SANFL-VFL state game in jeopardy as Port Adelaide to kick off 2025 SANFL season at Alberton | Download the full 2025 fixture

The 2025 SANFL and SANFLW fixtures have been released and they are stacked with massive games. Download your poster of the full schedule.

One year after reigniting its fierce rivalry with the VFL, the SANFL state game against its old enemy is in jeopardy.

Plans for annual SANFL-VFL contests, included during AFL Gather Round in Adelaide, have been put on hold, with the SANFL not including the marquee match-up in its 2025 fixture.

“No decision has been made yet on a state game over Gather Round,’’ SANFL head of football operations Sean Toohey said.

“We are continuing to work through all options with the AFL, but ultimately we need to ensure it is viable to stage this match as part of Gather Round.

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“SANFL is strongly committed to state football.’’

The SANFL played the VFL for the first time in eight years during AFL Gather Round this year, with the Croweaters winning by 14 points in front of a crowd of 4207 at Glenelg Oval.

At the time, the two leagues hoped it would spark annual contests between them.

While there is still hope the match can be revived for next season – there are no SANFL club games scheduled for Gather Round in April – the SANFL has confirmed its annual rivalry with the WAFL will continue, with the two states programmed to meet for the 100th time at Adelaide Oval in May.

Dual Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves is expected to take over as SANFL state coach following Jade Rawlings’ departure from Norwood to AFL club Fremantle.

Glenelg celebrates winning the 2024 SANFL men’s grand final against Norwood at Adelaide Oval. Picture: David Mariuz/SANFL

Rawlings had an unblemished 3-0 record in charge of the state team, boasting two wins against the WAFL and one against the VFL.

The SANFL women’s state team will play the WAFL women in Adelaide next season.

The 2025 SANFL men’s season will start under lights at Alberton Oval on Friday, March 28, with Port Adelaide hosting the Tigers at 7.10pm.

The other four opening round fixtures will be played on Saturday, March 29, with three afternoon games and one night match.

The 2.10pm clashes will see Central District host Woodville-West Torrens, West Adelaide start at home against Adelaide and South Adelaide host Sturt.

Last season’s beaten grand finalist Norwood will kick off its campaign against North Adelaide at The Parade at 7.10pm.

After the Gather Round bye following Round 2, the competition will resume with an Easter bonanza.

This will kick off with the Redlegs hosting the Double Blues at The Parade at 7.40pm on Thursday, April 17, followed by four games at different timeslots on Good Friday.

The Friday special will start with the Bloods hosting the Eagles at 2.10pm followed by North Adelaide meeting Central District at Prospect at 2.30pm, Glenelg hosting the Crows at 4.10pm and Port playing the Panthers at Alberton Oval at 7.10pm.

Norwood’s Tristan Binder celebrates a goal during last season’s SANFL grand final against Glenelg. Picture: David Mariuz/SANFL

In a blockbuster start to the season, Anzac Round will follow, with the traditional grand final rematch being the highlight of a three-day festival of football.

The Tigers will play Norwood – the team they beat by five points in an epic 2024 grand final – at the Bay at 2.10pm on Friday, April 25, with Central kicking off the round against Port at Elizabeth Oval at 1.40pm.

On Saturday, April 26, there will be a stand-alone game, with South hosting North at Noarlunga, while there will be two matches on the Sunday, with the Eagles at home to Adelaide and Sturt hosting West.

There will be only one King’s Birthday holiday Monday clash next season, with Sturt hosting Norwood at Unley Oval at 2.30pm on Monday, June 9.

The SANFL will again hit the road, with two regional matches scheduled.

Norwood will play Adelaide at Port Lincoln in Round 5 and North will meet South at Port Pirie in July.

The annual Neil Kerley Memorial Match will be played at Adelaide Oval between the Crows and Bloods in Round 14.

For the first time, the Russell Ebert Tribute game between Port and West will be staged in Adelaide (rather than the Riverland) on the King’s Birthday weekend in Round 9 after the two clubs opted to honour Ebert at his former home ground, Alberton Oval.

Glenelg coach Darren Reeves (right) lifts the 2024 Thomas Seymour Hill premiership trophy with captain Liam McBean after last season’s grand final triumph against Norwood. Picture: David Mariuz/SANFL

“We are really excited about the marquee match-ups, particularly in the opening rounds,’’ Toohey said.

“It promises to be an intriguing start to the season while maximising the potential for significant attendances amid the milder weather.’’

A four-week finals series will be played at Adelaide Oval, starting on Sunday, August 31, and culminating with the grand final on Sunday, September 21.

The SANFL women’s season will begin on Saturday, March 15, with last year’s grand finalists South Adelaide and Norwood meeting at Noarlunga Oval and the Eagles hosting Sturt at Eastern Parade Reserve, Ottoway.

The SANFLW grand final has been scheduled for the weekend of July 26.

Originally published as SANFL-VFL state game in jeopardy as Port Adelaide to kick off 2025 SANFL season at Alberton | Download the full 2025 fixture