South Australian Football Budget - Round 19 2023 - Vol 98 - No. 19 - 3 Sep

WHITE CLAW HARD SELTZER ®

S PA R KLI N G WATE R W ITH A LCO H O L

9 5 C A LO R I E S

NATU R AL FL AVOURS

G LUTE N FR E E

THE FINAL WORD

BY PETER CORNWALL

PAUL THOMAS (Central District) With fighting last-gasp wins against North and Port, Central snatched a spot in the finals for the first time since 2017. The win against the Magpies has given Thomas’s side confidence as they tackle them again. “It’s an exciting challenge for our footy club. We’d had a few results not go our way, so we took some learnings out of that and then to win close ones against North and Port was a really good growth for our group – our coaches as well as our players. We played at Adelaide Oval last year against Adelaide in Round 18 and I think that gave the guys who hadn’t played here before the want to get here on their own terms and play in finals.”

TYSON GOLDSACK (Port Adelaide) Port made it into the finals with a draw and loss in the last fortnight of the minor round but it is confident of kicking on as the Power builds for its AFL finals campaign. “We’re there to support the AFL team all year but now we’ve made it this far, we’re keen to see it through. If we can win the whole thing, that’s what we’re trying to do,” Goldsack said. “Most of the guys who played last week we’re likely to roll out again. We’ll work on the areas of the game that worked for us and try to maintain that for longer periods. We’ll work on our structure and our game plan and executing better than last week.”

Central coach Paul Thomas and Port boss Tyson Goldsack.

Sturt coach Martin Mattner and Adelaide mentor Michael Godden.

MARTIN MATTNER (Sturt) The Blues play on smaller Unley Oval but they’re looking forward to getting back on Adelaide Oval, where coach Mattner guided them to flags in 2016 and ’17. “We’re looking forward to playing finals.

We have played everywhere this year and we have also been training at different venues – we’ve trained at The Summit (Mount Barker) which is quite a big oval and at Thebarton, we’ve done that because we are playing finals at Adelaide Oval but also for a change-up for the boys, somewhere different. We can beat anyone, anywhere, it doesn’t matter where the finals are played … they just happen to be played at Adelaide Oval and this is a great oval.”

ALL THE ZING

MICHAEL GODDEN (Adelaide) Injuries have made it tough on Adelaide, which has been without a ruckman and missing a key forward and key back in the past few weeks but Crows coach Godden maintains the faith. “Absolutely (we can still win the premiership). It’s been challenging (with personnel) but we’ve been competitive and that is a product of the strength of our whole squad – our AFL side has had a good year and our SANFL squad has reaped the benefits of that. Our development players have been fantastic as well, those guys will get their opportunity (in the finals) and all year they have shown they can match it with hardened SANFL players. We will be happy with any squad we put on the park and be confident we can get it done.”

NEW

HALF THE SUGAR ALCOHOLIC GINGER BEER sanfl.com.au

3

ELIMINATION FINAL PREVIEW

BY PETER CORNWALL

Central District’s Isaiah Dudley handballs in the Bulldogs’ win against Port Adelaide last week as Magpie Nathan Barkla (No. 45) moves in. Photo: David Mariuz

You couldn’t possibly have picked a better time to start delivering in the tense final stages of close games.

Paul Thomas’s Central District side had been on the wrong end of tight tussles too often over two seasons, with just one win from five games decided by less than a goal last season and, with two rounds remaining, having won just two of six games decided by less than 10 points in 2023. At times they had lost games from winnable positions, particularly the Round 16 clash with Sturt when they led by 20 points 24 minutes into the last quarter, only to be pipped by four.

“Whether we’ve done enough to play finals will be determined over the next two weeks,” Thomas said after what could have been a shattering defeat. The fighting Dogs have well-and-truly done enough now, winning successive games from losing positions against sides desperate for wins to qualify for finals – North and Port. Central was on the brink of bowing out of the race altogether as it trailed the Roosters by five points heading into time-on of the last term at Prospect, before Kyle Presbury booted a matchwinning long-bomb 4

sanfl.com.au

goal on the run. And against Port Adelaide, the Bulldogs didn’t kick their first goal until the 17-minutemark of the second quarter and still trailed by nine points 17 minutes into the last quarter. At this stage, North was within a couple of points of Sturt as the last two finals places hung in the balance. But Central was sensational in the last 15 minutes, bagging five goals to the Magpies’ one to clinch a second successive win against the odds, by 15 points. The Blues also kicked clear of the Roosters, meaning Port would take on Central for the second time in successive weeks in another do-or-die clash, the elimination final. But now it’s a whole new ball game. This clash will be on Adelaide Oval, which is more familiar to Port, and the Magpies will have a stronger look with the Power about to embark on finals but with the AFL bye this week. But one thing we have learned about the Doggies this year, they will be giving it everything and never giving up the fight. Leading the way has been Harry Grant. The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived at Elizabeth from Queanbeyan via the GWS Academy for the 2021

season, has amassed the most ranking points in the SANFL, averaging 104 per game. He’s third for disposals (26 per game), second for clearances (6.7) and eighth for tackles (seven). He’s had more than 25 touches in 12 games this year, his best 36 against Port in Round 9, a clash the Magpies won by 23 points. It will be tough in the clinches in the elimination final with Port’s Nick Moore, the third-highest tackler in the league, unlikely to give Grant much latitude. Central skipper Jarrod Schiller, ranked fourth in clearances in the league, will be in at the coalface, while Jez McLennan marshals the troops from the back. Ruckman Billy McCormack is a key to getting the Doggies moving, while big man Dante Visentini has played a key role in lifting the Magpies into the finals. Port has plenty of quality with the likes of dashing Jase Burgoyne, up-and-coming Jackson Mead, Trent Dumont, Hugh Jackson, Jed Hagan and inspirational skipper Cameron Sutcliffe among a long list of quality players who will make the Bulldogs quickly realise they are back in the big time.

