Ultimate guide: 50 SACA Premier Cricket players to watch in 2023-24
Big names have switched clubs, interstate recruits have arrived and seasoned campaigners are ready to make their mark in the 2023-24 season. See who made the cut.
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It is the biggest upheaval in South Australian Premier Cricket history.
This season – for the first time – there will be two First Grade men’s divisions in a controversial move that has divided the cricket public.
Eight clubs – reigning premier Kensington, Adelaide University, East Torrens, Glenelg, Port Adelaide, Tea Tree Gully, West Torrens and Woodville – will make up Division 1 in 2023-24 after avoiding the inaugural, dreaded drop last season.
Six teams – long-time powerhouse Sturt, Adelaide, Northern Districts, Prospect, Southern District and a new SACA under-19s side – will play in Division 2.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE TOP 50 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Under the new two division structure, which was contentiously introduced after SACA was unable to facilitate mergers to reduce the number of clubs – and therefore improve the standard – in First Grade, two clubs will be relegated and promoted each season.
The historic change has seen several big-name club cricketers switch allegiances, some through the desire to stay in Division 1 to push their Redbacks claims, as the winds of change sweep through the competition.
They include top-order batter Conor McInerney, who has played 14 Sheffield Shield matches for SA. He has moved from his junior club Woodville to Glenelg.
The power-packed Seahorses, who are widely considered to be one of the favourites for this season’s Division 1 title, have also recruited the Pengelley brothers, Josh and Ben, from their junior club Adelaide.
Veteran star wicket-keeper Josh Barrett has made the tough decision to move from his boyhood club Southern District to East Torrens while Adelaide’s Jerrssis Wadia has also moved to the Reds.
Promising teenage top-order batter Zac McCabe has joined Port Adelaide from Glenelg.
The Magpies, who last season recruited star allrounder Cam Valente, have signed another big fish, ex-Woodville and Redbacks allrounder Tom Andrews, who has returned from Tasmania.
Valente won the Bradman Medal as the most outstanding Premier cricketer in his first year at Port after previously winning one with the Buffalos.
The Magpies, who are renowned for their recruiting prowess, have also picked up swing king Liam Greber from Adelaide Uni.
Several ace interstaters have also joined the SACA Premier Cricket ranks in the off-season, with New South Wales’ Harry Manenti, younger brother of Redback Ben Manenti, signing for West Torrens and Queensland fast bowler Aubery Stockdale joining Northern Districts.
Hard-hitting new Redback Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has moved to SA from Victoria, will play for Kensington.
Englishmen will again figure prominently this season as clubs bring overseas talent in to boost their playing stocks.
The 2023-24 season will begin this weekend with a series of Twenty20 matches on Saturday and Sunday for the men’s and women’s first-grade competitions.
The men will play the opening two rounds of their T20 series across the two days at Park 25, while each women’s team will play two matches on Sunday.
There are six first-grade women’s clubs this season – Adelaide, Glenelg, Kensington, Northern Districts, Sturt and West Torrens.
White-ball cricket dominates the start of the campaign, with the men switching to 50-over matches on October 14 while the women’s one-day competition begins on October 29.
Men’s white-ball matches will see the division one and two teams, apart from the SACA under-19s, go head-to-head.
Red-ball cricket, where clubs will compete only against teams from their own division and the relegation and promotion battle will unfold, will start on October 28.
The Division 1 fixture has been questioned as clubs play some teams twice and others once – an unfair draw that could have a big bearing on which clubs are sent spiralling to Division 2.
As a new era begins, The Advertiser has, in consultation with club coaches, listed 50 Premier cricketers, from both the men’s and women’s competitions, to watch this season.
Redbacks and Scorpions contracted players were not considered.
In alphabetical order they are:
ANTHONY ADLAM
(Woodville)
The tall, left-handed batter will replace Conor McInerney at the top of Woodville’s batting order, according to coach Jamie Rothall.
Originally from New South Wales, Adlam has been playing in Darwin and has moved to South Australia for “a shot at SA cricket’’.
“He’s very technically correct and likes to keep the scoreboard ticking over,’’ Rothall said.
“With Conor going, he’ll really steady our top order batting.’’
TOM ANDREWS
(Port Adelaide)
Arguably the biggest signing of the season after his return from Tasmania to SA.
