Magarey Medallist, top-10 draft pick, VFL stars headline the SANFL’s top 30 signings for 2026
Plenty of big names, including a Magarey Medallist and top-10 AFL draft pick, have flooded to the SANFL. Here’s the league’s top 30 pre-Christmas recruits.
SANFL recruits have been flying in thick and fast, including plenty with AFL experience, as clubs beef-up their lists for a crack at the 2026 premiership.
While the league enhanced its reputation as a strong breeding ground for AFL clubs at last month’s national draft – 14 players were selected, including a state-record seven in the first round – plenty of players have made off-season moves to join the competition or switch clubs.
Last year’s preliminary finalist Norwood and rebuilding South Adelaide are the early winners and statement makers in the recruiting stakes.
The Redlegs have signed three key players – regaining 2024 joint Magarey Medallist, star ruckman Harry Boyd, from AFL club St Kilda and securing 2015 No. 6 AFL draft pick Aaron Francis from Sydney and ace midfielder Kade Dittmar from SANFL rival Central District.
They also have added plenty of depth and emerging young talent, with key forward Josh Murphy and small forwards Matthew Harms and Alex Swinnerton among a host of off-season additions.
The Panthers have pulled off some recruiting coups, regaining two of their former players from the AFL, exciting small forward Jack Delean (from Fremantle) and ruckman Will Verrall (Melbourne), while also landing ace St Kilda defender Arie Schoenmaker, who was on the recruiting radar of most SANFL clubs, highly-rated VFL midfielder Riley Baldi (Casey Demons) and West Coast WAFL midfielder Harley Sparks.
Another former South junior, ex-Collingwood AFL-listed midfielder/forward Arlo Draper, has also returned to the club after missing the 2025 campaign through overseas travel, while Phillip Moimoi will add some X-factor and toughness to the team.
“Our club has been on a bit of a development path over the past couple of years and has really stabilised the group and got 15-to-20 games into a lot of players,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“Season 2026 is all about performance for us now and we’ve recruited the needs that we feel will top us up in a lot of areas to give us the opportunity to get back into the finals.’’
Here are the top 30 pre-Christmas SANFL recruits for 2026, in alphabetical order, with each club’s thoughts on what they will bring to their new teams.
RILEY BALDI
(South Adelaide)
Midfielder, 24, 180cm
Recruited from: Casey Demons
The tough, hardworking midfielder is renowned for his strength, power and stoppage craft but he can also rotate forward and hit the scoreboard.
A good friend of Panthers star Sam Skinner, he was a standout VFL player for the Casey Demons this year and showed his leadership qualities by also being named vice-captain.
“There’s nothing fancy about me, I just like to put my head over the ball,’’ Baldi said of his game.
South general manager Brent Reilly said the club had been “tracking’’ Baldi for some time because of his “connection with Sam’’.
“We really like his strength around the contest and competitiveness,’’ Reilly said.
“He also has some genuine leadership qualities that will be of great support to our group.”
JAMES BATTERSBY
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 30, 178cm
Recruited from: Sturt
Controversially switched clubs after being left out of Sturt’s successful 2025 finals campaign.
A Double Blues great following a decorated 13-year, 218-game career at Unley, Battersby is a dual SANFL premiership player and best and fairest winner who has finished third in the Magarey Medal three times and made The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year seven times, although his 2025 campaign was curtailed by a chronic knee injury.
“James brings exceptional experience, proven leadership and an unwavering commitment to success,’’ new North Adelaide coach Josh Francou said of his first major off-season signing.
“His influence will be instrumental in guiding our younger players, imparting invaluable knowledge and enhancing the strength and cohesion of our senior group both on and off the field.’’
HARRY BOYD
(Norwood)
Ruckman, 27, 198cm
Recruited from: St Kilda
A favourite son has returned home to The Parade after a one-year stint in the AFL with St Kilda, where he played just one AFL game.
The standout ruckman, originally from Shepparton, etched his name in Redlegs history by tying for the 2024 Magarey Medal with Sturt’s Will Snelling, while he won the Jack Oatey Medal as best afield in the club’s 2022 grand final win against North.
“As a club we are very excited by the return of Harry,” Redlegs coach Jade Sheedy said.
“We all know the high level that Harry consistently plays at, but our club is also looking forward to welcoming back a great teammate that sets high standards and has a great love for the club.”
