Our SANFL experts cast their eyes over all eight teams ahead of the new season
The AFL returned last week and on Saturday, June 27, it will be the SANFL’s turn. And North Adelaide football couple Harrison Wigg and Erin Sundstrom can’t wait. Read our full 2020 season preview.
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A little healthy competition and a bit of banter can strengthen any relationship and that’s the case with footballers Harrison Wigg and Erin Sundstrom.
The pair has been together for the past year after meeting while playing football in Queensland.
Both will feature with North Adelaide in the SANFL and SANFLW respectively this season.
The 2020 season, delayed for more than two months by the COVID-19 shutdown, will finally kick off on Saturday, June 27, with a double header at Adelaide Oval when
Central District will face Sturt and South Adelaide will play the Eagles.
Wiggs Roosters will play West Adelaide in the first of another double-header on Sunday, with premiers Glenelg facing Norwood in the late game.
Although Wigg has experience being on an AFL list, Sundstrom doesn’t look to him for advice.
“We will go for a kick every now and then but when he tries to coach me I pick fights so we don’t do that,” laughed Sundstrom.
“I didn’t even want to play for the Roosters at first because I didn’t want to be known as ‘Wiggy’s girlfriend’ I wanted to be my own person in football.
“I guess we don’t really share the same support team so I don’t even think half my teammates know I’m dating him.
“(But) he’s super supportive.
“Obviously we met through football and I think he likes having that shared interest.”
Wigg returns to North Adelaide after being drafted to the Crows’ list before being traded to the Gold Coast and spending the past two seasons on the Suns’ list.
The 23-year-old defender hoped to turn his luck around in the SANFL after a serious ankle injury and then a ruptured ACL kept him on the sidelines the past two years.
“The season being postponed has probably been a good thing for myself and my knee but I’m just keen to play footy again,” Wigg said.
“I am 100 per cent confident in my body — I’ve done a lot of work to get my ankle and knee right.
“Personally I just want to play my best footy and see if I can get redrafted.
“But if not, hopefully we (North) can play in a premiership.”
Sundstrom, meanwhile, made her debut with the Roosters in February before the competition was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
North returns to SANFLW action undefeated and top of the ladder.
“It was my first year with North coming down from Queensland and we just had this incredible momentum and team mentality,” Sundstrom said.
“It was also the best football I had ever played so it was really disappointing.
“But we trained really well in our second off-season even when we thought we might not get back out on the field this year so I think we will still be pretty strong.”
North resumes its SANFLW campaign against Sturt at Peter Motley Oval on Saturday, June 27 at 11.50am.
The men kick off their season against West Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, on Sunday at 12pm.
2020 SEASON PREVIEW - EVERY CLUB
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Coach: Jeff Andrews
Making his debut as a senior coach at this level and has the challenging gig of following in the footsteps of Roy Laird. Has definitely done his homework on the league and its requirements.
SANFL premierships: 2000-01, 2003-05, 2007-10
Key ins: Daniel Menzel (Geelong/Sydney Swans), James Boyd (Woodville-West Torrens), Jackson Kelly (Wagga Wagga), Ben Kelly (Wagga Wagga), Chris Olsson (Norwood), Sam Hanna (Gumeracha), Brett Kennedy (South Adelaide), Ben Nason (Woodville-West Torrens), Cameron Wilde (Sandringham), Jack Toner (Murray Bushrangers)
Key outs: Jydon Neagle (Wodonga), Jaxon Neagle (Wodonga), Matthew Neagle (Wodonga), Tim Auckland (Clarence), Matthew White (overseas)
X-Factor: Daniel Menzel is on a mission, he wants back into the AFL system. And that means he is extremely motivated and fit. Has done his best work in attack, but will be used on the ball as well.
Odds: $13
Verdict: 6th to 8th There is plenty of mystery hanging over the Bulldogs, especially given there is a new coach, and just qualifying for the finals would be a win. The concern is getting enough ball in the midfield.
GLENELG
Coach: Mark Stone. Became the Messiah (behind Malcolm Blight at least) when he produced a game plan last season which stood up under big-game pressure to deliver the club its first premiership in 33 years. Can Stone and the players back it up?
SANFL Premierships: Five: 1934, 1973, 1985, 1986, 2019.
Key ins: Billy Stretch (returned/Melbourne), Matt Allen (returned/West Coast), Jack Hannath (NT Thunder), Jackson Edwards (returned/Werribee), Matt Merrett (Adelaide FC, Penola), Tom Condon (Sturt), Luke Parks (Sydney Swans Academy/North Shore Bombers), Mitch Martin (Horsham/Greater Western Victoria Rebels), Angus Cole (Bendigo Pioneers), Dylan Morton (Wagga Wagga)
Key outs: Jesse White (retired), Will Gould (Sydney Swans), Josh Scott (work), Aaron Joseph (retired), Brad Close (Geelong), Ben Sawford (South Adelaide), Josh Koster (West Adelaide), Elliot Chalmers (North Adelaide), Sam Davis (North Adelaide), Tim Sumner (Waikerie), Brad Potter (South Adelaide)
X-Factor: Luke Partington. An ultra consistent season from the hard-running midfielder netted both Magarey Medal and a flag. Can he keep that up with plenty of extra attention from opposition? Club also has nominated athletic defender Luke Parks from the Sydney Swans Academy as one to watch.