The high quality allrounder, who has played 16 first-class and 32 List A matches for the Redbacks and Tigers, has been signed by Port after previously playing for Woodville.
He is a gun left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner who coach Matthew Weeks said would bring top-end talent and a wealth of experience to his side.
“He’s a high class player, a proven performer we really wanted to get to our club who can be damaging with the bat and ball,’’ Weeks said.
“We’re really excited by what he can add to our team.’’
KELLY ARMSTRONG
(Adelaide)
Last season’s Karen Rolton Medallist is poised to build on her brilliant, medal-winning campaign, according to Buffalos women’s coach James Treagus.
“Kelly’s 2022-23 season was outstanding but she has improved even further in the off-season,’’ Treagus said of Armstrong, who made 439 runs at an average of 54.8, with two centuries last season.
“She’s grown into the captaincy and is having a really positive influence on the rest of the squad.
“We’re looking for her to build on her amazing season, not only with the bat but also by picking up key wickets with her leg-spin bowling.’’
Armstrong is handy with the ball, last season taking 14 wickets.
CARL ARNOLD
(Sturt)
Emerging batter is in the Redbacks Pathway Academy and new Sturt coach David Ritossa said he had enjoyed an “exceptional’’ pre-season, which included making a big hundred in a trial game against the under-19 state squad.
“He smashed them all over the place and is looking stronger and better every time we see him,’’ Riitossa said.
“His ability to go from playing a defensive game to an attacking game is phenomenal and I don’t think it will be too long before we see him completely take over a game.
“He also bowls smart medium-pacers, which gives him another string to his bow.’’
MATTHEW BARNES
(Adelaide)
With the Buffalos losing a host of their best youngsters to the SA Under-19 team that will compete in Division 2, coach Steven Crook is hoping promising top order batter Barnes can step up and become a key player this season.
“Matt’s a young lad with a lot of potential,’’ Crook said.
“He has a great feel for the game, a very solid technique and shows patience at the crease.
“He reminds me of a young Callum Ferguson with the way he goes about things and I’m confident that when he gets stronger he will be a dominant player for our club.’’
JOSH BARRETT
(East Torrens)
The star veteran wicket-keeper/batter joins Andrews in being one of the recruits of the season after moving from the club where he made his name, Southern District, to East Torrens.
Barrett is the Stingrays’ all-time leading run-scorer with 6131 and last season won the CW Walker Trophy as SACA Premier Cricket’s best wicket-keeper for the sixth time in 10 seasons – one behind the record held by former Red Greg Quinn.
The powerful strokemaker also lit up the 2022-23 campaign with the bat, scoring 712 runs in the two-day competition at an average of just under 50.
Barrett has been appointed East Torrens’ captain straight up after his experience of leading the Stingrays.
“He’s a great pick-up for us and will bring a lot of leadership to our group as well as excellence with the bat and gloves,’’ new Reds coach Daniel Leigh said.
TOM BARRETT
(Tea Tree Gully)
Big, strong swing bowler had an excellent 2021-22 season, bowling superbly in the two-day grand final against West Torrens, before suffering stress fractures in his back and missing the last campaign.
He is now fully fit and poised to play a key role in Tea Tree Gully’s bowling attack.
“Tom has worked really hard this pre-season and been super impressive,’’ coach Joe Gatting said.
“He’s a strong country boy who works on a farm and he also hits a clean ball with the bat.’’
STEPH BEAZLEIGH
(Adelaide)
In arguably the biggest First Grade women’s player switch this year, top-order batter Beazleigh moved from Northern Districts to Adelaide after 10 seasons with the Jets.
A versatile, top-order batter, she not only adds some power and class to the Buffalos’ batting but also strong leadership and “amazing fielding’’, according to Treagus.
“Steph will be a fantastic all-round acquisition for our side,’’ Treagus said.
“She has had a lot of experience through the SACA pathway programs and will take on a key leadership role for us.’’
HARVEY BRENNAN
(Woodville)
Woodville’s new captain, replacing the departed Chadd Sayers.
Brennan is an aggressive top-order batter who can hit a long ball and coach Jamie Rothall hopes his flamboyant style will have a positive effect on the playing group.
“Harvey is a super young player who we are hoping can push for Second XI cricket at some stage,’’ Rothall said.