QUALIFYING FINAL PREVIEW

BY PETER CORNWALL

Sturt’s Martin Frederick, whose pace poses a threat in spring at Adelaide Oval, handballs as Adelaide’s Isaya McKenzie lunges to tackle in the Crows’ win in Round 17 at Unley. Photo: David Mariuz

There’s genuine excitement for the clash between two sides whose records have been so strong they could have been having the week off right now – Sturt (14-4) and Adelaide (13-5, 60.4 per cent) would have finished above last year’s minor premier North Adelaide (13-5, 57.2 per cent). But Glenelg rightly has earned its place in the second semi-final with 15 wins and now there’s the question of who the Tigers will face next week.

The Blues and the Crows have had one win apiece in their match-ups, Sturt claiming a 10-point victory in Round 6 and Adelaide winning in Round 17 by 16 points. The most recent win for the Crows showed their courage and depth when they had only 11 AFL-listed players and no recognised ruckman but still booted seven of the last eight goals, coach Michael Godden saying: “I can’t recall a win like that, when we’ve been so undermanned.” But last week Adelaide conceded the last seven goals of the game to Norwood and lost by 19 points, although there was no chance they could top Glenelg for the minor premiership, the Tigers having their clash with South wrapped up by three-quarter-time.

But Sturt, already certain of playing in the qualifying final, had nothing to gain against North Adelaide, with the Roosters desperate to win to snatch a spot in the finals. Despite all that, the Blues reminded everyone of their premiership credentials with a stunning five goals-to-one first quarter – “one of the best ones we’ve played for a fair while,” said coach Martin Mattner – then by emphatically booting the last four goals of the game after the Roosters had edged within one point. “Our last 15-20 minutes were really good,” Mattner said. That was still without superstar midfielder Patrick Wilson, whose return from a knee concern will further bolster a strong midfield.

Skipper James Battersby is ranked second in the SANFL in handballs, third in clearances, fourth in disposals and sixth in ranking points, while Tom Lewis is No. 1 in tackles, has the third-highest average in clearances and is ranked 10th for handballs despite missing three games with an ankle injury.

Up forward they have two very different dangers in nippy small forward Josh Hone (third on the SANFL goalkicking list with 41) and tall, strong marking and long kicking

Lachlan Burrows (sixth with 33).

Down back Casey Voss continues to control the tempo and set up attacks with the most marks in the league and seventh-most kicks, while Connor McFadyen has been a wonderful addition as a key defender who has proved more than capable as a forward pinch-hitter.

Ruckmen Amos Doyle and Dan Fahey-Sparkes have stood tall at different times and it’s unsure if they might both play. It could depend on the biggest talking point about big men, whether the Crows will have potential matchwinner Kieran Strachan, who Godden said was “touch and go” with a wrist injury.

Powerhouse midfielder Harry Schoenberg suffering an Achilles tendon injury in the AFL against West Coast was a blow for the Crows’ SANFL premiership hopes but the likes of Sam Berry, who averages 22 possessions and seven tackles, Billy Dowling, who keeps getting better and had 28 touches, 10 tackles and eight clearances against Norwood, and Jackson Hately win plenty of the ball and are damaging with it. No wonder the excitement has been building for this clash. sanfl.com.au

5

STAR-STUDDED SIDE

BY ZAC MILBANK

SANFL Team of the Year coach in his first season at the helm, Glenelg boss Darren Reeves.

Tiger Max Proud is captain of SA’s elite team for 2023.

Minor premier Glenelg has dominated selection in the 2023 The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year with six players and first-year coach Darren Reeves recognised for their outstanding efforts throughout the home-and-away season.

Earning direct entry to the Hostplus SANFL League second semi-final, the Bays won a competition-high 15 minor round matches which included an impressive 8-1 win-loss record at Stratarama Stadium.

As such, the Tigers fittingly have the two key forward posts filled by 2023 Ken Farmer Medallist Lachlan Hosie, who lines up at full forward, and triple Ken Farmer Medallist Liam McBean, who is stationed at centre half-forward.

Game-breaking midfielder Matt Allen, who has averaged 20 disposals and seven marks while kicking 22 goals for the season, has been chosen on the wing while Toby Pink (full back) and Corey Lyons (interchange) have earned their debut selections.

Reliable Tigers captain Max Proud – averaging eight marks per game this year – starts from the back pocket, where he will also act as the skipper of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year.

Thrust into the chair at Brighton

Mead provides the team with great flexibility in that he will start at half-forward while also being able to push into the midfield or onto a wing.

Central District pair Harry Grant (rover) and Jez McLennan (back pocket) have been key drivers behind their team’s return to the finals for the first time since 2017.

Norwood premiership rover Nik Rokahr retains his place in the side, this time on the interchange after being a key influence on his side’s rise to seventh in the second half of the season.

6

sanfl.com.au

Road just two days before Christmas, Reeves wasted no time in forming strong relationships with the entire Glenelg playing group which has resulted in his side earning its third minor premiership in five seasons.

Qualifying finalists Sturt and Adelaide each boast four players in the elite outfit, with Sturt captain James Battersby and his midfield mate Tom Lewis playing vital roles inside the centre square.

Double Blues goalsneak Josh Hone, who slotted 41 goals for the season, proved he is the best small forward in the competition, landing in the forward pocket, while Sturt’s Brisbane Lions recruit Connor McFadyen will hold down centre half-back.

Sharp-shooting Crow Lachlan Gollant, who has booted 37 majors, is in the other forward pocket while team-mate Jackson Hately provides a difficult height match-up on a wing.

Adelaide pair Kieran Strachan and Harry Schoenberg have had their seasons rewarded with selection on the interchange bench, Schoenberg’s extreme impact while averaging 26 disposals and six clearances resonating with the selection panel.

Port Adelaide selection Jackson

Central District’s Harry Grant has earned a spot in the SANFL Team of the Year with a stunning season.

