North Adelaide captain Max Thring positive Roosters can overcome handicaps in race for back to back flags at SANFL season launch

North Adelaide’s defence of its SANFL flag has been made that much harder by a two-game penalty, but captain Max Thring is positive the club can meet the challenge. Meet this year’s skippers.

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North Adelaide captain Max Thing has refused to allow the two-game penalty imposed on the club following the 19th man preliminary final drama be a mental anchor as the Roosters brace for their premiership defence.

The inspirational skipper said the players had accepted the handicap, as well as overcoming the loss of a raft of players in the national draft, as a “great challenge” for the club.

And speaking at the SANFL season launch at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, Thring said the players had had no difficulty switching the focus to their pursuit of more state league glory after celebrating the drought-breaking flag.

SANFL captains (from left) Luke Thompson (Eagles), Chris Curran (Glenelg), Matt Rose (South Adelaide), Matthew Wright (Adelaide), Max Thring (North Adelaide), Zane Kirkwood (Sturt), Jace Bode (Norwood), Hugh Haysman (West Adelaide, standing in for Tom Keough), Trent Goodrem (Central District) and Cam Sutcliffe (Port Adelaide). Picture: Mark Brake/AAP

“To start with a two-game handicap is not ideal,” Thring said. “We have got a few things against you, but I’m positive about the season coming up.

“It is a great challenge for us with the young group and we will try and win as many games as possible like every team, nothing changes.

“The two-game handicap is not a negative in my mind. People outside North Adelaide will say the handicap is big in the SANFL competition because it is so even.

“I’m really positive about the outlook, it’s the only way you can be. If not you start to sook about yourself.

“It is an exciting challenge for us and as a playing group we will be striving to exceed expectation and try and make the finals again.”

Thring said the premiership triumph was special, but to back it up would be even more special and the club was focused on preventing a dramatic slide down the ladder.

In a blockbuster first-round clash, the Roosters will open their defence with a rematch of the preliminary final against Woodville-West Torrens at Woodville Oval on Sunday.

The Eagles left the 2018 season fuming, but they have a new coach in Sam Lonergan and recruits who were not involved in that contest.

“Last year’s preliminary does not mean much to me in the sense I was not here,” Lonergan said on Tuesday. “I’ve got to be mindful of the members and as a new coach I give them the respect of how important it is for them.

“I acknowledge that and make sure the players are prepared for the game.”

The season kicks off on Friday night when Norwood hosts Glenelg at The Parade and West Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval.

SANFL ROUND 1

FRIDAY

West Adelaide v Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval, 7.20pm

Norwood v Glenelg at Norwood Oval, 7.20pm

SATURDAY

South Adelaide v Central District at Noarlunga, 1.10pm

Sturt v Adelaide at Peter Motley Oval, 2.10pm

SUNDAY

Woodville-West Torrens v North Adelaide, Woodville Oval, 1.10pm