“He is an excellent strokemaker who is looking to bring some more consistency to his game.
‘We are hoping for a big season from him.’’
BAILEY CAPEL
(West Torrens)
Former Redbacks rookie will be looking to bounce back after losing his state contract.
The 23-year-old left-handed opening batter, who has played one Sheffield Shield match, has enjoyed a strong pre-season and coach Mark Harrity believes he has only touched the surface of what he can achieve.
“Bailey is a fine young player who has already made a couple of Second XI hundreds,’’ Harrity said.
“He has a great attitude and works really hard and I have no doubt that it won’t be too long before he’s knocking back on the door of state stuff.
“We’re really excited by what he can do for us this season.’’
MAGGIE CLARK
(West Torrens)
The South Australian country girl was the leading wicket-taker at this year’s Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, despite being the youngest player in the squad at just 15.
The curly-haired Clark, who hails from the tiny town of Mannanarie in SA’s mid-north, took 12 wickets at an average of just 6.25 and was the only Australian selected in the Team of the Tournament.
Now 16, her right-arm fast-medium bowling is expected to cause big problems for opposition batters this season while Eagles women’s coach Daniel Murdoch said she was also expected to make her mark with the bat after a strong off-season.
“Maggie’s on her way to becoming an allrounder,’’ Murdoch said.
“She’ll be our main strike bowler but she’ll also bat in the middle order this season while she is an outstanding fielder, making her the complete package.’’
BRAD DAVIS
(Sturt)
Veteran star batter and former wicket-keeper is on his way to becoming Sturt’s greatest First Grade run scorer.
The 33-year-old has closed to within only 401 runs of club record holder Jason Borgas, who made 7467 from 1998-99 to 2014-15, and new Blues coach David Ritossa said Davis has the record in his sights.
“Brad’s batting record speaks for itself and while he’s still really keen on his batting and to get these runs, the way he’s taken on a mentoring role for our batters and keepers has been outstanding,’’ Ritossa said.
“We’re bringing through a lot of youth this year and he’s just a wonderful person and great asset to have around our young guys.’’
JACOB DICKMAN
(Woodville)
Former Redbacks rookie, who has played Second XI cricket, returns to SA to play for his former club Woodville.
Has played most of his cricket in Darwin in recent years but wants another crack at SACA First Grade and coach Jamie Rothall is expecting big things from him.
“He’s opened a lot in his career but he’ll bat in the middle order for us this season and we’re looking forward to seeing his explosiveness,’’ Rothall said.
“Jacob has matured and he’ll give our middle order a real boost.’’
ELIZA DODDRIDGE
(Kensington)
Former Scorpions batting allrounder is described by the Browns as being “a blue-chip player for us’’.
“Eliza bats at the top of the order, is one of our key bowlers and is great in the field,’’ Kensington women’s coach Jamie Panelli said of the 24-year-old.
“She lost her Scorpions contract a couple of years but is one of those players who could easily push her case to get back in.
“She showed last season that she’s definitely one of the best players outside of the contracted group and we’re hoping for another strong season from her.’’
JOSH DOYLE
(Kensington)
With the Browns losing star stalwarts Jake Brown (retired) and Alex Ross (Sydney) and Elliot Opie expected to have a late start to the campaign, star allrounder Doyle will be asked to play an even bigger role this season.
He continues as Kensington captain after leading the team to last season’s two-day and one-day cup premierships and will feature strongly with bat, ball and in the field.
“With some senior guys transitioning out of our side, Josh’s role will become even more important,’’ coach Russell Thompson said.
“Apart from what he can do with bat and ball, his leadership is going to be really important for this group.’’
SAM ELDER
(Adelaide University)
Promising young top order batter is “pushing towards Second XI territory’’, according to Blacks coach Michael Silvy after an impressive 2022-23 season.
“He has a lot of talent and is ready to take his game to the next level,’’ Silvy said.
“He hits the ball hard, he’ll be a really significant player for us in white-ball cricket and he bowls handy spinners.
“He’s spent another off-season playing in Darwin and I’ve been really impressed by what I’ve seen.’’
RILEE ENDERSBY
(Southern District)
Young allrounder made last year’s state under-17 squad and is a player the Stingrays have big hopes for.
He played First Grade last season and coach Andrew Zesers is hoping he can take the next step in his development and become a key player this campaign.
