The must-watch games during the 2024 Adelaide Footy League season
The full 2024 Adelaide Footy League fixture has been released and we’ve got the games you do not want to miss across every division.
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The full Adelaide Footy League season fixture has been released for 2024, with the season set to start on April 13, 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
Broadview vs Port District – Round one, April 13
While round one of the division season will naturally be filled with blockbuster match-ups, including a 2023 division two grand final rematch between Golden Grove and Payneham Norwood Union, the clash between Broadview and Port District is a standout.
The Tigers have recruited well in the pre-season with big man Jesse White joining names like Stephen Tahana and Steven Jackson at the club, while AFL premiership player Scott Lycett, former South Adelaide captain Matt Rose and star SANFL defender Joey Haines have all joined Port District.
The battle between White and Lycett will be hard for local footy fans to turn down.
Glenunga vs Prince Alfred OC – Round five, May 11
Round five will see the first grand final rematch in division one, with Glenunga hosting PAOC at Webb Oval.
The Rams and the Old Reds are set to field new-look teams this season, with a number of players departing after strong 2023 campaigns for both clubs.
The clash should still be as intense as ever though, with star players such as reigning league Best and Fairest Abe Davis and gun halfback Hayden Jolly featuring.
The game will also feature two of local SA footy’s top coaches in Nathan Grima and Craig Pitt.
Port District vs Golden Grove – Round five, May 11
This matchup will be as star-studded as it gets and one of the first major tests for Golden Grove in the league’s top division.
The Kookaburras cruised to the 2023 division two flag behind starring performances by former SANFL guns Jake Pitman and Luke Barmby as well as former AFL names Lewis Johnston, Jake Glenn and Cam Shenton.
They will be one of the favourites to make the division one grand final this year and a matchup with Scott Lycett, Sam Gray and their Port District side could be an early look at the big dance.
Prince Alfred OC vs Payneham Norwood Union – Round eight, June 1
Modern day div one rivals will meet again for the first time in over a season after PNU suffered relegation to division two at the end of 2022.
Princes and the Falcons are no strangers to each other, having met in the top flight’s big dance in 2019 and 2021 as well as the first semi final in 2017.
While coach Craig Pitt’s PAOC outfit will look significantly different to last year’s grand final side, it should still pose a major threat in the division.
Coach Jeremy Cini and PNU will undoubtedly be looking forward to the test after adding former Norwood captain Matt Nunn to a list which already boasts a number of big names including North Melbourne and Norwood’s Brad McKenzie.
Golden Grove vs Payneham Norwood Union – Round 10, June 22
The Kookaburras and Falcons will clash in their second division two grand final rematch in round 10 of the season, a matchup which should be intriguing if both sides are in the finals hunt.
Golden Grove stormed past PNU in last year’s grand final to emerge as the 73-17 winner, but the Falcons should be significantly improved this season after adding Matthew Nunn to the mix.
The battle between both midfields should be must-see footy.
Brighton vs Sacred Heart OC – Round 13, July 20
Historic and geographic rivals, a clash between Brighton and SHOC during the business end of the minor round should be enough to grab any local footy fan’s attention.
While Hearts, led by Alex Cailotto and Joel Cross, came close to a div one grand final appearance last season, the Bombers finished just a game outside of finals.
The latter should be a much stronger outfit this season after adding Will Rivers to an already impressive midfield line-up.
DIVISION TWO
Edwardstown vs Goodwood – Round one, April 13
Round one of the division two season will feature a number of big clashes but a matchup between Edwardstown and Goodwood, and a number of former SANFL guns, stands out from the rest.
Many will be interested to see how the Saints fair after their surprise relegation from division one last season, but a revitalised side featuring former West Adelaide star Kaine Stevens and a number of returning names will be one to watch under new coach Ben Johnston.
Edwardstown should also be a strong outfit in 2024, with new coach Adam Moller leading a number of big names including Logan Hill, Josh Schiller and Aaron Anderson.
