Top 25 local SA footy signings for season 2025 ranked
The local SA footy season is finally here and a number of clubs have bolstered their line-ups with big name recruits, so we’ve ranked our top 25 signings for 2025. See who made the cut.
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The local SA footy season kicked off last Saturday and a number of clubs across the state have added to their squads with top-end talent.
To mark the start of the season, we’ve ranked the top 25 signings of 2025.
Players were picked based on ability as well as the potential impact they could have on their new clubs.
Here is our list of who to keep an eye on from no. 25 to 1.
25. HAYDEN SAMPSON
(Myponga/Sellicks)
A standout player for South Adelaide in season 2024, Sampson’s return to the Mudlarks comes at a valuable time for the club after it lost a number of key players including superstar Ben Kennedy.
A versatile player around the ground with slick skills, Sampson’s arrival could ensure Myponga/Sellicks remains a contender for the finals in 2025.
24. JAIDAN KAPPLER
(Victor Harbor)
Former South Adelaide and Crows SANFL player Kappler could provide the boost the Roos need after just falling to Myponga/Sellicks in last season’s GSFL big dance and losing dual Mail Medallist Jesse McKinnon to SPOC.
A speedy and athletic player around the ground who damages sides with his run and carry and damaging distribution.
23. HENRY PAPATOLIS
(Goodwood Saints)
Dual FA Bloch Medallist, former PHOS Camden captain Henry Papatolis made a surprise move to Goodwood Saints in division two for 2025.
A tireless worker around the ground who wins plenty of the footy and is one of the best distributors in the competition, Papatolis could take his new club back to division one if he can produce his best on return from injury.
22. LUKE THOMPSON
(Flinders Park)
WWTFC premiership star Luke Thompson made the move to Flinders Park at the end of 2024 and should make the Reds a tough opponent in division two.
Thompson can be employed as a damaging midfielder and as a reliable defensive player and should be one of his side’s best players and commanding leaders each week.
21. JARROD SCHILLER
(Nuriootpa)
Former Central District star Schiller has returned to his junior club Nuriootpa for season 2025 and could help the Tigers become a genuine threat in the BLGFA.
A versatile player for Central District who can do damage as a tough onballer and also hit the scoreboard or drop back, Schiller will be a standout in the competition this year.
20. STEVE BURTON
(Barmera Monash)
Dual Mail Medallist Steve Burton has returned to hometown club Barmera Monash in the Riverland Football League after an impressive run with South Gawler in the BLGFA.
A strong midfielder who is clean off of the deck and can cut up opposition with his distribution, Burton should make his hometown club a major contender this season.
19. TRENT HEFFERNAN
(Central Yorke)
Former SANFL player Heffernan was one of Port District’s most reliable players through the club’s run of two premierships in the last three years and will be a huge boost for Central Yorke Cougars in the YPFL.
A tough player around the ground who reads the play as well as anyone, is reliable in possession and always makes the right decisions, Heffernan could make CYC a genuine contender.
18. HENRY NELLIGAN
(St Peter’s OC)
Former Norwood gun Henry Nelligan has joined St Peter’s OC as part of the club’s impressive division one pre-season.
A versatile player who can contribute as a skilled and smooth-moving forward with reliable goal sense or as a clean user in the contest, Nelligan’s inclusion should help SPOC to move up the ladder this year.
17. TROY MENZEL
(Padthaway)
Former Carlton, Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens player Troy Menzel has signed with Padthaway in the KNTFL in a big South East move.
A skilled player by hand and foot who can impact the game as a damaging forward or as a clean user around the ground, Menzel has the potential to help the Lions to a finals bid.
16. LIAM VERITY
(Golden Grove)
The impact Golden Grove’s acquisition of former North Adelaide and Modbury key forward Liam Verity could have on the Kookaburras’ season cannot be understated.
The Kookaburras, already boasting names like Jake Pitman, Josh Glenn, Cam Shenton and Lewis Johnston, suffered a narrow finals defeat to PNU last season and lacked the firepower up front to make a genuine premiership push.
With Verity, a strong player overhead who can boot goals from anywhere, now added to the mix, the club could have a legitimate shot at making the big dance.
15. TARIEK NEWCHURCH
(Central Augusta)
The former Crows SANFL livewire should fit like a glove at Central Augusta as his club aims for a strong finals challenge in the SGFL this season.
Newchurch can burn anyone for pace, boasts reliable hand and foot skills in the contest and can kick goals from anywhere.
Should be one of the top players in the competition this season.
14. MATT SPENCELY
(Hackham)
Division seven contender Hackham has become the favourite for the flag this year after signing former Crows SANFL gun and Waikerie legend Matt Spencely.