“Rilee is on his way to becoming the complete package in that he is a good medium-pace bowler, a solid middle-to-lower order batter and a very good fielder,’’ Zesers said.
“He’s a little fella from Mount Compass who we are hoping for big things from.’’
DANIEL FALLINS
(West Torrens)
Last season’s West Torrens player of the season, the former New South Wales Sheffield Shield
allrounder brings plenty to the table.
He is a star leg-spinner, fine middle-order batter and elite fieldsman.
Fallins, 27, will captain the Eagles’ Twenty20 team this season and will carry plenty of leadership responsibility due to Torrens having so many Redbacks players.
“He’s a fine all-round cricketer and is really excited about working with a young new group,’’ Eagles coach Mark Harrity said.
CAMERON FATCHEN
(Kensington)
Browns junior, who came through the Redbacks pathway program, will be given more responsibility to shine this season because of the loss of senior players.
The fast-medium swing bowler has always looked at home at First Grade level but has had to bide his time between First and Second Grade because of Kensington’s great depth.
Now he will get his chance to shoulder more of the bowling load, according to coach Russell Thompson.
“We expect Cameron to be a key bowler for us this season, he’s certainly up to the task,’’ Thompson said.
“He’s had his opportunities limited a little bit but we look forward to him stepping up and becoming the bowler we think he can be.’’
LIAM GREBER
(Port Adelaide)
Quality young fast bowler has switched from Adelaide University to Port, boosting the Magpies’ firepower.
He has taken 88 First Grade wickets in 37 matches and won the David Hookes Medal as player of the First Grade grand final in 2020-21, when the Blacks beat Kensington.
Is in the Redbacks’ Emerging Pathways program and coach Matthew Weeks said he loves his attitude and competitiveness.
“He seems to have been around forever but he’s only 21 and his skill set is something I’m looking forward to working with,’’ Weeks said.
“He gives us a point of difference with his ability to bring the ball back into the right-hander.’’
NICOLE HOBBS
(Sturt)
Hobbs is a talented 16-year-old leg-spinner who is ready to “stamp her authority’’ in women’s First Grade competition, according to Sturt women’s coach Rhianna Peate.
“Nicole is a very exciting young player,’’ Peate said.
“She took plenty of wickets last season and will be a key player for us this year.
“She’s also a handy batter who is a really good runner between the wickets and a gun in the field, so we’re hoping for big things from her.’’
JOSH KANN
(Northern Districts)
The Queenslander has played a lot of his best cricket in Darwin and returns for a second season in SACA Premier Cricket with the Jets.
“He’s much better prepared for his second season here, so we’re expecting big things from him this season,’’ coach Cameron Williams said.
“He’ll captain our Twenty20 team and open the batting in white-ball cricket.
“He’s an aggressive cricketer who hits a massive ball and bowls good medium pace.’’
SAM KERBER
(Adelaide University)
Kerber will take over as Blacks captain, replacing Will Bosisto, who has returned to Perth.
“Sam’s ready for the captaincy,’’ coach Michael Silvy said.
“He has a lot of good leadership skills and is highly respected among the group.’’
Former Redback Kerber is a Bradman Medallist and club cricket star who offers plenty with the bat, ball and in the field.
“He’s a tough, gritty cricketer who is perfect leadership material,’’ Silvy said.
“He backs himself in and will get in the trenches with the boys, which is what we are looking for.’’
TAHLIA KEYLOCK
(Northern Districts)
One of the state’s most promising young fast bowlers, the Jets hope Keylock can follow in the footsteps of clubmate Darcie Brown and become a star.
She is just 16 but is showing great signs which already has her on the state radar.
“Tahlia already bowls at a decent pace and is one of the players we are looking to take the next step for us this season,’’ women’s coach George Gregory said.
“She shows a lot of promise with the ball, is a great kid and an outstanding outfielder.’’
HARRY MANENTI
(West Torrens)
Younger brother of Redback Ben Manenti, Harry has moved to SA from NSW in pursuit of a state contract.
The 23-year-old allrounder had a standout, award-winning 2021-22 campaign in Tasmania before returning home and again performing strongly in club cricket.
Manenti has represented Italy at international level and brings all-round class to West Torrens.
“Harry is a fine stroke player who bowls fast-medium and we have high hopes for him,’’ coach Mark Harrity said.