Dynamic Eagles playmaker James Rowe starts at half-forward but can also push into the centre square while his captain at Oval Avenue – Joey Sinor – will provide rebound and toughness across half-back.

South’s representative is veteran ruckman Keegan Brooksby, who has also been named vice-captain

as a nod to his incredible dedication in commuting between Melbourne and Adelaide weekly throughout the season while performing at a high level.

West Adelaide’s Callum Park makes his debut across half-back, where he racked up a leagueleading 492 disposals rebounding out of defence for the Bloods.

North Adelaide was the only club without a player selected.

The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year was selected by SANFL’s Matthew Duldig, Sean Toohey, Zac Milbank and Daniel Joyce, The Advertiser’s Andrew Capel, Football Budget editor Peter Cornwall and Channel 7’s John Casey. sanfl.com.au

7

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW CHOOSE YOUR STORE

YOUR STORE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SHOP YOUR WAY DELIVERY IN 1 HOUR

PICK UP IN 30 MINS

INSTORE OR ONLINE FIND YOUR FAVOURITES

INSTORE FIND YOUR NEAREST STORE

THE NEW APP IS HERE!

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW ENTER COMPETITIONS

TODAY

SHOP

DISCOVER

WISH LIST

CART

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SHOP YOUR WAY *DELIVERY ONLY AVAILABLE AT SELECTED STORES

PICK UP IN 30 MINS

DELIVERY IN 1 HOUR*

INSTORE FIND YOUR STORE

LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED

BY PETER ARGENT

A part-time model and candidate for the 21st Century version of ‘Chesty Bonds’, Sturt’s ball-winning midfielder Tom Lewis lives by a couple of mantras, reflecting at the end of each season if he has achieved them. They are ‘leave no stone unturned’ and ‘hard work pays off’.

Lewis, who hailed from the Meningie Bears as a junior, started in the Sturt Academy as a 14-year-old, coached by the legendary late Robert Oatey and Chris Brown. He progressed through the ranks being mentored

by Robert’s son David Oatey and current football manager Chris Trapp in under-16 and under-18 Double Blues teams, along with being in the South Australian State underage programs, playing alongside Izak Rankine, Connor Rozee, Jack Lukosius, Will Gould, Jackson Hately, Luke Valente and Central District star Jez McLennan.

“I played in the State under-16s coached by Darel Hart and was a part of the 2018 national titlewinning team,” Lewis, 23, said. An integral member of SA’s midfield, his advancement was slowed by an ACL injury suffered in the final trial game of 2019, missing an entire SANFL season. He has had more than his share of setbacks as, after debuting in Round 3 of the Covidreduced season in 2020 and starting off last year in impressive style, in Round 6 against Central he shockingly suffered a ruptured spleen. Incredibly, the next day he set out to start a new job before unsurprisingly being sent to hospital.

“After my ACL, I saw a social media story about a guy who set goals after injuring himself to work towards, so I ran a half ironman during the 2020 pre-season,” he said. “Last year I decided to do the New York Marathon.” He ran a time of three hours, 17 minutes.

And he’s continuing to step up.

Lewis this year was elevated into the Sturt leadership group and, along with aspirations to play at

AFL level, he would love to “lead by example” and at some stage captain the Double Blues.

Lewis proudly donned the State jumper this year as SA won the Haydn Bunton Cup clash against the WAFL. While it was an honour, it also was special personally as he played against his good mate Mitch Crowden, a former Double Blue who had been drafted by Fremantle. “I was a little disappointed not to get an opportunity last year and it was great to don the State jumper again at Adelaide Oval,” Lewis said.

“I first played against Mitch at under-15 level, in a representative game between the River Murray and the Hills and we’ve been mates ever since. We got to stand on each other for a short time – and there was a nice amount of banter.”

Lewis has been outstanding for the second-placed Blues this year,

leading SANFL’s tackle count with a remarkable 178 from 14 games and he is ranked eighth for clearances.

His work ethic keeps him in the thick of it until the final siren, an important quality as the Blues have come from behind at three-quartertime four times to claim last-gasp wins this season. Lewis has always admired the “tremendous work ethic” of his father, Michael, his first important mentor. “He played a bit of country football, including at Spalding (in the North Eastern competition) before having to take over from his dad on the farm.”

Lewis said while he didn’t inherit his dad’s speed, his mother Maureen is a talented triathlete and she has passed on her endurance gene. Tom has two sisters, Brigette, 21, and Meaghan, 18, who is an exciting netball talent playing through the grades at Contax. sanfl.com.au

9

Photo: Peter Argent

S A N F L

S TA R S

BILLY DOWLING ADELAIDE

2023 SANFL RESERVES QUALIFYING FINAL 7:40pm Friday 1st September @ Thebarton Oval Live scores at www.sanfl.com.au and SANFL App

STURT

CENTRAL

COACH: Chris Trapp

COACH: Matt Gallarello

8

ANDERSON Angus...................

42 TAYLOR Willa............................

5

CARPENTER Jack.....................

42 LOCHOWIAK Anzac.................

9

BREUER Sam.............................

43 JEFFERIES Brad........................

13 LAUNER Blake..........................

44 CARROLL Fletcher...................

10 MOLAN Charlie.........................

44 RICHARDS James.....................

16 DEAKIN Adam...........................

47 McLENNAN Louie....................

47 KITTEL Hugo..............................

18 PEARCE Dale.............................

49 McGRATH Isaac........................

21 RICHARD Tyson........................

51 WILSON Cooper.......................

22 TIPPINS Jordan.........................

53 HENKE Jack................................

23 CANNIZZARO Rhys..................

54 PYMAN Cooper.........................

25 HABEL Luke...............................

55 WEAVER Dylan.........................

33 McDONALD Austin..................

56 RYAN Wyatt...............................

13 WILSON Patrick........................

20 ALLAN Hamish.........................

21 PUNCHER Liam.........................

24 SPAIN Will..................................

29 RESCHKE Chad.........................

48 KELLY Hugo................................

49 HEIN Jordan...............................

50 TABE Blake.................................

52 BEDFORD Tye............................

35 SADLER Nick..............................

53 TORODE Will..............................

35 McDONALD Darcy....................

57 THOMAS Beau..........................

37 CRANE Will................................

54 HOLT Alex...................................

39 JONES Jamie..............................

60 SCHWERDT Ethan...................

40 WALTER Ned.............................

55 FIDGE Blake...............................

40 LOCHOWIAK Jacob..................

61 BENNISON Henry.....................

RESERVES STURT CENTRAL

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Points

RESERVES UMPIRES

33 WINGARD Heath......................

FIELD: Alexander Reardon Daniel Whittlesea Paul Ventura Henry Lodge (E)

