SANFL season review: Glenelg’s trophy cabinet gains a swag of rich prizes from successful 2019 after long drought
For more than three decades Glenelg hid from success, but the Tigers have bounced back with an emphatic statement on the SANFL. Warren Partland looks at what went right and wrong for every club and their key needs in his comprehensive season wrap.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Glenelg may have had trouble remembering how to win premierships for far too long, but there were definitely no memory lapses when it came to knowing how to party at the Bay.
The Tigers had every reason to celebrate long and hard after snapping a 33-year drought with a convincing grand final triumph over Port Adelaide to cap a stunning season.
Coach Mark Stone was the mastermind behind the Tigers’ rise to the top of the SANFL pile in just his second season at the club, while he had a streak of players only too willing to buy into the program.
Stream over 50 sports live and on demand with KAYO SPORTS. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
The Bay oval is now the home of the Thomas Seymour Hill Cup as the premiership club and Stanley H. Lewis Trophy as the best performed club across three grades, as well as the Magarey (Luke Partington), Ken Farmer (Liam McBean), and Jack Oatey (Matthew Snook) Medals.
That is nothing but an emphatic season. Stone and his Tigers have established a new benchmark for the traditional clubs.
The SANFL also kicked plenty of goals, highlighted by the crowd of 39,105 for the season finale at Adelaide Oval. Crowds for the season were up four per cent on the previous year and Channel 7’s coverage attracted 19 per cent more viewers in the minor round.
And the future of the game was on show with the likes of Will Gould, Dylan Stephens, Riley Thilthorpe and Corey Durdin showcasing their outstanding potential.
CLUB-BY-CLUB SEASON IN REVIEW
ADELAIDE
Finish: 3rd (12 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw)
Club champion: Patrick Wilson
What went right: The Crows got tremendous service from the top up players. Tom Hutchesson and Matthew Merrett impressed, while James Mathews had some classy highlights in the finals. Ned McHenry, Jordon Butts and Chayce Jones were among the young listed players who used the state league to prove they have promising futures. The side got superb leadership from Matt Wright and Andy Otten.
What went wrong: The side was consistently altered week to week because of AFL needs and late in the season the negativity hanging over the Crows had to be a distraction. Coach Heath Younie did well under the circumstances.
Invited to combine: Jy Farrar, Tom Hutchesson (state)
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Finish: 8th (5 wins, 13 losses)
Club champion: October 12
What went right: Had a huge contingent of young players debut in the league side, the likes of Corey Durdin, Mitch Payne, Oliver Shaw and Damon Robinson. Durdin is only 17 and his name is expected be prominent in the 2020 draft. Jarrod Schiller shone with more responsibility in the midfield.
What went wrong: The Bulldogs were hurt by a lengthy injury list, which fully tested the depth. The lack of pace in the midfield was an obstacle and there was no big forward commanding the ball. Inconsistency was also a problem.
Invited to combine: Nil
Mature age draft prospect: Nil
Lost: Roy Laird (coach), Jydon Neagle, Jaxon Neagle
Recruits: Nil
Needing repairs: A priority must be to find some pace on the ball. Jonathon Marsh needs assistant in ruck and a strong target in attack is a must. The leaders need to take more ownership of the side and performances.
EAGLES
Finish: 7th (8 wins, 10 losses)
Club champion: October 4
What went right: The club was able to get league games into plenty of young players, while Jack Hayes and James Rowe continued their improvement. Recruits Jordon Foote and Jesse Lonergan gave the Eagles good service. The under 18s won the grand final and the reserves were beaten in the season finale, proof the junior programs and development is working well.
What went wrong: After nine years under Michael Godden, the players took far too long to adapt to Sam Lonergan’s methods. Losing five straight early meant the club was always playing catch up. Jimmy Toumpas returned to the Eagles, but struggled to get on the park because of injury.
Invited to combine: Jackson Mead, Harry Schoenberg, Kysaiah Pickett, Josh Morris (AFL), Luke Beechen, Trent Burgoyne, Jamie Coff, Lachlan Hoile, James Rowe (state)
Mature age draft prospect: James Rowe, Jack Hayes, Jordon Foote.