“Given we have five state players and are uncertain how many games we’ll get from them, Harry will be a key addition for us.’’
ZAC McCABE
(Port Adelaide)
Emerging, young opening batter has moved from Glenelg to Port for greater opportunities and coach Matthew Weeks believes he has found a beauty.
McCabe has progressed through the SACA state pathway program and was SA's leading run scorer at the 2021-22 under-19 national championships.
He is a prolific run scorer in Second Grade who has had a taste of First Grade cricket and Weeks likes his technique and work ethic.
“Zac’s a young kid with a lot of talent who was looking for a new home and we’re lucky he decided to come to Port,’’ Weeks said.
COREY McDEAN
(Northern Districts)
The wicketkeeper-batter is back at Northern for the third consecutive season after his move from NSW and coach Cameron Williams believes he is poised for his best yet.
“He’s had a really strong pre-season and we’re excited to see all his hard work pay off,’’ Williams said.
“He’s very determined with the bat and can stay at the crease for long periods while he’s been outstanding behind the stumps for us.’’
KAYLA McGRATH
(Glenelg)
The Seahorses’ women’s skipper and wicket-keeper, who is the sister of Australia star Tahlia McGrath, has enjoyed a standout pre-season and will “shoulder more responsibility with the bat’’ this season, according to coach Graham Sedunary.
“Kayla will bat in the top five in most games and bring some flair and intent to her batting,’’ he said.
“She is an excellent striker of the ball and will get more opportunities to shine with some changes to our line-up.’’
CONOR McINERNEY
(Glenelg)
In one of the biggest moves of the off-season, the star opening batter left his boyhood club Woodville to join Glenelg in a recruiting coup for the Seahorses.
Good mates with Glenelg coach and former Peckers batter and teammate Sam McNally, McInerney played 14 first-class matches for the Redbacks from 2018-20, averaging 20.92 with three fifties.
The 29-year-old adds class and experience to the strong Seahorses line-up, with McNally saying “his work ethic and professionalism has already rubbed off on the rest of the squad’’.
“We struggled to put scores on the board last season, particularly in two-day cricket, and we identified that we were going to look for a top-order player,’’ McNally said.
“Initially I thought that would come from the UK but when Conor made a decision to leave Woodville we were pretty keen to have a chat with him.
“We have a personal connection, from playing together and me also having coached at Woodville, and luckily he decided to come and play for us. We are really looking forward to seeing what he can do.’’
JOE MENNIE
(Adelaide University)
The one-Test Australia player and former Redbacks star bowler is back in Adelaide after a stint in England and after originally agreeing to become the Blacks bowling coach, he will now lead their attack.
The 34-year-old still has plenty to offer at First Grade level, according to coach Michael Silvy, and will take on plenty of responsibility after fellow quick Bailey Wightman’s late move to Tea Tree Gully.
“Joe has been training really well and while he’ll take time to build into the season he’s still highly competitive and has a wealth of knowledge which will get batters out,’’ Silvy said.
“We have some gaps in our bowling group, having lost Weighman at the 11th hour and Liam Greber to Port, so Joe will drive our standards.’’
TOM O’CONNELL
(Sturt)
Former South Australia under-19 leg-spinner has returned to SA and Sturt after spending five years contracted to Victoria.
He played four List A matches for the Vics and eight T20 matches for the Melbourne Stars and coach David Ritossa is expecting him to hit the ground running.
“Tom has plenty of X-factor and can make an impact with the ball, bat and in the field,’’ Ritossa said.
“We’re also expecting him to provide great leadership for our group.’’
INDI PANELLI
(Kensington)
One of SA women’s cricket’s rising stars, the 15-year-old is poised to take the next step in her First Grade journey with the Browns this season.
A batting allrounder, Indi is the daughter of Kensington great Jamie Panelli and has a very bright future.
Jamie, who coaches the Browns’ women's team, said he hoped for “steady improvement’’ from Indi this season and that she would benefit from more exposure to First Grade competition and being surrounded by strong leaders.
“Indi has shown she is not only capable of playing at the level at a young age but that she can contribute and we’re hoping that now extends to even greater performance during the season,’’ he said.