BOUNDARY: Oakley Nilsen Jayden Dunning Blayde Harten Gianny Scoleri

GOAL: Justin Thai Thomas Oxford Michael Lombardi (E)

2023 SANFL RESERVES ELIMINATION FINAL

10:00am Saturday 2nd September @ Flinders University Stadium Live scores at www.sanfl.com.au and SANFL App

SOUTH

EAGLES

COACH: Alex Pigou

COACH: Matt Knight

8

NEUMANN Will.........................

43 ANGOVE Noah..........................

21 HEASLIP Ben..............................

44 HAYES Lachlan.........................

12 DAWKINS Harrison.................

45 WILLIAMS Ryan.......................

25 SPACIE Harry.............................

46 BEDFORD Scott........................

14 HOILE Lachlan..........................

47 O’REILLY Cormack...................

27 DOUGLASS Aaron.....................

47 KANTILLA Kim...........................

17

28 BIRT Isaac...................................

49 LOVERING Tate..........................

20 TILLEY Sam................................

48 WATSON Jay..............................

29 DUNCAN Charlie.......................

50 KIRKLAND Cameron................

25 LUKAC Jordan............................

30 KRAEMER Nick..........................

53 SMITH Kyan...............................

32 BRUCE Ryan..............................

34 COCKSHELL Kobe.....................

54 COLLINS Jacob..........................

34 COOKE Lukas.............................

35 BRADLEY Angus.......................

55 FLETT Jack..................................

36 CALVETT Brayden...................

59 SINEY Oliver..............................

37 MITTON Luke.............................

60 SKINNER Joe..............................

38 NORMAN Carter.......................

60 MENTA Sebastian....................

40 BROWN Dylan...........................

61 SCOTT Lachlan.........................

40 HANSEN Blake..........................

61 MAIR Brody................................

41 ROGERS Cooper........................

62 JONES Riley................................

41 WECKERT Patrick....................

62 FAIRALL Callum........................

GUNTHER Harrison.................

RESERVES SOUTH EAGLES

1st

2nd

OFFICIAL BEER OF SANFL

3rd

4th

Points

RESERVES UMPIRES

42 MEGINS Oliver...........................

11

HERBERT Kade.........................

FIELD: Patrick Lally Zachery Packard Ryan Webster Jake Cuming (E)

53 UEDING Liam.............................

54 ARTHUR Bailey.........................

56 PHILLIPS Zac.............................

BOUNDARY: James Sutton Tobin Dolman Nathan Becker Jake Creasey

GOAL: Thomas Fahey Connor Izzo Tom Kelly (E)

SCAN TO PURCHASE

sanfl.com.au

11

ELIMINATION FINAL 12:15PM SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER – ADELAIDE OVAL

Broadcast: Live & free on Seven & 7plus | SANFL Now App | www.sanflnow.com.au | www.AFL.com.au AFL Live Official App | Live Radio 1629 SEN SA | SEN App #SANFLBulldogsPortAdelaide

PORT

CENTRAL COACH: Paul Thomas COLOURS: Red, White and Blue

COACH: Tyson Goldsack

No

No

PLAYER

1

SUTCLIFFE Cameron (C) 31....187.... 87...... 56.....36...................

3

MONTGOMERY Harper 23....188.... 83.......12......0....................

PLAYER

AGE. . ..HT. . ... WT. . ... GP.... GK....G......... B

1 McCORMACK Billy 22....199.... 92......30......11....................

2 LINKE Shay 20....190.... 75.......12......6....................

4 CHISHOLM Leyton 23....194.... 90.......11.......4....................

6 LIDDY Mani 21....184.... 82...... 26......4....................

7 PRESBURY Kyle 26....182.... 82..... 133....75...................

8 LARKINS Jai 24....183....80...... 14...... 1.....................

9 BUECHNER Zac 25.... 191..... 93...... 33...... 2....................

10 GRANT Harry 22.... 173.... 79......43..... 10...................

11 KENDELL George 22....194.... 93.......31...... 7.....................

12 McLENNAN Jez 22....184....80...... 23...... 2....................

15 ILES Billy 28....178.....77...... 37...... 3....................

17 OLSSON Chris 25.... 176.... 73...... 62.....36...................

19 BARREAU Marcus 25....188....80...... 67.....30...................

20 HOSKIN Justin 32....185.... 82..... 198...189..................

24 MUNN Hugo 23.... 197.... 95...... 36.....25...................

26 SHAW Oliver 22....189....84......44......9....................

27 COWHAM Lewis 21.... 179.... 72......20......4....................

28 LITTLE Brinn 20....196.... 85...... 18......0....................

29 LANGE Nick 25....186.... 79...... 41.....55...................

30 DUDLEY Isaiah 20....168.... 70...... 16......8....................

31 WHITELUM Luca 20....187.....77......34..... 21....................

32 GRACE Aiden 26....189.... 87...... 54.....80...................

34 EAST Ethan 23....187....80...... 54.....46...................

36 SPLANN Will 19....195....88....... 3.......0....................

38 SCHILLER Jarrod (C) 31.... 176.... 83.....233....90...................

41 DAHMS Cooper 24.... 181..... 82...... 32...... 5.....................

52 PICKERING Ryan 20....199.... 90....... 4.......0....................

Rushed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

COLOURS: Black and White AGE. . ..HT. . ... WT. . ... GP.... GK....G......... B

12 McKENZIE Trent*

31.... 191..... 83...... 41...... 7.....................