Spencely boasts elite hand and foot skills and is one of the most evasive players in local SA footy.
His ability to create for teammates and also boot goals as a forward/midfield utility will make him one of D7’s best players.
13. CODY SZUST
(Rambler)
A consistent asset for Port Adelaide’s SANFL side last season, Szust should provide a major boost for Rambler in the RMFL this year.
While the Roosters may still find the challenge of making finals too big, Szust should provide important skill and presence through the middle and up front.
12. HARLEE CHANDLER
(Western United)
Arguably the top young player in SA country footy, Chandler has returned to hometown Western Eyre club Western United after winning a Mail Medal with Cummins Rambler in the Great Flinders FL.
Chandler can do major damage on the ball as a tough and skilled player and can also be a threatening forward with his ability in the air and at ground level combined with his goalkicking prowess.
Should help the WEFL power to at least another grand final.
11. JESSE MCKINNON
(St Peter’s OC)
Former South Adelaide player and dual GSFL Mail Medallist for Victor Harbor, McKinnon will undoubtedly provide a major boost for SPOC this season.
A big-bodied midfielder who wins plenty of the contested footy, lays big tackles, deals to teammates and also hits the scoreboard, McKinnon could make his new club a finals contender in D1 alongside Henry Nelligan.
10. ALEX MCKAY
(Tea Tree Gully)
Dual AdFL medallist Alex McKay’s return to Tea Tree Gully from interstate has the club firmly poised as one of the top contenders in division two this season.
A tough and skilled player through the middle who rarely puts wrong, McKay should be a standout for the Gullies almost every week this season.
9. JACK FIRNS
(Port District)
Former WWTFC gun Jack Firns’ arrival at Largs Bay could take reigning D1 premier Port District to another level in season 2025.
A strong player on the ball who can play a number of roles, Firns will fit Josh Ramsey’s side seamlessly and will only bolster its premiership credentials.
8. SAM MORRIS
(Payneham Norwood Union)
Norwood premiership midfielder Sam Morris will be a major boost for Payneham Norwood Union this season as he rejoins former Redlegs teammate Matthew Nunn.
A tireless worker around the ground with explosive athleticism and great skills, Morris could help inspire the Falcons on a deep finals run.
7. CHRIS CURRAN
(Mundulla)
Glenelg premiership star and former captain Curran has made a big move to reigning KNTFL premier Mundulla and should be one of the top players in the competition this season.
A supremely skilled flanker who can also provide run and carry through the middle, Curran has previously dominated local footy with Prince Alfred OC as an excellent reader of the game who damages with his disposal.
6. ALEX BARNS
(Kingston)
North Adelaide premiership hero Alex Barns has joined KNTFL club Kingston as player-coach for 2025 after winning the division four medal with junior club Morphettville Park in the AdFL.
A superstar ruck who can do damage around the ground with clean skills and also have an impact as a strong-marking forward, Barns could be a key to a potential premiership run for the Saints.
5. CAMPBELL COMBE
(Crystal Brook)
Former Magarey Medallist Campbell Combe has returned to hometown club Crystal Brook to play alongside brother Will and will undoubtedly be a force in the Northern Areas FA.
A strong and athletic midfielder who can take over a game in the contest, Combe should make the Roosters the favourites for the premiership and will be a chance at the Mail Medal if he plays enough games.
4. NED MCHENRY
(Prince Alfred OC)
McHenry’s arrival at PAOC as player-coach marks a major move for the club after missing the 2024 division one finals.
A skilled and versatile player who can impact the game in a number of ways and has AFL experience, McHenry could lead the Old Reds back to the top.
3. CHARLIE DIXON
(Lobethal)
The biggest signing of the season, Dixon will undoubtedly have a major impact with the Tigers in the HFL but reportedly will not be available for a number of games throughout the year.
Undoubtedly the most dangerous key forward in the local game this season, Dixon has the ability to dominate up front or around the ground and could help Lobethal to a surprise premiership if he is available in the finals.
2. BEN KENNEDY
(Kingston)
A huge signing in the South East, Kennedy has the potential to lead Kingston to a KNTFL premiership this season.
The former Melbourne and Collingwood player is one of the best midfield/forward utilities in SA and recently dominated to help Myponga/Sellicks to a historic premiership in the Great Southern FL.
Will miss some games this season but will be available during the most important stretches.
1. ANDREW BRADLEY
(Westminster OS)
One of local SA footy’s top players in recent seasons, Bradley’s move to Westminster OS should instantly make the club a major contender for the division three premiership this season.
The former Glenelg captain has been a dominant and versatile player who does damage as an onballer, behind the footy or up front.
Has premiership experience with the Bays and Prince Alfred OC, and nearly helped Kybybolite to a historic flag in the KNTFL last season.
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