South Adelaide defender Joseph Haines joins Port District in Adelaide Footy League

An Adelaide Footy League club has signed another SANFL star ahead of the 2024 season as it continues to retool after this year’s finals disappointment.

An Adelaide Footy League club has signed its second big SANFL name of the pre-season as it prepares to bounce back from finals disappointment in season 2023.

Star South Adelaide defender Joseph Haines has joined division one club Port District after calling time on his South Adelaide career, which spanned 137 games.

One of the South Adelaide’s most hardworking and courageous players throughout his time with the club, Haines will join former Panthers captain Matt Rose at the Magpies.

“I loved my time at South Adelaide,” Haines said.

“It was pretty disappointing to not be able to achieve a flag but I’m very appreciative of everyone at the club and I’ve made a lot of friendships throughout my time there.

Joseph Haines has joined Port District for the 2024 Adelaide Footy League season. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I work at Semaphore and already have a connection at Port District with Matt Rose being there now so it all made sense when I was deciding where to play next.”
A tough and skilled defender who anchored the Panthers backline, Haines was named in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year four consecutive seasons from 2019-2022.

He said he was looking forward to now making a contribution on and off the field for Port.

“I’ve already met a few of the guys and coach (Josh) Ramsey and they were all very good blokes and they’ve got a very good system going on at the club.

“Hopefully I can fit into a system which is already really good and play whichever role I need to in order to help bring success.

“My partner and I have a little fella of only eight weeks old at the moment and ideally we’re going to look to get involved off of the field from a family sense.

Haines in action during the 2023 SANFL season. Picture: Image/David Mariuz

“It’s a really good family club and hopefully down the line he can play juniors here and we can stay involved.”

The club experienced a turbulent 2023 season after winning the division one premiership over Prince Alfred OC in 2022, eventually crashing out to Tea Tree Gully in the first round of finals.

However, with players like Sam Gray, Matt Rose and Haines now part of the fold, the star defender believed more success was on the horizon.

“It’s a very talented list,” Haines said.

“I’ve never won a flag in my time at senior level so I’m looking to tick that box.

“I’m excited for what the future might bring.”