13 FANTASIA Orazio*

27....178....64...... 16.....22...................

24 PASINI Jake*

22....192.... 81...... 32......0....................

26 BONNER Riley*

26....190.... 85......49......11....................

27 TEAKLE Brynn*

23... 204.... 96.......11.......8....................

29 LYCETT Scott*

30....203.... 98.......13...... 2....................

32 SCULLY Thomas*

18....203.... 89...... 18..... 19....................

34 SHORT Murphy

23....183.... 85.......13...... 2....................

36 BURGOYNE Jase*

20....186.... 65...... 27......6....................

37 McCALLUM Tom*

18....193.... 82...... 16......0....................

39 JACKSON Hugh*

20....182.... 72......30..... 10...................

40 MARSHALL Kyle*

19....201....84.......15......0....................

42 CARTER Miller

22....188.... 86.......17...... 2....................

43 DUMONT Trent*

28....186.... 85......34..... 10...................

44 MEAD Jackson*

21....184.... 83...... 32..... 12....................

45 BARKLA Nathan*

19....186.... 74.......17......6....................

46 HAGAN Jed

18.... 175..... 73...... 18..... 15....................

47 NARKLE Quinton*

25....182....80....... 6.......4....................

50 FERRARI Hugh

21....180.... 78....... 6....... 3....................

53 ALDRIDGE Dylan

27....184....80...... 25......4....................

55 MOORE Nick

24....183.... 83......49.....35...................

56 SZUST Cody

26....183.... 75......49.....39...................

Rushed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

*Denotes AFL listed player. All figures on team sheets are official SANFL records for League games and goals.

LEAGUE CENTRAL PORT

1st

2nd

3rd

RD18 2023 @ X CONVENIENCE OVAL Central 14.7 (91) d Port 11.10 (76)

4th

Points

LEAGUE UMPIRES

FIELD: David Sobieraj Harrison Hughes Corey Bowen Ben Williams(E)

RD9 2023 @ ALBERTON OVAL Port 13.14 (92) d Central 10.9 (69)

BOUNDARY: Brayden Theil Benjamin B Williams Taylor Dorsey Samuel Royans

RD16 2022 @ MAUGHAN THIEM KIA Port 11.8 (74) d Central 7.9 (51)

Find a course that you love 12

sanfl.com.au

GOAL: Mathew Wilson Michael Button Thomas Mayo (E)

STAT CHAT – ELIMINATION FINAL

BY ROBERT LAIDLAW

Central District captain Jarrod Schiller celebrates as the Cody Szust has added spark to Port Adelaide’s attack with Bulldogs beat Port Adelaide at Elizabeth to make sure of three-goal bags against South, the Eagles and last week against Central. a spot in the finals.

Central District and Port Adelaide are meeting in an elimination final for just the second time, with the Magpies winning the first way back in 1998, 17.15 to 9.2.

That was the most recent time Port has beaten the Bulldogs in a final, with Central winning the three between the teams in the 21st century – the 2000 qualifying final, 2005 second semi-final and 2015 first semi.

Central’s most recent elimination final was in 2017 – its third consecutive appearance – when it beat Norwood by 49 points. As for Port, it lost in 2008 to Norwood by 21 points, with its most recent triumph that ’98 success against the Bulldogs.

From seven elimination finals, Central has only two victories, while the Magpies have won three of their seven appearances.

The first elimination final was in 1973, with Norwood beating Port Adelaide by 34 points, with the Redlegs’ 19 appearances and 13 victories leading the way.

In 1987 Glenelg kicked 24.22 to beat Woodville 9.10, with the Tigers’ score and winning margin the elimination final benchmarks. Norwood has kicked more goals in an elimination final, when it booted 25.13 against West’s 20.10 in 1981, with the Bloods’ total the highest losing score. From 1973 until the end of the millennium, at least 20 goals were kicked by the winning team 12 times – and once by the vanquished – in 27 games, while since 2000 it has only been achieved once from 21 games.

Only three times in elimination finals in the 21st century has a team won two consecutive years, twice by the Roosters, in 2004-05 and 2012-13, and once by the Eagles, in 2009-10. Twice an elimination final has been decided by less than a goal, with Norwood beating the Tigers by five points in 1989 and Glenelg’s thrilling one-point triumph over Sturt in 2007. The lowest score was the Redlegs’ 4.11 against Central (12.7) in 2015, while the lowest winning score was North’s 6.11 in beating Sturt (6.4) in 1997.

Against the odds, 13 elimination final victors have gone on to play in the grand final, with Glenelg climbing to the premiership decider five times, while Norwood has done it four times. On three occasions the elimination final winner has gone all the way to win the flag, with Norwood the first in 1984, followed by Port in 1998 and North in 2018.

ELIMINATION FINALS RECORDS TEAM

P

W

L

HS

LS

ADELAIDE 1 1 19.11 19.11 CENTRAL 7 2 5 17.13 7.11 GLENELG 10 7 3 24.22 8.9 NORTH 11 8 3 20.16 6.11 NORWOOD 19 13 6 25.13 4.11 Sturt’s Abe up forward.