TED CLOHESY
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder, 21. 184cm
Recruited from: Geelong
The Eagles have hailed Clohesy’s signing as “significant’’ after they beat a host of SANFL rivals for his services.
A tough, competitive, hard-running midfielder, he played 12 AFL games, including nine this year, in three seasons for a powerful Geelong outfit and didn’t look out of place on the big stage.
“Ted has developed a reputation for his competitive edge, strong running patterns and team-first approach,’’ Eagles chief executive David Couzner said.
“At 184cm, he offers real versatility, being capable of influencing a game through the midfield or across half-forward.
“He’s grounded, hardworking and eager to embrace the culture and direction we are building at the Eagles.’’
JAKE CRESSWELL
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 22, 183cm
Recruited from: Norwood
Cresswell has made the shift from The Parade, where he played 29 league games in three seasons and was a member of Norwood’s losing 2024 grand final side.
He previously played two matches for South Adelaide in 2022 following his move from Tasmania.
“Jake joins us with a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of the game,’’ North coach Josh Francou said.
“He is a highly-versatile player capable of playing in a range of roles, though he will predominantly feature on the wing for us.
“His professionalism, football intelligence and team-first approach will make him a valuable addition to our playing group both on and off the field.”
JACK DELEAN
(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 20, 182cm
Recruited from: Fremantle
The classy small forward is returning to Pantherland after spending two years in the AFL with Fremantle, where he didn’t play an AFL game.
He did make his mark with Peel Thunder in the WAFL however, kicking 33 goals in 28 games and winning their leading goalkicker award in 2025.
“We’re excited to welcome Jack home,” Panthers coach Jarrad Wright said.
“He’s a standout talent known for his sharp goalkicking, speed and footy smarts.
“His skill, vision and precision will have an immediate impact and bring great energy to our group.”
KADE DITTMAR
(Norwood)
Midfielder, 22, 187cm
Recruited from: Central District
The tough midfielder has swapped the Ponderosa for the Parade in one of the major SANFL club switches.
Dittmar starred in two seasons for the Bulldogs after moving from the WAFL, where he played with East Perth.
He finished third in Central’s best and fairest award this year and narrowly missed making The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year.
“We are stoked to have Kade on board, he’s a huge addition for us,” Norwood general manager of football Daniel Menzel said.
“Kade has a great balance of inside and outside ability and really complements our midfield group, so we are excited that he’s chosen to play his footy at Norwood.’’
ARLO DRAPER
(South Adelaide)
Midfielder/forward, 22, 186cm
Recruited from: Returned to club
Draper – the older brother of emerging Crows AFL star Sid Draper – returns to Pantherland after taking last season off to travel overseas.
A product of South’s junior system, Draper spent two years at Collingwood but did not play an AFL game before returning to the Panthers in 2024.
“Arlo is a significant talent who can play midfield and go forward and be pretty damaging,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“He took 12 months off to go travelling and has come back in really good spirits and is really focused on maximising his ability.
“That’s really exciting for us because we all know how good Arlo could be. He’ll add some flair to our midfield and strength around the contest, while he can go forward and kick goals.’’
JOSH FAHEY
(Central District)
Halfback/wingman, 22, 187cm
Recruited from: Greater Western Sydney
Fahey played seven AFL games for the Giants – all in 2023 – in four years after being drafted out of the club’s junior pathways program.
“Josh has speed, evasiveness and a silky left foot which he uses to break the game open,” Central football manager Mark Ross said.
“We see Josh as a vital acquisition to our team as he will add balance to our inside and outside game.
“Despite playing a lot of football across halfback and the wing, Josh will certainly push into our midfield and is very dangerous forward of the ball.”
AARON FRANCIS
(Norwood)
Key utility, 28, 193cm
Recruited from: Sydney
The high-flying Francis spent 10 years in the AFL with Essendon and Sydney, playing 84 games, after being drafted by the Bombers from West Adelaide at pick 6 in 2015.
He can play as a key intercept or lockdown defender or key forward and will add great versatility to the Norwood line-up.
“We are rapt to have Aaron commit to our club,” Redlegs general manager of football Daniel Menzel said.
“He has some outstanding experience at AFL level, so he will offer our club so much next year and into the future. He is an extremely accomplished player who has played a number of key roles down back and up forward at the highest level, which was extremely enticing for us.
“Aaron reads the game really well and adds a great dynamic and balance for us at both ends of the ground, while he is keen to take the next step leadership-wise.’’
