The must-watch games during the 2022 Adelaide Footy League season
The full 2022 Adelaide Footy League fixture has been released and we’ve got the games you do not want to miss across all divisions.
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The full Adelaide Footy League season fixture has been released for 2022, with the season set to start on April 2.
We’ve analysed each matchup in all seven divisions and selected the games which are must-see footy.
See our list here:
Division one
Prince Alfred Old Collegians vs Payneham Norwood Union – Round one, April 2
What better way to start the season than with a 2021 grand final replay?
These two powerhouses are fast-developing a rivalry in the top division and PNU will be out for revenge after losing out to Prince Alfred in the big dance last year.
With PNU adding Norwood star Brad McKenzie to the fold and the Old Reds bringing former Glenelg captain Chris Curran in to join league Best and Fairest Jack Trengove, this matchup will be full of top-drawer football.
Prince Alfred Old Collegians vs St Peter’s Old Collegians – Round four, April 30
Prince Alfred and St Peter’s intercol matches are some of the biggest and most historic in South Australian sport and the match-ups between the two amateur clubs are not far behind.
SPOC started its off-season strong with the signing of SANFL premiership player Jake Sutcliffe, and will be looking to gain bragging rights over rival Prince Alfred OC after losing to them handily in last year’s preliminary final.
Both teams are more often than not in contention for the premiership and a round four rivalry win would be a big step toward that ultimate goal.
Port District vs Payneham Norwood Union – Round five, May 7
Port District looks significantly stronger than last season after signing the Gray brothers for 2022 and the appointment of former West Adelaide assistant Josh Ramsey as coach.
PNU has had the wood over Port for some time now but this game will be a big one early in the season with the Magpies’ bolstered squad.
Port will be vying for finals and a win against a top team early would be just what the club is looking for.
Goodwood Saints vs Tea Tree Gully – Round eight, May 28
A special occasion for both clubs, the Beyond Blue game rarely disappoints.
Played in the memory of past Tea Tree Gully player Bennett Sparrow and former Saints assistant coach David Baker – who both lost battles with mental health – this matchup is of major significance.
Used to promote mental health awareness, it will be one local footy fans everywhere should tune in to.
Glenunga vs Old Ignatians – Round nine, June 4
These two clubs have developed a healthy rivalry in recent years and this game should excite after both sides locked horns in last year’s division two grand final.
The Rams went undefeated in 2021 until the big game, with Old Iggies running over them in the final quarter to win the flag.
They’ll be hoping to get revenge against an Old Ignatians side which has lost star player Cam Ortlepp to Mount Gambier.
Division two
Sacred Heart Old Collegians vs PHOS Camden – Round eight, May 28
This fierce rivalry should reach another level in 2022, with both clubs favourites to make the grand final.
SHOC made huge recruitments after losing its preliminary final to Glenunga, with the likes of Alex Cailotto joining the club for the year ahead.
Both sets of players will be settled into their systems by round eight, which should make this one a very entertaining spectacle.
Adelaide University vs Unley Mercedes Jets – Round eight, May 28
Also in round eight, this matchup will feature two new coaches and two clubs aiming to get right back to division one after relegation.
Crows great Scott Thompson will take the helm at Unley this year, while Graeme Kellett replaces Ben Watkins at Uni.
With both clubs featuring a lot of talent and two coaches who are desperate to get back to the top flight, this one will be a thriller.
Division three
Golden Grove vs Morphettville Park – Round seven, May 21
With both clubs boasting potentially season-defining signings over the off-season, this game will have it all.
The additions of Lewis Johnston and Cam Shenton at Golden Grove have many people talking premierships, but they will face a test against Alex Barns and the Roos.
Both clubs would be hoping for a strong first two months and this game will be key to that.
Division four
Pulteney vs Pembroke Old Scholars – Round six, May 14
These two old scholar teams always excite when they come head-to-head and this time should not be any different.
Pembroke was disappointed to bow out in last year’s finals after finishing top of the ladder, but managed to sign SANFL premiership players Mark Evans (playing-coach) and Max Thring in the early off-season.
The Kings would be a formidable opponent for any side but Pulteney could be a team ready to upset.
Division five
Colonel Light Gardens vs Eastern Park – Round one, April 2
These clubs remain rivals and would love a win over the other to kick-off season 2022.
Both sides lost in last year’s preliminary finals and would be eager to get back to that stage of the season again, making this clash even more appealing.
Blackfriars Old Scholars vs Elizabeth – Round three, April 23
Blackfriars Old Scholars recently took the opportunity to move up to division five, and will face the club which eliminated them from the 2021 finals in round three.
Elizabeth is looking to build on momentum gained in the div six grand final last season and should make for a tough opponent in a higher division.
Division six
Trinity Old Scholars vs Para Hills – Round three, April 23
Trinity OS was unlucky not to gain division five promotion after last year and faces the next strongest club in division six early in the season.
These clubs are favourites to be there in the final game of the year, and this game could be a sign of what is to come from each side.
Division seven
O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale vs Smithfield – Round two, April 9
With the bye in the first round, this will be Smithfield’s first game in the competition after sitting out in 2021.
The 109-year-old club is in a great place morale and chemistry-wise according to president Ryan Hocking and could surprise a few with a big game back in round two.
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