Power 20 list: South Australia’s top influential athletes ranked

When it comes to sport South Australia punches well above its weight and these athletes and coaches hold the power on and off the field. See the 2024 rankings.

Three of South Australia's most powerful athletes. Pictures: File

• Who are SA’s influential principals?

South Australia’s sporting talent runs deep. It also reaches across the globe in many different ways, involving many different sports and including athletes and coaches.

It’s a cliche but that’s because it’s true. SA punches well above its weight wherever sport is played.

Sport is also an intrinsic part of South Australian culture.

Whether that’s footy fans flocking to Adelaide Oval, a packed out Test match, the roar of the V8s, Jamie Kah riding another winner or the T-Birds triumphing again, sport has the capacity to lift the mood of the state like few other events.

Cricket is the big mover this year, with two players in the top five power rankings and four in the top 20 overall.

EXPLORE THE ATHLETES POWER 20 INTERACTIVE AND RATE THE LIST BELOW

Port coach Ken Hinkley. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Test cricketer Alex Carey. Picture: Kelly Barnes

SA’s men’s cricket has been in the doldrums for decades, but the emergence of Travis Head as a crucial part of three national teams and Alex Carey as undisputed number one gloveman in recent years has restored some credibility to the men’s game.

The Sheffield Shield team is even flourishing early in the season.

Both men’s footy coaches rank on the list and both will enter the 2025 season under pressure, albeit for different reasons.

Port’s Ken Hinkley has already coached more games than anyone else without reaching a grand final.

Crows’ mentor Matthew Nicks really needs to ensure his team makes the final, at his sixth time of trying. Failure for either, could see them looking for new jobs in 2026.

This list is the fourth instalment in the countdown to The Advertiser’s annual power rankings with SA’s 100 most influential people of 2024 to be revealed in December.

In the lead up, The Advertiser will rank the state’s most powerful people across different industries including those making moves in sport but off the field.

See the top 20 athlete and coaches rankings and have your say below.