Flinders Park vs Goodwood – Round four, May 4
Two sides touted to finish near the top of the division, the Reds and Saints should produce a thriller in round four.
Nic, Tom and James Schwarz were all at their best in the middle and up front for Flinders Park last season and should make their side exciting to watch yet again in 2024.
Goodwood will be looking for a quick rebound from last season’s relegation disappointment and a statement win against the Reds could prove to be a major step back top promotion.
Salisbury North vs Modbury – Round 17, August 10
The second clash between these two northern powers this year, a result to either club could shape their season just two weeks out from finals.
While Salisbury North just missed out on finals last season, the Hawks should be a dangerous side for any opposition this year with the likes of Jordan O’Brien, Jake Johansen, Jacob Russo and Jackson Kelly all returning.
Modbury will also be a must-watch side in the division, with star key forward Liam Verity to be supported by Ryan Llewellyn, Darcy Pisani and Adelaide Footy League icon Tim Davey.
DIVISION THREE
Unley vs Lockleys – Round one, April 13
Former Sydney and South Adelaide player Ben Haren will pull on the red and blue for Lockleys again this season after the Demons earned promotion to div three in 2023 and a test against Mitch Duval and Unley could be a perfect start to the season for the key forward.
The Jets finished second by a single point last season but fell short of the grand final and promotion and will be looking to go one further this season under returning coach and former Crow Scott Thompson.
A win would be the perfect momentum builder for either team.
Henley vs Hope Valley – Round three, April 27
Henley has been one of the most active Adelaide Footy League clubs in the player market and will be hoping big name signings such as Matt Broadbent, Chris Hall and Kane Sherlock can dominate in the early season.
Hope Valley has retained most of its list from last season after falling short of a preliminary final, with star forwards Daniel Nobes and Paul Puopolo returning to support playing-coach Matt Min and young star Will Riddle.
The round three clash between the two sides should say a lot about both outfits.
DIVISION FOUR
Gaza vs Kilburn – Round one, April 13
Everyone will be eager to see how Gaza fairs in the 2024 season after a distracting pre-season regarding past salary cap breaches, and what better way for the Eagles to silence doubters than with a win against an old rival?
Kilburn, a side featuring a number of former Gaza players, is hot off of its impressive division five premiership and could make some noise in division four.
A convincing win against the Eagles would be the aim for the Chics, while an upset win by Gaza could kickstart a surprising season for the club.
Plympton vs Gepps Cross – Round five, May 11
Plympton will be one of the favourites to take out the division four flag this season after falling short in 2023, the Bulldogs retaining the services of stars Curtly and Lonnie Hampton.
With former AFL players Robbie Young and Dom Barry also going around again for Gepps Cross after the club’s strong division five season, this clash will be must-watch, if only for the pure skill on display.
DIVISION FIVE
Colonel Light Gardens vs Greenacres – Round five, May 11
Two of the top contenders for division five in 2024, the early season clash between Colonel Light Gardens and Greenacres should not disappoint.
The Lions fell just short of a grand final appearance and promotion last season, while Greenacres won a second consecutive flag by defeating Marion in the division six big dance.
A win for either club would likely prove significant for the rest of the season.
DIVISION SIX
Ingle Farm vs Salisbury – Round three, April 27
Last year’s division seven premier verses a side unlucky not to make the division six grand final, Ingle Farm against Salisbury in round three will be a major clash.
The Bulldogs blitzed division seven behind the brilliant play of forward/midfield utilities Terrel Rigney and Brandon Rigney, and with both players returning for season 2024, Greenacres will need to be at its best to get a win.
DIVISION SEVEN
O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale vs Para Hills – Round five, May 11
Second and fourth in division seven last season, OSB Lonsdale and Para Hills will be two of the division’s most exciting teams again in 2024.
Both teams boast electric star forwards, with Lions high-flyer Trevor Rigney and Big Reds 100-goal kicker Daniel Weetra expected to produce top drawer numbers again this season.