Lost: Sam Lonergan (coach), Scott Lewis, Seb Guilhaus
Recruits: nil
Needing repairs: The players must be more adaptable given there is a new coach, Jade Sheedy. Another key position player to take pressure off Jack Hayes would be valuable. And a vast lift in accuracy in front of goal would help.
GLENELG
Finish: Premier (15 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws)
Club champion: October 12
What went right: Plenty when win the Stanley H. Lewis Trophy, Ken Farmer Medal, Magarey Medal, Jack Oatey Medal and the Thomas Seymour Hill Premiership Trophy. Brad Agnew and Liam McBean knocking on the door looking for a game after a year off, Jesse White stood up big time in the ruck and the leadership group thrived with increased responsibility from coach Mark Stone. Started the season high on confidence after finishing the 2018 season with six successive wins and the players fully brought into Stone’s plans.
What went wrong: Not much. There were the long-term injuries to Josh Scott and Carl Nicholson. The Tigers lost Lachlan Hosie in the mid-season draft.
Invited to combine: Will Gould, Callum Park (AFL), Brad Close, Reid Kuller, Jordan Moore, Luke Partington (state)
Mature age draft prospect: Partington, Close
Lost: Chris Curran
Recruits: Nil
Needing repairs: Very little, maybe the coaching support structures around Stone could be strengthened.
NORTH ADELAIDE
Finish: 9th (4 wins, 13 losses, 1 draw)
Club champion: October 11
What went right: With the Roosters losing plenty of games early, coach Josh Carr gave a heap of opportunities to younger players and junior products Frank Szekely and Lee Minervini seized on their chances. The Roosters were competitive in plenty of games, only to be let down by a sloppy quarter.
What went wrong: Starting minus two games as penalty for the 19th man saga was a huge obstacle and what impact that had on the players mentally is difficult to gauge. The Roosters’ depth took a hit after losing five players in the draft, as well as some personnel from the reserves premiership side to country leagues. Injury problems for Max Thring, Mitch Clisby and Keenan Ramsey did not help. Key recruit Jake Neade started the season behind the eight ball because of injury and was not able to impact as the club hoped.
Invited to combine: Karl Finlay, Dyson Hilder (AFL), Harrison Magor (state)
Mature age draft prospect: Nil.
Lost: Max Lower
Recruits: Andrew Moore
Needing repairs: An increase in depth and competition for spots. The Roosters are aiming to repeat the lead up to the 2018 season when most of the squad completed the pre-season work. Too many players were on a modified program leading into this season. Jake Neade has had another knee clean out and should be right for the pre-season.
NORWOOD
Finish: 4th (12 wins, 8 losses)
Club champion: Brad McKenzie
What went right: The club got to see the capabilities of young talent such as Josh Richards, Cam Taheny and Dylan Stephens, as well as the emergence of Cole Gerloff. Brad McKenzie finally completed a pre-season and he benefited by playing every game and showing his true form. Ruckman Sam Baulderstone continued to give the club a spark in the midfield.
What went wrong: Injuries to key personnel were a major issue. The Redlegs were 6-1 (win-loss) before being belted by injuries. Will Abbott, Matt Panos and Matt Nunn were lost for extended periods and that prevented continuity in the midfield. They also met the AFL clubs when those sides were loaded with big-name listed talent.
Invited to combine: Dylan Stephens, Cameron Taheny (AFL), Henry Crauford, Cole Gerloff (state)
Mature age draft prospect: Matt Nunn, Cole Gerloff
Lost: Alex Georgiou, Jace Bode, Ed Smart, Brady Dawe
Recruits: Nil
Needing repairs: A go-to forward would be handy and the club can look to its reserves side which won the premiership. Luke Surman, Sam Barnett, Lachlan Pascoe and Henry Crauford could be options and the Redlegs can hope someone from their own ranks puts their hand up. The Redlegs have a habit of chipping the ball around, so a strong-marking target in attack could prompt quicker movement and straight then attack up.