JOSH PENGELLEY
(Glenelg)
The gun former Adelaide allrounder was “actively targeted’’ by Glenelg to fill the vacancy left by English import Josh Croom, who coach Sam McNally said was arguably the Seahorses’ player of the season in 2022-23.
“We identified a need to replace Croom, who had been with us for three years but won’t be coming back for a full season this year, so we went pretty hard at Josh (Pengelley),’’ McNally said.
“He can slot into Croom’s spot, play his role with the ball and probably be even more dynamic with the bat than ‘Croomy’ was.
“He has been fantastic in the pre-season, absolutely ripping into things.’’
BEN PENGELLEY
(Glenelg)
Ben joined his younger brother Josh in leaving their childhood club Adelaide to move to Glenelg.
A former Redbacks rookie who has played five List A matches for a Cricket Australia XI, the 25-year-old left-handed allrounder is a Premier Cricket star who is now prioritising work, with coach Sam McNally saying he didn't expect to see much of Pengelley until after Christmas.
“He’s obviously a class player whose name looks great on paper but he has some pretty heavy work commitments in real estate,’’ McNally said.
“So he certainly won’t play in Round 1 and, in reality, is he’s going to have an impact for us it will probably be after Christmas.’’
SAM RAHALEY
(Kensington)
Tall, hard-hitting batter is one of SA’s most exciting young prospects and, like his other young Kensington teammates, will be asked to take on more responsibility this season.
Rahaley made a crucial, unbeaten 74 in the second innings of last season’s two-day grand final win against Adelaide Uni and coach Russell Thompson wants him “to build on that’’.
“He’s a sweet striker of the ball with plenty of talent who just needs to harness it,’’ Thompson said.
“We’re looking for him to step up and be a leader this season.’’
JACK ROBERTS
(Southern District)
A rising, teenage fast bowler who coach Andrew Zesers believes is headed for big things.
“He had a good first year in First Grade last season as a 16-year-old and he’ll be better this year, having got a big bigger and stronger,’’ Zesers said.
“He’s a country lad from Strathalbyn who will only get better and we think his pace will be right up there within 18 months.’’
LUKE ROBINS
(East Torrens)
The former Redback had a spectacular 2022-23 grade season, finishing runner-up for the Bradman Medal, and, after flirting with retirement, is back for another campaign, which is bad news for opposition batters.
“Luke briefly thought about life after cricket before deciding to go around again and we’re delighted to have him back on board,’’ coach Daniel Leigh said.
“He dominated last season and is a very skilful opening bowler who brings a lot of class and experience to our team.
“He can also be a matchwinner with the bat with his hard-hitting style and provides us with plenty of options, particularly in white-ball cricket.’’
CHLOE ROSENZWEIG
(Northern Districts)
A very promising young leg-spinner who the Jets have high hopes for this season.
Rosenzweig is still developing and, as women’s coach George Gregory noted, leg-spinners take time but she has all the hallmarks of being a fine long-term player.
Already in the State junior system, Rosenzweig is also an aggressive middle-order batter and excellent outfielder who possesses a powerful throwing arm.
KYLE SCRIMGEOUR
(Prospect)
The allrounder will again captain the Pirates and coach Steven Broberg said he had “grown tremendously as a leader’’ in the off-season.
“He’s had a really strong pre-season and offers plenty with both the bat and the ball,’’ Broberg said.
“He’ll open our bowling and swings the ball away while he’ll also bat in our top order.
“He had a tough season by his standards last year but we’re expecting him to bounce back hard this season.’’
DIA SHAH
(Glenelg)
A key off-season signing for the Glenelg women’s program, the 16-year-old from Melbourne will add some aggressive batting to the Seahorses’ middle order, according to women’s coach Graham Sedunary.
Born in India, Shah is strong and also bowls at a good pace.
“She has a slingy action and has worked extremely hard in the off-season and we are hoping she will generate some really good pace,’’ Sedunary said.
ANANAYA SHARMA
(West Torrens)
One of Australia’s most exciting young talents, Sharma has moved to SA from NSW, where she was one of the Blues’ most promising young off-spinners.
The 19-year-old, from India, was the leading wicket taker at last year’s under-19 national championships and made Australia’s under-19 World Cup squad.
Torrens women’s coach Daniel Murdoch described Sharma as a genuine allrounder and said she would bat in the Eagles’ top order and challenge opposition batters with her spin bowling.
