The must-watch games during the 2023 Adelaide Footy League season

The full 2023 Adelaide Footy League fixture has been released and we’ve got the games you do not want to miss across every division.

The full Adelaide Footy League season fixture has been released for 2022, with the season set to start on April 22, a week after the AFL’s Gather Round.

We’ve analysed each matchup in all seven divisions and selected those which are must-see footy.

See our list here:

DIVISION ONE

St Peter’s Old Collegians vs Prince Alfred Old Collegians – Round one, April 22

There will not be a grand final rematch to open the 2023 division one season, but a big clash between traditional rivals is the next best thing.

Many will be eager to see whether or not Prince Alfred OC can bounce back after last season’s grand final loss to Port District, while St Peter’s OC will be ready to go with a new-look side after multiple pre-season changes.

Former Glenelg captain and premiership player Andrew Bradley will also be set to suit up in his first game for the Old Reds.

The two rivals also faced off in last season’s elimination final.

Former Glenelg star Andrew Bradley is set to spark for Prince Alfred OC this season. Picture: Sarah Reed

Sacred Heart Old Collegians vs Broadview – Round two, April 29

Two kicks is all that separated these two sides in the 2022 division two grand final, with Broadview winning the flag last season, but Sacred Heart OC looks prepared for revenge.

While Hearts have added Joel Cross to a star-studded line-up which includes names like Alex Cailotto, Seb Kerrish and Clayton Symonds, the Tigers will have to account for the losses of Jared Petrenko and Jesse White.

A grand final rematch between two even teams who could be contending for finals, this game is definitely one to mark down on your calendar.

Prince Alfred Old Collegians vs Port District – Round four, May 13

Season 2023’s first grand final rematch will see the Old Reds take on the Magpies at home in round four.

Both clubs have strengthened after the 2022 big dance and should be evenly matched across the ground.

They should also both be in premiership contention this year, which could make this matchup a taste of things to come in September.

Brighton vs Sacred Heart OC - Round six, May 27

Historic and geographical rivals, Brighton will first face newly-promoted SHOC at home at the end of May.

While Hearts have managed to add to their division two grand final side of 2022, the Bombers continue to develop their youth and have shown improvement each season under coach Brett Backwell.

Glenunga vs Tea Tree Gully – Round 11, July 8

Adelaide’s Luke Brown has joined Tea Tree Gully for season 2023. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The arrival of former Adelaide Crows defender Luke Brown has Tea Tree Gully thinking finals for season 2023, and Glenunga should be contending for top five alongside them.

The Rams have added gun Sturt forward Abe Davis to their squad after a surprise finals run in their first division one campaign last season.

With Glenunga a regular force at home, many will be interested to find out if a strengthened, Jay Maschotta-led Gullies outfit can earn a result.

Goodwood vs Port District – Round 17, August 19

Two clubs which look set to contend into the distant future, Goodwood and Port District always produce top quality displays of footy.

The Saints lost to the Magpies in the second semi-final last season and will be hoping to exact revenge at home when they meet two weeks from the postseason in August.

DIVISION TWO

Payneham Norwood Union vs Golden Grove – Round one, April 22

Jeremy Cini’s PNU outfit will be eager to start the season well against undefeated division three premier Golden Grove after suffering relegation from division one in 2022, but the Kookaburras remain one of the state’s strongest local footy sides on paper.

A side which boasts names like Cam Shenton, Lewis Johnston and Josh Glenn, Golden Grove is out to prove it can run with the best after swimming through 2022 in dominant fashion.

An away game at Payneham could be the perfect win to begin the club’s division two season.

Athelstone vs North Haven – Round two, April 29

These two contenders for the premiership last season have strengthened heading into 2023 and should be hard to stop for the rest of the division.

Dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg will don the blue and white for Athelstone this season while 200-game AFL player Lindsay Thomas has joined North Haven.

It would be a statement win early in the season for either team.

Former Norwood star Mitch Grigg will play for Athelstone this season, his junior side and the beloved club of late father Chris (left). Picture: Dean Martin

Golden Grove vs Edwardstown – Round eight, June 17

A rematch of the 2022 division three grand final, Golden Grove and Edwardstown will be a game fans need to see.

Towns went on a remarkable run into the grand final last season and the inclusion of Logan Hill will only further their division two credentials.

The Kookaburras will be the favourites, but an away victory is not entirely unlikely.

DIVISION THREE

Unley Mercedes Jets vs Pembroke Old Scholars – Round five, May 20

Former Crows AFL great and ex-Port assistant coach Scott Thompson would be hoping for improvement out of his Unley side in 2023. Picture: Tom Huntley

Scott Thompson’s Jets team has seen an influx of talent this pre-season, including former Sturt and St Peter’s OC forward Jake Sutcliffe, while Pembroke Old Scholars could be the team to beat in division three after winning the div four flag.

Both clubs will be looking to set the town early in the season and this fixture provides the perfect opportunity.

With both sides strong across the ground on paper, this one should have it all.

DIVISION FOUR

Morphettville Park vs Plympton – Round three, May 6

Former West Adelaide gun Stuart Taverner is ready for redemption with his Plympton team in 2023. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Star key forwards, strong midfields and points to prove on either side of the park, this fixture should be the cream of the crop in division four.

Morphettville Park would still be stinging from its relegation from division three after former North Adelaide premiership player and gun utility Alex Barns suffered an injury-riddled 2022, while Plympton, led by star ruck Stuart Taverner, will be eager to make up for its 2022 preliminary final loss in 2023.

DIVISION FIVE

Colonel Light Gardens vs Eastern Park – Round six, May 27

These two rivals finished fourth and fifth respectively last season and should again be around the mark in 2023.

The Lions would be anxious for the year to begin after losing the first semi-final last season and an early win over the rival Demons would bode well for the season.

DIVISION SIX

Smithfield vs Greenacres – Round three, May 6

One team looking to build off of its undefeated 2022 season and the other returning to competition for the first time in over two years, this fixture should be as entertaining as it gets in division six.

Greenacres was untouchable last year, dominating division seven on its way up, but the Dragons will face a revamped and revitalised Panthers side away from home in a tough fixture for any club.

DIVISION SEVEN

Flinders Uni vs Houghton Districts – Round 11, July 8

Two clubs which faced off in the first semi-final last season and will be ready to fight for promotion yet again this year.

The Raiders won out by seven points in their last affair against Flinders, but this fixture could go either way.