PORT 7 Davis3is a danger 4 22.15 11.7 SOUTH 10 6 4 19.18 10.10 STURT 10 1 9 16.15 6.4 WEST 9 2 7 24.13 5.9 WEST TORRENS 3 3 12.11 9.15 WOODVILLE 3 1 2 21.14 9.10 EAGLES 6 4 2 20.7 10.9 [HS – highest score, LS – lowest score] PAST 10 ELIMINATION FINALS 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

North 15.5 (95) d Eagles 12.15 (87) North 20.16 (136) d Central 10.14 (74) South 13.11 (89) d Eagles 10.9 (69) Central 12.7 (79) d Norwood 4.11 (35) Adelaide 19.11 (125) d Central 7.11 (53) Central 17.13 (115) d Norwood 10.7 (67) North 14.6 (90) d South 10.10 (70) Norwood 16.14 (110) d Sturt 15.6 (96) Not played South 15.11 (101) d North 8.10 (58)

2022

Glenelg 8.13 (61) d Sturt 6.9 (45) sanfl.com.au

13

QUALIFYING FINAL 3:15PM SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER – ADELAIDE OVAL

Broadcast: Live & free on Seven & 7plus | SANFL Now App | www.sanflnow.com.au | www.AFL.com.au AFL Live Official App | Live Radio 1629 SEN SA | SEN App #SANFLDoubleBluesAdelaide

STURT

ADELAIDE

COACH: Martin Mattner

COLOURS: Double Blue

COACH: Michael Godden COLOURS: Navy Blue, Red & Gold

No

PLAYER

AGE. . ..HT. . ... WT. . ... GP.... GK....G......... B

No

1

FREDERICK Martin

23....178.... 78...... 62..... 10...................

3 BERRY Sam* 5 CROUCH Matt* 6 HATELY Jackson* 11 HAYSMAN Hugh 12 BOYLE Jay 15 COOK Brayden* 17 HAMILL William* 21 BROWN Tyler* 22 SHARRAD Louis 27 NANKERVIS Luke* 29 KAPPLER Jaidan 30 O’LOUGHLIN Blayne 31 DOWLING Billy* 35 BORLASE James* 37 PARNELL Patrick* 40 BOND Hugh* 42 NEWCHURCH Tariek* 44 GOLLANT Lachlan* 45 STRACHAN Kieran* 46 MADGEN Jack 47 WRIGHT Matthew (C) 48 KEANE Mark* 49 SIGAL Jarman 50 McKENZIE Isaya 51 CLAMP Riley 54 COLEMAN Tate 55 TAHANA Stephen

2

LEWIS Tom

23....178.... 75...... 53......9....................

3

CAREY Henry

26....183.... 79......89..... 15....................

4

THIELE Joel

25....184....80...... 58......8....................

5

HONE Joshua

27.... 175......77..... 163.. 204..................

22.... 191..... 93...... 18......4....................

6

McFADYEN Connor

7

MATHEWS James

27.... 174.... 70...... 47.....33...................

11

SHUTE Josh

22....187.... 76......42..... 13....................

12 CARRUTHERS Malachy 21....184.... 75...... 26...... 7.....................

14 RENTSCH Josh

19.... 197... 100..... 25..... 21....................

15 EDMONDS Luke

25....194.... 82...... 85......0....................

16 DAKIN Jared

22.... 181.....80...... 37......9....................

17 BECKER Zac

19....190.... 92....... 4.......0....................

18 FAHEY-SPARKS Daniel 25....196.... 92...... 69..... 31....................

22 COOMBLAS Will

25....193.... 85...... 59......0....................

23 BATTERSBY James (C)

27....178.... 83......191....45...................

25 PAGE Guy

29.... 177..... 74.....188.... 13....................

27 FRYER Charlie

19....190.... 87.......11.......0....................

30 GRIVELL Oliver

22....192....84......43.....33...................

31 BURROWS Lachlan

22....195.... 95...... 39.....39...................

32 ILLMAN Rory

24....180.... 82...... 52...... 1.....................

34 VOSS Casey

22....182....80...... 70..... 12....................

36 GIACOMETTI Luke

20....186....80....... 4.......0....................

39 SLIMMING Steven

25....182.... 73..... 130....49...................

45 DOYLE Amos

21....195... 100..... 23......4....................

Rushed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

PLAYER

AGE. . ..HT. . ... WT. . ... GP.... GK....G......... B

24....182.... 83......20...... 7.....................

28.... 181..... 82...... 35...... 7.....................

22.... 191......91...... 47.....28...................

26.... 179.... 73......89.....34...................

25....188.... 93......60.....23...................

21....190.... 85......44.....28...................

22....187....80......44...... 3....................

23....192.... 86...... 18...... 7.....................

30....188.... 86......116....26...................

20....182.... 86...... 33......8....................

22....182.... 72......38...... 1.....................

20.... 176.... 74.......11.......0....................

19....187....80.......17......9....................

21....192.... 98...... 56......4....................

21....178.... 70.......31...... 3....................

18....185.... 81.......11.......0....................

21....182.... 78...... 54.....73...................

22....192.... 83...... 36.....64...................

27... 204... 103..... 72..... 31....................

30....192.... 85...... 16......8....................

33....178.... 76..... 139...142..................

23....194.... 95.......13......0....................

20....188....80....... 2.......0....................

26....180.... 81...... 57.....50...................

23....192.... 90...... 24..... 15....................

23....180.... 83....... 9....... 2....................

26....184.... 83...... 27......4....................

Rushed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

All figures on team sheets are official SANFL records for League games and goals.

LEAGUE STURT ADELAIDE

1st

2nd

3rd

RD17 2023 @ WIGAN OVAL Adelaide 16.7 (103) d Sturt 13.9 (87)

14

sanfl.com.au

4th

Points

LEAGUE FIELD: UMPIRES Thomas Burke

Sam Morgan Michael Sboro Joshua Hardy (E)

RD6 2023 @ WIGAN OVAL Sturt 10.6 (66) d Adelaide 8.8 (56)

BOUNDARY: Matthew Zacher Dylan Speck Damian Robinson Jaxon Williams

GOAL: Matthew Williams Bradley Hammer Matthew Cummins (E)

RD14 2022 @ WIGAN OVAL Sturt 13.4 (82) d Adelaide 11.5 (71)

STAT CHAT – QUALIFYING FINAL

BY ROBERT LAIDLAW

Connor McFadyen has been a boom recruit for Sturt as a key Adelaide’s Will Hamill has a touch of class and when he gets defender, with the occasional damaging run up forward. the footy, he makes the most of it.