ETHAN GRACE
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/halfback, 22, 181cm
Recruited from: North Shore Bombers
Grace started his career with the East Coast Eagles before moving to the North Shore Bombers, where he quickly became one of their best young players.
A classy, composed player who possesses a lethal left-foot kick, he joined the GWS Giants Academy and represented the club in the VFL before spending the 2023 season with the Sydney Swans VFL program.
He returned to the Bombers in 2024, enjoying two strong seasons to catch the Eagles’ eye.
“Ethan is a terrific young talent,’’ Woodville-West Torrens chief executive David Couzner said.
“Sauce (coach Sam Jacobs), Goldy (football manager Matthew Goldsworthy) and I were extremely impressed with his attitude, character and desire to be the best he can be and we’re looking forward to helping him grow both on and off the field.’’
JOSEPH HAINES
(Adelaide)
Defender, 32, 190cm
Recruited from: Port District
Prior to joining Port District in the Adelaide Footy League two years ago, Haines was a standout, high-leaping, long-kicking SANFL defender for South Adelaide.
He played 137 league games for the Panthers from 2013-23, winning the club’s best and fairest award, the Knuckey Cup, in 2022, representing the state and making The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year four times.
Now he is back in the SANFL after winning back-to-back Division 1 Adelaide Footy League premierships with Port District.
“What we’ve been trying to do in the off-season is add some more experience at SANFL development level to complement and support our young AFL-listed players,’’ Adelaide SANFL and Academies Manager Jarrod Meers said.
“Joey brings that experience while also being able to play a variety of roles for us.’’
MATTHEW HARMS
(Norwood)
Small forward, 22, 175cm
Recruited from: GWS (VFL)
The exciting small forward starred for Beaumaris in its VAFA Premier C grand final win this year after spending most of the past four seasons in the VFL system with GWS and Sandringham.
He makes things happen inside 50 and is damaging around goal.
“Matt will really help us in the front half,” Norwood general manager of football Daniel Menzel said.
“He has some elite speed, finds the footy and can hit the scoreboard. He can also link up and apply pressure, so defensively he can really help us while also causing damage back the other way on offense.
“Matt’s been considering the SANFL as an option for a couple of years and has finally made the call to come over. He’s a player our fans should keep a close eye on.”
CHARLIE HAYSMAN
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder/halfback, 20, 183cm
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Haysman has made the move from Richmond to Prospect, linking up with new North coach Josh Francou, who coached him at St Peters College.
A hard-running, skilful utility who can play through the midfield or across halfback, Haysman is a good decision maker and ball user who played 12 league games for West last season.
“Charlie is a composed and efficient ball user who combines strong football awareness with a high level of skill and a clear team-first mindset,’’ Francou said.
“With existing connections to several players, Charlie will transition smoothly into the group and strengthen our on-field depth and we look forward to seeing the impact he will have in 2026.’’
CALLUM McCARTY
(Central District)
Midfielder, 25, 181cm
Recruited from: South Adelaide
McCarty has switched from the Panthers, where he played 20 games in two injury-interrupted seasons following his arrival from Essendon’s VFL team.
A classy, inside midfielder, he is excellent at winning first possession at ground level.
“Callum is a very likeable young man with a strong desire to be a consistent high performer at SANFL level,’’ Bulldogs football manager Mark Ross said.
“He thrives on winning contested footy and we feel he offers us a point of difference throughout our midfield with his ability to go onto his left side and use the ball well.’’
JED McENTEE
(Sturt)
Small forward/midfielder, 24, 176cm
Recruited from: Port Adelaide
McEntee returns to the Double Blues after playing 52 AFL games and kicking 31 goals in five years for Port Adelaide.
A super-competitive small forward/midfielder, who applies great tackling pressure, McEntee came through Sturt’s junior system before being drafted by the Power in the 2021 mid-season draft.
“We’re excited to have Jed back,’’ Double Blues coach Martin Mattner said.
“He’ll play a mid-forward role with us and will fit in beautifully. With Angus Anderson leaving (drafted by Collingwood), he’ll be a big help to us and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.’’
PHILLIP MOIMOI
(South Adelaide)
Halfback/wingman, 25, 181cm
Recruited from: Richmond (VFL)
The exciting Moimoi has joined South after stints with Sydney and Richmond’s VFL teams.
He will bring speed, power, excitement and X-factor to Pantherland.
