
BRADY SEARLE
(West Adelaide)
Midfielder, 21, 187cm, 88kg
From Glenelg.
Tough on-baller joins the Bloods from the Tigers in search of more league opportunities.
Searle, a key member of Glenelg’s reserves premiership side this year, played 24 league games and kicked 12 goals in the past three years for the Bays, including a career-high 15 matches in 2022.
But he struggled to cement a spot in their deep on-ball brigade.
Renowned for his tough tackling and strong attack on the ball, Searle could be an astute pick-up by the Bloods.
“One of our focus areas has been to strengthen our midfield and Brady brings valuable experience to this area for us,’’ West head of football Paul Streatfield said.
“Brady has shown that he is more than capable at the level, he comes to us from a successful environment and we look forward to seeing him mix with our existing group.’’
BEN SIMPSON
(Norwood)
Midfielder, 23, 179cm, 84kg
From North Launceston
Standout Tasmanian is an inside midfielder who co-captained the North Launceston Bombers to this year’s Tasmanian State League grand final, which they lost to Kingborough.
Simpson finished runner-up in the TSL’s Alastair Lynch Medal (the equivalent of the SANFL’s Magarey Medal) and Player of the Year Award.
He also represented Tasmania in the state game against Queensland and averaged 25 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles for the Bombers.
“Ben had an exceptional 2023,” Norwood coach Jade Rawlings said.
“He has really built his game at state league level in Tassie over the past three years and is someone that we believe can have a real impact for us.’’
WILL SNELLING
(Sturt)
Midfielder/forward, 26, 175cm, 81kg
From Essendon.
Arguably the biggest signing of the SANFL off-season, with Sturt luring the delisted Essendon midfielder/forward to Unley after he was drafted to the AFL from West Adelaide.
The Bloods were shattered that Snelling – a 2015 West premiership player – chose a rival SANFL club to return home to but the Double Blues were ecstatic as he will form a fearsome on-ball brigade alongside established SANFL stars James Battersby and Tom Lewis.
“While disappointed, the club is fully satisfied that we offered Will a highly competitive contract but he has decided to sign with Sturt,’’ the Bloods said in a statement.
In contrast, the Double Blues said they were “very excited’’ to land the tough ball magnet.
“Will’s ability to win the ball through the midfield and go forward to kick goals will be a great asset to the club,’’ Sturt football manager Chris Trapp said.
“On top of that he is an impressive young man and will provide great leadership to the playing group.’’
NICK STEVENS
(Glenelg)
Defender/midfielder, 21, 193cm, 85kg
From North Melbourne VFL.
Classy, speedy defender can also play in the midfield, giving Tigers coach Darren Reeves some selection flexibility.
Renowned as a good decision-maker, Stevens was drafted by Geelong at pick 47 at the 2020 national draft but failed to play an AFL game.
A former AFL Academy member, he is a good ball-user who played 21 VFL games in two years for the Cats before spending this year with North Melbourne’s VFL side.
“I am looking forward to a new opportunity and meeting a bunch of new boys and playing at a high standard of footy,” Stevens said of his move to the Bay.
KOBE TOZER
(West Adelaide)
Ruckman/forward, 22, 195cm, 100kg
From Norwood.
The one-time AFL draft prospect has battled injuries in recent seasons but is very talented and has a big upside.
He’s strong and powerful and can play in the ruck and up forward, giving coach Adam Hartlett some selection flexibility.
“As a club we know we need to add to our key position stocks,’’ Hartlett said.
“Kobe comes to us having played limited football for Norwood due to injury but he was a highly rated junior who is a strong contested mark and a big kick of the ball.
“We feel a change of scenery could do wonders for him and we know his best football will be of benefit to our club moving forward.’’
TYLER WELSH
(Adelaide)
Key forward, 17, 191cm, 83kg
From Woodville-West Torrens.
The son of four-times Adelaide leading goalkicker Scott Welsh, Tyler was snapped up by the Crows from the Eagles under the SANFL rookie program.
Not eligible to be drafted until next year, he is an Adelaide father-son prospect who is in line to be a first-round pick in 2024.
In the meantime, the 17-year-old key forward, who kicked five goals for South Australia in his first appearance at state under-18 level against Vic Country this year, has been given the chance to fast-track his development with the Crows.
However under SANFL rules, if Welsh is not selected in Adelaide’s SANFL team next season he can return to play for the Eagles at reserves or under-18 level.
“We obviously know Tyler really well, not only through his dad Scott who had a successful playing career with the club, but also from his involvement with our father-son academy in recent years,” Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly said.
“The opportunity for him to work with our coaches and high performance staff will help his development and we are excited about integrating him with our SANFL team next year.”
PATRICK WILSON
(West Adelaide)
Midfielder, 29, 190cm, 92kg
From Sturt.
Star Double Blues midfielder and former Crow has made the move to West, where his mum, Conny Wilson, is chief executive.
Wilson missed Sturt’s league finals campaign this year because of a bad knee injury, which later required a full reconstruction.
He will miss at least half of next season but the Bloods are taking a long-term view, believing he can make an impact in the second half of 2024 before regaining his best form in 2025.
Apart from his standout on-field qualities, Wilson will offer great experience and leadership to the young Bloods off the field.
“He’ll be a great pick-up for us,’’ West head of football and talent Paul Streatfield said.
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