Sturt and Adelaide will face-off in a qualifying final for the first time, although the sides have met once in the major round. Since the Crows joined the SANFL in 2014 they have been in two qualifying finals, while Sturt has played in four through the same period but in different seasons. When the Double Blues won the 2016 premiership, they beat Adelaide in the preliminary final, 15.13 to 10.8.

From their two previous appearances, the Crows lost to Port in 2019 by five goals and last season beat Norwood by 55 points. Sturt has contested 14 qualifying finals, winning four times, including the first one in 1973, when it beat North Adelaide by six points. Of the 10 qualifying finals the Blues have lost, they recovered to make the grand final four times (1976, 1983, 2009 and 2017) and won the flag twice, in 1976 and 2017.

The highest score was Port’s 23.17 against Central (9.16) in 1989, which was almost eclipsed by the Eagles’ 24.10 in 1992, when they beat North (7.10), with that 102-point margin the largest.

In the 1976 qualifying final, which Sturt lost to Glenelg before recovering to win the premiership, the Blues kicked the highest losing score with 16.17, to the Tigers’ 20.16.

Seven times at least 20 goals were kicked in a qualifying final before 2000, with Central District’s 22.11 against Port (10.10) in 2000 the most recent occasion the milestone was breached. Adelaide’s 18.9 (117) last season was the first time triple-figures have been reached in the past 10 years. Over the past decade, the three lowest scores in a qualifying final have been recorded, by Sturt in 2018 (6.4 to the Eagles’ 8.13), Port in 2015 (6.5 to West’s 10.10) and South in 2016 (7.9 to Sturt’s 11.12).

Sturt has been involved in all four games decided by a goal or less. It lost to Central in 2008 by three points and ’09 by six points, as well as being edged out by four points by Norwood in 1983, while beating North by six points in ’73.

Port has most appearances, with 17, one ahead of the

Redlegs, while the Magpies’ 12 victories lead the way from Norwood’s eight.

There have been 19 qualifying final victors go on to win the premiership, while four times the loser has rebounded to win the flag – Sturt in 1976 and 2017, the Eagles in 2011 and Norwood last season. Three times the qualifying final combatants have met in the grand final – Port v South in 1979, Central v Sturt in 2009 and Port v Sturt in 2017.

QUALIFYNG FINALS RECORDS TEAM

P

W

L

HS

LS

ADELAIDE 2 1 1 18.9 8.7 CENTRAL 10 4 6 22.11 8.8 GLENELG 12 7 5 21.13 5.9 Sturt’s Abe up forward.

NORTH 6 Davis2is a danger 4 15.14 7.10 NORWOOD 16 8 8 17.12 7.8 PORT 17 12 5 23.17 6.5 SOUTH 3 3 15.9 7.9 STURT 14 4 10 16.23 6.4 WEST 5 4 1 14.5 10.10 EAGLES 11 6 5 24.10 8.5 [HS – highest score, LS – lowest score] PAST 10 QUALIFYING FINALS 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

West 13.7 (85) d Central 8.10 (58) West 14.5 (89) d Eagles 11.16 (82) Norwood 10.6 (66) d Sturt 8.9 (57) West 10.10 (70) d Port 6.5 (41) Sturt 11.12 (78) d South 7.9 (51) Port 13.11 (89) d Sturt 11.8 (74) Eagles 8.13 (61) d Sturt 6.4 (40) Port 12.13 (85) d Adelaide 8.7 (55) Not played Eagles 8.9 (57) d Norwood 7.8 (50)

2022

Adelaide 18.9 (117) d Norwood 9.8 (62) sanfl.com.au

15

Photo: Hannah Howard

S A N F L

S TA R S

CAM SUTCLIFFE PORT

QUINTESSENTIAL PORT SKIPPER

BY PETER ARGENT

Tough as nails, versatile and a leader by example, these traits exemplify Cameron Sutcliffe. And they are the trademarks of a long succession of captains at Port Adelaide.

Like many of his predecessors at Alberton, Sutcliffe has an understanding of the significance of wearing the No. 1 jumper and the responsibility that goes with it.

“It is great to be back in the finals again for the first time since the 2019 grand final,” Sutcliffe said. “To run onto Adelaide Oval in a SANFL finals series is why you do the hard yards on the track. Wearing the No. 1 jumper for the Magpies, there is an equal amount of pride and responsibility.

“The Covid year of 2020 saw some significant changes in our personnel and it has taken us a couple of years to rebuild. So it’s great to be back in the cut and thrust of September action. The Port Adelaide Magpies and finals football go hand in hand.

Historically it has been dangerous to write off the Magpies and we’ve won it (the premiership) from the elimination final before.”

Sutcliffe’s 2023 campaign was hindered by a long-term injury, which meant three months on the sidelines, something he found frustrating, “but I’ve had a long period on the injury list one year at Freo … you deal with the issues and rehab, it’s all part of being a footballer. I’m primed and ready to go now.”

Coach Tyson Goldsack was high in his praise for his skipper. “Firstly Cam is an important person for the continuity between the AFL and SANFL players,” Goldsack said. “You also love the way he goes about his

Young gun Cameron Sutcliffe starting out on his footy journey with WoodvilleWest Torrens in 2011.

footy. Cam plays with passion and commitment, always attacking the contest.”

Sutcliffe, a kid from Kadina who played senior football under Crows coach Michael Godden at Woodville-West Torrens as a teenager, was drafted to Fremantle with pick 71 in 2011, playing 104 AFL games for the Dockers, including the 2013 grand final loss against Hawthorn. He achieved WAFL league success in 2017, being a member of the Peel Thunder team that won the premiership decider against Subiaco by 16 points. In his first season back in the SANFL, Sutcliffe led Port Adelaide into

battle in the 2019 decider against Glenelg. While it was not a great day for Port fans, Sutcliffe held up his end of the bargain, kicking three of his team’s six goals to keep the Magpies in the game. He also added nine AFL games with the Power, after being collected in the 2019 mid-season rookie draft.