Ladbrokes betting: $3.25
Verdict: 1st to 3rd: Almostimpossible to predict how this season will pan out. But after breaking a long drought last season the Bays should be too professional to slide back to mediocrity, and especially with coach Stone at the helm. Looks like there is plenty of depth to cover some key losses but don’t be surprised if last season’s skipper Chris Curran makes a couple of appearances after the Riverland Football League, where Curran was expected to line up, cancelled its competition in the wake of the COVID-19 restrictions.
NORTH ADELAIDE
Coach: Jacob Surjan The former Port Adelaide AFL player is entering his first year as North’s senior coach.
He took over the reins at North in October, after premiership mentor Josh Carr accepted an assistant coaching role with AFL club Fremantle.
SANFL premierships: 14: 1900, 1902, 1905, 1920, 1930, 1931, 1949, 1952, 1960, 1971, 1972, 1987, 1991 and 2018.
Key ins: Andrew Moore (Ex-Port Adelaide, Richmond and Box Hill VFL premiership midfielder), Billy Hartung (Hawthorn/North Melbourne), Harrison Wigg (Gold Coast), Kym Lebois (Carlton), Robbie Young (returning/St Kilda)
Key outs: Aidan Tropiano (Perth), Billy Laurie (work/Keith), Max Thring (retired/Goodwood Saints), Maris Olekalns (overseas)
X-Factor: Frank Szekely The 20-year-old exciting small forward is expected to take his game to the next level this coming season.
Before the season was halted due to the coronavirus, North Adelaide coach Jacob Surjan touted Szekely as a player who had improved over the off-season.
In 2019, Szekely booted eight goals from 11 matches and averaged 12.8 disposals.
Ladbrokes betting: $9
Verdict: 4th to 6th Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, Surjan said fans could expect a hard, contested brand of footy with a mix of speed from his side this season.
The Roosters have recruited well with many new or returning players having experience at the top level. Without the two AFL reserves sides, expect the Roosters to challenge for the top four.
NORWOOD
Coach: Jarrod Cotton
Cotton told The Advertiser during pre-season Norwood was “here to win the premiership, there’s no doubt about that”.
SANFL Premierships: 30: 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1887,1888, 1889, 1891, 1894, 1901, 1904, 1907, 1922, 1923, 1925, 1929, 1941, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1997, 2012, 2013, 2014
Key ins: Richard Douglas (Adelaide), Emmanuel Irra (South Adelaide), Tom Pinyon (Mount Compass), Codey Ellison (McLaren/South Adelaide), Nik Rokahr (Geelong VFL/Bell Park)
Key outs: Jace Bode (retired/Payneham Norwood Union), Brady Dawe (retired/Lobethal), Alex Georgiou (retired/Lobethal), Ed Smart (retired), Dylan Stephens (Sydney Swans), Cameron Taheny (Geelong)
X-Factor: Former Crows club champion Richard Douglas will be a potent weapon in the midfield and up forward as another gun among the strong Norwood squad. Turned 33 this year but in four SANFL appearances last season he was still a cut above.
Ladbrokes betting: $5
Verdict: 1st to 3rd The Redlegs have added even more star power – even if top recruit Ryan Bastinac may not play for the club this season – and guns like Mitch Grigg and Matt Panos are in their prime years. It’s premiership or bust once again for this Norwood side.
SOUTH ADELAIDE
Coach: Jarrad Wright
Now into his third season in charge at the Panthers, Wright as installed a terrific belief and passion in his squad. Extremely confident he has the players to have a significant say in the premiership race.
SANFL Premierships: 1877, 1885, 1892, 1893, 1895, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1935, 1938, 1964
Key ins: Matthew Broadbent (Port Adelaide), Ben Sawford (Glenelg), Tom Highmore (Canberra)
Key outs: Brad Crabb (retired), Nick Liddle (retired), Abe Davis (Sturt), Emmanuel Irra (Norwood), Brett Kennedy (Central District)
X-Factor: Matthew Broadbent is a massive inclusion, being highly experienced and an elite team man. His presence in defence where he will be able to set up play will be important, plus he is an outstanding team man.
Odds: $5.50.