A graduate of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy program and a close friend of Panther Emmanuel Ajang, Moimoi is related to former Parramatta Eels rugby league cult figure Fuifui Moimoi
“He has real speed and is quite a physical player,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“He’ll slot in anywhere around halfback/wing for us, while he played a fair bit as a forward for Sydney, kicking quite a few goals.
“He has plenty of flexibility to his game, so we’re not putting any limitations on where he might play, but we like what he can do behind the ball, with his toughness and speed.’’
HARPER MONTGOMERY
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Defender, 21, 187cm
Recruited from: GWS (VFL)
The son of 2004 Port Adelaide AFL premiership player Brett Montgomery, Harper has joined the Eagles from Greater Western Sydney’s VFL program.
Playing mostly across halfback, he came through North Adelaide’s pathway program before spending two years with Port’s SANFL team, playing 13 league games in 2022-23.
He moved to GWS after being overlooked by the Power as a father-son draftee.
“Harper is a composed, thoughtful defender who plays with real poise and footy intelligence,’’ Eagles chief executive David Couzner said.
“He reads the game incredibly well and is a reliable user of the ball coming out of defence.’’
JOSH MURPHY
(Norwood)
Key forward, 19, 190cm
Recruited from: North Albury/Collingwood (VFL)
The powerhouse forward debuted for Collingwood’s VFL team this year after starring for North Albury in the Ovens and Murray League.
Possessing a big vertical leap, he topped the Coates Talent League goalkicking charts in 2024 with 32 majors in 11 games for the Murray Bushrangers, including three bags of six.
Murphy captained the Allies at the 2024 AFL under-18 championships and is very strong overhead.
“Josh is a key position player from North Albury, where he kicked 64 goals in 15 games in the Ovens and Murray League this year, so he knows how to hit the scoreboard,’’ Norwood general manager of football Daniel Menzel said.
“He kicked a season-high 11 goals in one game, won the goalkicking award in the OMFNL, and also played five VFL games for Collingwood, so we can’t wait to see what he can do for us.”
WILL PATTON
(Glenelg)
Key defender, 20, 193cm
Recruited from: West Adelaide
The key, playmaking defender moves to Brighton Road after playing 30 league games in the past two seasons for the Bloods.
Patton captained SA’s under-18 team in 2023 and made the All-Australian team.
He was considered unlucky not to be drafted that year.
“Will will slot into our defensive line well, bringing valuable height, composure and leadership to the playing group,’’ Glenelg head of football Paul Sandercock said.
“He represents an exciting step towards the club’s long-term future, with his presence helping fill the void of retired premiership player Max Proud, while his proven leadership qualities and character will continue to strengthen the Bays for years to come.”
JOSH RALPH
(Central District)
Small forward, 20, 178cm
Recruited from: Sydney Swans Academy
A product of the Sydney Swans Academy, Ralph is a tenacious, highly-skilled small forward who applies terrific defensive pressure inside 50.
“Josh has a high workrate, tackles with vigour, chases with determination and fights to keep the ball inside the forward arc,’’ Central football manager Mark Ross said.
“He is a superb athlete with speed, balance, poise and high energy and his ability to hit the scoreboard will be something we look forward to seeing.’’
BRAD RAUTER
(West Adelaide)
Key defender, 22, 191cm
Recruited from: GWS Academy
Rauter is a former GWS Academy player from Canberra who West has “had our eyes on for some time’’.
A versatile key defender, he will add to new coach Nathan Bassett’s defensive options and backline flexibility.
“He’s a versatile defender, a nice utility type for us who is good mates with ‘Frosty’ (midfielder Sam Frost),’’ Bassett said.
LOCH RAWLINSON
(Sturt)
Midfielder/forward, 20, 177cm
Recruited from: West Coast
The former Sturt junior returns to the club after spending two years in the AFL with West Coast, where he played one AFL game.
Rawlinson, who was drafted to the Eagles’ rookie list, racked up 31 WAFL games in his two seasons in the west, kicking 21 goals and averaging 11 disposals.
“I think Lochie will be super for us,’’ Sturt coach Martin Mattner said.
“He’ll replace that (retired) Jimmy Mathews-type role, that high half-forward/mid role, and will bring some really good speed to the group.
“Like McEntee, to get Sturt guys back to the club is really important too.’’
JAMES RICHARDS
(Adelaide)
Forward, 25, 189cm
Recruited from: Uraidla Districts
Former SANFL forward Richards has moved to the Crows after spending last season with Uraidla Districts in the Hills Football League.