PORT ADELAIDE
Finish: 2nd (15 wins, 6 losses)
Club champion: October 4
What went right: Plenty, especially in the second half of the season. A healthy list ensured a quality outfit loaded with listed talent was available each week. Captain Cam Sutcliffe’s form earned him elevation to the list, while some big names dropped back to the state league and showed great attitude. Tobin Cox, 20, his given himself every chance of being retained by the Power after finishing with 30 goals for the season, including two bags of five and another of four. There were only two games he did not kick a goal.
What went wrong: It must rate as a successful season so not much went wrong. The loss of Aidyn Johnson, impressive in the second semi-final, for the grand final due to suspension hurt and Port was kept at arm’s length by Glenelg in the decider. Lost ball magnet Jack Trengove for an extended period because of injury.
Invited to combine: Nil.
SOUTH ADELAIDE
Finish: 6th (9 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws)
Club champion: October 5
What went right: The Panthers were able to see encouraging development from home grown talent such as Hayden Sampson, Eamon Wilkinson and Reece Milsom. The extensive junior development work is now reaping the rewards. Key forward Sam Overall got to play a full season and Joe Haines, Tyson Brown and Alex Cailotto have established themselves as quality players. Only team not beaten by Glenelg.
What went wrong: It started with the new AFL drafting rules, losing Keegan Brooksby and Hayden McLean in the pre-season and then Michael Knoll mid-season. Put those three key position players in the side and the Panthers are a genuine premiership side. No side could cover those losses.
Invited to combine: Damon Freitag (state)
Mature age draft prospect: Nil.
Lost: Abe Davis, Nick Liddle, Bradley Crabb
Recruits: nil
Needing repairs: The Panthers need more forwards kicking goals given Joel Cross led with 26. Another strong midfielder would be important after losing Abe Davis. Execution and composure in pressure situations needs improving.
STURT
Finish: 5th (11 wins, 8 losses)
Club champion: October 4
What went right: the transition to new coach Nathan Grima went as smoothly as could be expected. The emergence of Josh Patullo has a strong-marking target was a huge positive, while the club blooded some youngsters in Rory Illman, Daniel Fahey-Sparks, Casey Voss, Mihail Lochowiak and William Coomblas. The league and reserves qualified for the finals to provide evidence the plan by the Double Blues to focus on local talent is working.
What went wrong: random injuries, such as the DVT problem for Tom Read, hurt through the middle section of the season. For the second successive year, there was no Fraser Evans for the finals because of injury. Rory Illman was also missed for the elimination final. Lost the four games against the AFL clubs when they were flooded with big-name listed players.
Invited to combine: Josh Shute (AFL), Lachlan Burrows, Oliver Grivell, Mihail Lochowiak, Anzac Lochowiak, Jed McEntee (state)
Mature age draft prospect: Josh Patullo, Rory Illman, Lachlan Burrows
Lost: Jack Stephens, Fraser Evans, John Greenslade, Aidan Riley
Recruits: Abe Davis, Dean Gore
Needing repairs: A key forward would be most welcome, as would speed all over the ground. Having lost Jack Stephens and Fraser Evans, there is a vacancy for a quality key position defender. While the defence was superb this season, there needs to be an improvement in scoring.
WEST ADELAIDE
Finish: 10th (2 wins, 16 losses)
Club champion: Logan Hill
What went right: Tespite finishing with the wooden spoon, the Bloods were highly competitive for lengthy periods in most games. The continued development of the likes of Elliot Dunkin and Murray Waite. Riley Thilthorpe is not eligible for this year’s draft, and the 17-year old is certain to be hot property next year.
What went wrong: The mid-season draft hit the Bloods hard with the loss of Will Snelling and John Noble. Producing a four-quarter effort was a massive issue, and they let teams dominate for 15 minutes to take the game away. Injuries were a factor.
Invited to combine: Will Day (AFL), Elliot Dunkin (state)
Mature age draft prospect: Elliot Dunkin
Lost: Errin Wasley-Black, Dustin Head, Nigel Osborn
Recruits: Nil
Needing repairs: There needs to be plenty of work on fitness and more outside run is necessary. A four-quarter effort will be high on coach Gavin Colville’s wish list.