Verdict: 3rd to 5th There is a terrific culture at Noarlunga and enormous belief in the squad. Ben Sawford’s signing was crucial after losing Nick Liddle, and expect more of Matt Rose on the ball. Fans can expect and honest, competitive side week-in, week-out
STURT
Coach: Nathan Grima
It is year number two at the helm for Grima and the Double Blues’ coach has flagged a more attacking focus, after ranking seventh for scoring in 2019
SANFL Premierships: 15: 1915, 1919, 1926, 1932, 1940, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974, 1976, 2002, 2016, 2017
Key ins: Aidyn Johnson (Richmond VFL/Port Adelaide), Abe Davis (South Adelaide), Dean Gore (Geelong VFL), Jordan Houlahan (Essendon), Sam Wundke (Glenunga)
Key outs: Jack Stephens (retired), Fraser Evans (retired/Kapunda), Aidan Riley (retired/Lobethal), John Greenslade (retired/Onkaparinga Valley), Danyle Pearce (retired/Edwardstown), Josh Patullo (Victoria), Josh Dodd (Kapunda), Ed Allan (West Adelaide), Tom Condon (Glenelg).
X-Factor: Could being handed the captaincy spark James Battersby to make the jump into the top handful of players in the competition? Sturt will need the inside ball-winner to be at his best and lead the midfield in 2020.
Ladbrokes betting: $4
Verdict: 3rd to 5th A serious amount of experience left the club in the off-season and Sturt will unveil a new-look defence without stalwart stars Jack Stephens and Fraser Evans. The jury is still out on the Double Blues following significant off-season change but Grima’s side still has enough top-tier quality to be aiming for a finals berth or better.
WEST ADELAIDE
Coach: Gavin Colville. Colville is regarded as a fine communicator who says he is becoming more comfortable with his position as senior coach after a stellar playing career. Whether the long delay to the season has helped or hindered his side’s progress is the great unknown.
SANFL Premierships: Nine: 1908, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1927, 1947, 1961, 1983, 2015.
Key ins: Sam Davidson (Port Adelaide), Jordon Boyle (Adelaide/Salisbury North), Domonic Grant (NT Thunder), Josh Koster (Glenelg), Ed Allan (Sturt), Hamish Ellem (Sydney Swans Academy), Kyle Martin (Sydney Swans Academy), Matthew McKenzie (St Albans), Hayden Elliot (St Albans), Stuart Taverner (Plympton), Joel Stevens (Waratah, NT), Lachlan Squire (GWS, NEAFL).
Key outs: Chris Schmidt (retired/Eudunda-Robertstown), Jono Beech (Broadbeach/Overseas), Errin Wasley-Black (Aspley), Hugh Haysman (VFL), Will Day (Hawthorn), Dustin Head (retired), Nigel Osborn (work)
X-Factors: Kaine Stevens. Proven performer at many seasons and has also excelled in state matches. Receives the ball in attacking positions and uses the ball so well. Importantly, he has also added genuine leadership to his game. Coach Colville also highlighted Elliot Duncan whom he describes as having elite skills on both sides and always composed deep in defence. Is taking his game as a running defender to another level with tough one-on-one capability combined with strong offensive impact.
Ladbrokes betting: $26
Verdict: 6th to 8th Pre-season predictions didn’t have West Adelaide too high on the ladder with a perceived lack of depth. But with a number of unknown players West could catch a few sides on the hop. A good start to the season is important to gain that early confidence and from there anything could happen.
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
Coach: Jade Sheedy Former Sturt champion and 2002 Magarey Medallist Jade Sheedy replaces Sam Lonergan, who resigned after just one season in charge to accept a development role with Richmond.
Sheedy coached Athelstone in the Adelaide Footy League for the past five years and led the club to the 2019 division two premiership.
SANFL premierships: Three since merger 1993, 2006 and 2011 (West Torrens premierships: 1924, 1933, 1945, 1953)
Key ins: Jake Johansen (returned), Kai Pudney (returned/Port Adelaide), Liam Buxton (Casey Demons), Mitch Mead (Port Adelaide SANFL), Pierce Seymour (Adelaide/Payneham Norwood Union)
Key outs: Cooper Gaffney (Port District, Adelaide Footy League), Harry Schoenberg (Adelaide), Jack Gaffney (Port District, Adelaide Footy League), Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide), Josh Morris (Hawthorn), Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne), Michael Frederick (Fremantle), Trent Burgoyne (Port Adelaide)
X-Factor: Jordan Foote Foote, who is the reigning club champion, will enter his second season with Woodville-West Torrens after crossing to the Eagles from Sydney.
The classy midfielder enjoyed a top debut SANFL season, averaging 24.7 touches from 18 games in 2019 as well as kicking nine goals.
His work rate last year was admirable and expect it only to improve in 2020.
Ladbrokes betting: $7
Verdict: 4th to 6th The Eagles are a tough side to predict for this coming season.
Not only has the side - like all clubs - had to deal with the COVID-19 shutdown but it also st a bit of depth from its talent pool over the off-season, with a handful of players being picked by AFL clubs. Players will need time to jell and get used to Sheedy’s coaching style but the Eagles are always notoriously around the mark come finals.
ADELAIDE, PORT ADELAIDE
NOTE: Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Magpies will not take part in the 2020 SANFL season due to AFL COVID-19 return-to-play stipulations.