The flamboyant goalsneak previously played 35 league games and kicked 37 goals for Sturt from 2021-24, including the 2023 grand final loss to Glenelg.
“James plays with confidence and will bring some real X-factor to our group,’’ Adelaide SANFL and Academies Manager Jarrod Meers said.
“We want to win at SANFL level and he, along with Joey (Haines), will help us do that, while also helping with the development of our AFL-listed players.’’
BEN RIDGWAY
(West Adelaide)
Midfielder, 20, 182cm
Recruited from: Glenelg
Tough, hard-as-nails on-baller has moved from Brighton Road to Richmond in a bid to play regular league football.
He debuted for the Tigers in round 16, 2024, but has managed only 13 league games in the past two seasons.
Ridgway won the 2022 McCallum Tomkins Medal as the SANFL’s best under-18 player while this year he was awarded the Bob Lee Medal as best on ground in Glenelg’s 2025 reserves grand final win against Sturt.
“He’ll win his own footy and bring some clean hands, speed and movement,’’ West coach Nathan Bassett said.
“He’s tough and reliable and I think he’ll be a really good SANFL player for us.’’
ARIE SCHOENMAKER
(South Adelaide)
Key defender, 20, 194cm
Recruited from: St Kilda
Drafted by St Kilda with pick 62 in 2023, the athletic, versatile Tasmanian possesses a booming left-foot kick.
“There are big kicks and then there are the ones that fly like rockets off Schoenmaker’s boot,’’ the Saints wrote on their website after he made his AFL debut in 2024.
Schoenmaker, who is quick for his size, played seven AFL games in two seasons for St Kilda, averaging 15 disposals and five marks.
“We are thrilled to welcome Arie to the club,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“He is an athletic, rebounding defender who comes from a strong contest-based system.
“He brings aerial presence, defensive reliability and a classy left foot that will strengthen and evolve our defensive unit.”
HARLEY SPARKS
(South Adelaide)
Defender, 24, 187cm
Recruited from: West Coast (WAFL)
Sparks is a rebounding defender who won West Coast’s WAFL best and fairest award in 2024.
He is renowned for his competitiveness and good ball use and can also play through the midfield.
“Harley will bring a competitive edge to our team,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“He values contest and winning one-on-ones while bringing good energy with his run.
“We are excited for Harley to join the Panthers and settle into the broader South Adelaide community.”
ALEX SWINNERTON
(Norwood)
Small forward, 19, 175cm
Recruited from: GWS (VFL)
A livewire small forward, Swinnerton played five VFL games for the Giants this year, kicking four goals, after being a member of the club’s Albury Hub.
Joining good mate Josh Murphy at The Parade from Ovens and Murray Football Netball League club Laverton, Swinnerton this year booted 18 goals and averaged nine tackles in 16 OMFNL games.
“Alex is a small forward who loves applying pressure and putting opposition defenders under the pump,’’ Redlegs general manager of football Daniel Menzel said
“He also knows how to find the football and is a good link up player..’’
WILL VERRALL
(South Adelaide)
Ruckman, 21, 199cm
Recruited from: Melbourne
The giant ruckman returns to Pantherland after spending three years in the AFL system with Melbourne, which rookie-listed him in 2022.
Verrall played 45 VFL games in three seasons for the Casey Demons, averaging 17 hit-outs and steadily developing his craft.
“It’s great to have Will back at the club,’’ South coach Jarrad Wright said.
“His ruck craft, competitiveness and ability to provide a marking option forward of the ball will significantly strengthen our side.
“He also returns with strong relationships from his junior pathway, which will only enhance the cohesion of our group.”
HUNTER WINDOW
(Glenelg)
Small forward, 22, 173cm
Recruited from: Sacred Heart OC
The 2024 Glenelg premiership small forward is returning to Tigerland after spending a season in the Adelaide Footy League with Sacred Heart Old Collegians due to work commitments.
Window made the 2025 Adelaide Footy League Team of the Year and adds some class and polish to the Bays’ forward line.
“We’ve missed Hunter’s efficient ball use, his reading of the play and how he manages to bring others into the play with his kicking skills,’’ Glenelg head of football Paul Sandercock said.
“He’s a very good ball user and decision maker who we hope we can play through the middle of the ground a bit more next season, so we are really looking forward to getting him back in the fold.’’
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Originally published as Magarey Medallist, top-10 draft pick, VFL stars headline the SANFL’s top 30 signings for 2026
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