“She is a massive pick up for us and we’re very excited to have her on board,’’ Murdoch said.
“She’s also a great person who has been uplifting for our playing group.’’
NICK STATHORIS
(Tea Tree Gully)
Bulls coach Joe Gatting believes his young paceman is ready to take the next step in his development after making “huge improvements’’ last season.
Stathoris made his First Grade debut at age 15 in 2019 but, according to Gatting, had some “setbacks’’ before blossoming last campaign.
Now he is poised for a big season.
“Nick is an exciting prospect who has matured and made some changes with the way he goes about his cricket and we’re expecting a strong season from him,’’ Gatting said.
TIM STEWART
(Southern District)
The Stingrays allrounder will take on even more responsibility in his team’s batting order this season following the loss of captain and star Josh Barrett to East Torrens and other experienced campaigners.
“He pushed up the order last season and will bat at four this year,’’ coach Andrew Zesers said.
“He showed some real improvement with the bat last season and he also bowls some nice mediums, so he’s a genuine allrounder.
“We expect him to continue to improve and help lead what will be a young group.’’
AUBREY STOCKDALE
(Northern Districts)
Australia under-19 quick brings his explosive pace to SA and the Jets in search of a state contract.
The 20-year-old is tall and strong and was clocked at 143km/hr for the Redbacks’ Second XI against Queensland last month.
“We’re very excited to have him on board,’’ Northern coach Cameron Williams said.
“He bowls rockets and brings great firepower to our team, He will give us an outstanding pace quarter, alongside Aiden Cahill, Josh Kann and Hayden Schiller and we can’t wait to see him in match action.’’
KRUTARTH SUTHAR
(Prospect)
Consistent left-arm orthodox spinner is a player coach Steven Broberg is building his side around.
“He was one of our leading wicket-takers last season and has great control, with good flight through the air and good spin off the pitch,’’ Broberg said.
“He also has a good tactical mind and if the pitches are conducive to a little bit more spin this season we think we can have even more success with our spin brigade.’’
LIAM THOMPSON
(Adelaide)
The left-arm quick has joined Adelaide from Glenelg in a bid to bowl more overs.
He’s fast and fiery and will immediately become the Buffalos No. 1 paceman.
“Liam’s big and strong and a very good pick up for us,’’ coach Steven Crook said.
“He has some experience under his belt and will not only take on a key role in leading our attack in all formats but also being a senior figure at our club.
“He’s performed well for Glenelg but they have a strong bowling attack and he was looking for more opportunities, which we were delighted to give him.’’
TOM VAN DER JEUGD
(Tea Tree Gully)
Former Kensington wicket-keeper/batter has joined Tea Tree Gully and will immediately take over the No. 1 keeping job.
A First Grade premiership player with the Browns, he is highly talented but fell down the keeping pecking order at his former club, leading to his move.
“He is very good with the gloves and can also hold a bat, so we are delighted to have him on board,’’ Gullies coach Joe Gatting said.
JERRSSIS WADIA
(East Torrens)
Classy batter and part-time spinner has made the move from Adelaide to the Reds.
Can bat time and made a superb century opening the batting against Northern Districts last season, illustrating his potential.
“He’s a talented batter who will help out our top order,’’ coach Daniel Leigh said.
“We have a lot of strokemakers who will be able to bat around him, so he’ll provide us with a different look from a batting point of view while he also bowls some handy left-arm orthodox spin.’’
PAUL WASIEWICZ
(Prospect)
Took his game to the next level last season, polling well in the Bradman Medal and making his Redbacks Second XI debut after a strong season with the bat for the Pirates.
Won the Talbot Smith Fielding Trophy as best fielder in First Grade and has patience at the crease, allowing him to bat for long periods.
“He’s looking to solidify last season’s growth this season,’’ Prospect coach Steven Broberg said.
“He’s a player others can bat around.’’
BETH WORTHLEY
(Sturt)
The Blues have high hopes for the “really exciting’’ teenager who will bat at the top of the order.
Sturt women’s coach Rhianna Peate described Worthley as a “game changer’’ who is expected to shine in both short and long formats.
“Beth has excellent technical batting prowess and plays with great excitement as well,’’ Peate said.
“She’s in the under-19 state squad and is not only a fine batter but also a gun in the field, a real game changer.”
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