South Adelaide utility Alex Cailotto returns to Sacred Heart Old Collegians for 2022 Adelaide Footy League season

An SANFL 100-gamer will return to his former Adelaide Footy League club in his quest for premiership glory.

Former South Adelaide utility Alex Cailotto has returned to Adelaide Footy League division two club Sacred Heart Old Collegians.

After clocking up 120 games for the Panthers, Cailotto decided to hang up the boots after the club lost to Glenelg in its second preliminary final in as many years.

The 29-year-old played at SHOC for three years before entering the SANFL and said he had always planned to return once finished at state league level.

“I was always pretty keen to get back to SHOC eventually so once I made the call to retire from Souths I caught up with coach Steve Kay and had a really good chat,” Cailotto said.

Former Panther Alex Cailotto gets a handball away under pressure from Glenelg’s Jack Hannath. The big utility will provide an option for SHOC around the ground. Picture: Sarah Reed

“Plans around off-field culture are really exciting, they’re building a really good place at the moment, which is super exciting, and the group is very committed.”

Cailotto originally a key defender, had a strong season at South playing in defence, ruck and up front.

He said it was difficult to leave the Panthers after almost making the big dance but believed SHOC, which also lost a preliminary final this year, was poised for premiership success.

“To make the call to give it away is tough and especially after making two prelims. I couldn’t speak more highly about my time at South Adelaide – it made me a better footballer and bloke,” Cailotto said.

“SHOC has always been a successful club and has made a lot of prelims as well but the one that’s been elusive is that grand final win.

“There’s a lot of talent there and the players are super keen to get back together for another push at a flag.

“There are a few of us who played in the losing division one grand final in 2021 so there’s unfinished business.”

Alex Cailotto battles Eagles big Jarrad Redden in the ruck. Picture: Sarah Reed

Cailotto won the Dr. Jim Harley and Frank Brown Memorial Trophies for best clubman during his time at South Adelaide.

He said the mentor role was something he would provide the young guns at SHOC.

“I’m coming into a pretty young group so I’m hoping to do a bit of mentoring and coaching at the club to help the young fellas,” Cailotto said.

“There’s a lot of talent coming through so helping their development is something I’m passionate about doing going forward.”

Cailotto marks the fifth signing for SHOC as it aims to bolster its senior group after this year’s prelim loss.