Blockbuster opens 2019 SANFL season after controversial finish to 2018 finals series
The SANFL has released the draw for next season. See the full fixture here and get the lowdown on the minor round games you can’t afford to miss in 2019.
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- SANFL changes 19th man rules
The SANFL will ignite next year with a raft of blockbuster games to open the season.
There is none more intriguing than the rematch of the dramatic preliminary final when Woodville-West Torrens hosts North Adelaide at Woodville Oval in a stand-alone game on March 31.
This rivalry was already simmering, but the 19th man story has added plenty of spice to the relationship.
But there are two battles two days earlier on the Friday night which will ensure the season kicks off with a bang.
It will be an annoyed Norwood after losing the Grand Final to the Roosters as a hot favourite hosting Glenelg, triumphant in their final six games this year, at The Parade.
The Redlegs line-up is set to include Dom Barry, who is coming off a season with Port Adelaide after being drafted from the Tigers. In the Tigers’ jumper will be Luke Partington, a former Redleg.
Just 8km away at Richmond Oval, West Adelaide will have the services of Will Snelling after being cut by the Power and he gets to immediately front the club where he was based for the past three years.
The league released the draw on Thursday with a highlight being the meeting between the Roosters and Redlegs in the traditional Anzac Day clash between the grand finalists from the previous season at Prospect Oval on April 25.
The state league game between the WAFL and SANFL will be held in Perth on May 12, while the grand final will be contested at Adelaide Oval on September 22.
There are 12 Friday night games shared between The Parade, Glenelg and Richmond Oval and Port Pirie will host the round 13 state league Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide on July 13.
With the women’s state league expanded to eight teams following the entry of Central District and the Eagles, there will be 18 double headers with the men’s competition.
The 10-round women’s league starts on February 15 with the grand final at Glenelg Oval on May 26, following the men’s confrontation between the Tigers and Port.
FIVE GAMES NOT TO MISS
1. Eagles v North Adelaide: round 1
Woodville Oval, March 31
After the drama of the preliminary final and the 19th man, what a fun game to program on the first weekend.
2. South Adelaide v Central District: round 1
Noarlunga Oval, March 30
The reserves and league games will be followed by the women’s clash when the Bulldogs, in their debut season, will be tested by the reigning champs.
3. Glenelg v Sturt: round 4
Glenelg Oval, April 19
The Tigers enter the season confident after winning their final six games this year, while Nathan Grima has taken charge of the Double Blues.
4. North Adelaide v Norwood: round 5
Prospect Oval, April 25
The Anzac Day game is always a great day when the grand finalists from the previous season face off.
5. Adelaide v Port Adelaide: round 13
The state league showdown will be held in Port Pirie, hosts of the country championships the same weekend.
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