Sutcliffe was a member of the leadership group for the 2021 Haydn Bunton Cup interstate clash against the WAFL, when SA won convincingly at Adelaide Oval. And last season Sutcliffe added a club best-andfairest to his list of accolades, winning the AR McLean Medal.

Leading by example, as always.

Official General Insurance Partner sanfl.com.au

17

BAYS, DOGS PLAY BLAME GAME The Electrifying 80s Even nearly 40 years on, the SANFL’s games record-holder, champion Glenelg ruckman Peter Carey, admits to a sense of shame about his suspension in the explosive 1984 qualifying final against Central District.

“It’s embarrassing, being rubbed out for two weeks,” he reflected.

Embarrassing because Carey and Bulldogs defender Brett Hannam were suspended not for striking but “attempting to strike”. And the man often blamed for igniting the blaze, Glenelg’s Alan Stringer, said he felt responsible for Carey’s fate.

“In a way I guess I did,” Stringer conceded. “I was a shattered man on the Tuesday night when the tribunal came out, I can vividly recall that, being back home on the farm.”

Long-time SANFL head of umpiring Shane Harris said it remains possible to be reported for attempted striking but thinks Carey and Hannam were the first and last players to be suspended for it.

Also booked that day and suspended were Bulldog defender Jamie Thomas for striking David Marshall and team-mate Stephen Nolan for striking Rod Campbell.

Carey is convinced the League had decided to make an example of the reported players after one of the most vicious finals seen in SA football.

“It was a spiteful game and there would have been at least 10 incidents that could have been reported,” Carey said. “I believe they just made the decision they were going to make a statement and we were the four players who got reported. It was basically just sending a message they wouldn’t tolerate dirty games. But unfortunately they didn’t get the worst offenders.”

There was no match review panel in 18

sanfl.com.au

BY DION HAYMAN

It was line ball as rugged Glenelg defender Chris Duthy tackled Central’s Andrew Moulds in the rough-and-tumble qualifying final of 1984..

Tiger John MacFarlane is put under pressure by Bulldog Phil Graham at Football Park in ’84.

1984 and it was just as well for a number of players, including Stringer. “I remember I ran just in front of Kernas (Stephen Kernahan) at the opening bounce and Alan Stringer ran straight at me with an

elbow and tried to knock me out, cut my eye wide open,” Hannam said. He was awarded the first free kick of the game and, within eight minutes, the Bulldogs had piled on five unanswered goals. But as Glenelg

Peter Carey had to sit on the bench watching Glenelg’s 1984 preliminary final defeat at the hands of Norwood after being suspended for – wait for it – attempted striking.

regained its foothold in the final, melees soon outnumbered goals.

David Holst nailed Malcolm McGrath with a late bump but left

the game concussed before halftime. Hannam returned fire with a coat hanger on Alan Stringer and Mark Prior arrived late to crunch Robin Kidney as the mood on ground turned hostile.

Then, in the shadows of half-time, Prior reacted to what appeared a fair tackle by Kidney on ‘Bunger’ Hurn. He barrelled into the Bay rover who was already at ground level, prompting Alan Stringer to intervene and all hell broke loose.

Hannam saw it all unfold from the goalsquare, recalling the ball had already gone but Stringer crunched Prior in the back of the head. “I just saw red, remembering Stringer opening me up at the first bounce … I couldn’t believe what I saw.

I ran straight at him and he ran away! I couldn’t catch him – I wasn’t that fast.”

Stringer explained his uncharacteristic exit from the scene of the crime. “Brett Hannam had a go at me and rightly so,” he said. “I actually ran away from the fight because I’d been up in the boardroom with Harry Kernahan, Graham Cornes, Graeme Bignell and Laurie Rosewarne and they gave me a stern talking to, because it was finals time. Harry said, ‘keep your arms and elbows down below your shoulders and you’ll be okay’.

They said to me if something does happen, run away, ‘we don’t want you involved because we don’t want you suspended’. The ruckus started and I knew I shouldn’t have been in there, so I got out.”

While Stringer escaped the umpires’ wrath, Carey and Hannam did not. “Peter swung at me and I ducked under him,” Hannam recalled. “I was a Cadbury chocolate rep over (in SA) and Super was a Coca-Cola rep, so we’d actually met in the field a little bit. I pointed at him and said ‘you’re next’. And I remember running after Stringer … because I swung at him as he went to run away, I got reported. I said, ‘reported for what?’, and he (boundary umpire Mike Wilson) said, ‘reported for attempting to strike’.

“We didn’t think much of it so we all lined up to go to the tribunal. I got told I was the first one in SANFL

history to get rubbed out for attempting to strike. Because I went in before Super Carey, they basically had to follow suit, couldn’t show bias so he got rubbed out as well. I was in sheer shock, disbelief.”

Carey sensed his fate, having seen Hannam suspended for the same offence. He told the tribunal on the night, “at no stage did I have a clenched fist” and that, “it was just a normal tackle, I was trying to stop a fight developing”. But his testimony was disregarded. “I was shattered,” he recalled. “There wasn’t anything clear on the replay they had, nothing at all. They just took Jack Hylton’s evidence and that was it. Nothing to prove it or whatever. It’s been embarrassing being reported for that. Just bizarre.”

Hannam, who captained Central in 1985, now lives back in Canberra and has new hips and knees to show for his football exploits. But he cherished his time in SA. “It was a pleasure to be involved in a game like that, even if we lost.”

And Hannam said he bore no grudge with Stringer or anyone else from that wild and woolly September afternoon. “If I run into him, I’d shake his hand and have a beer with him. That’s what footy’s all about.”

Stringer freely admits he suffered ‘white line fever’. “I was a different person when I crossed the white line than I was off the field and a lot of people are like that. Back in those days there were literally no rules. It was pretty scary stuff at times.”

Glenelg won the qualifying final 19.17 (131) to 12.11 (83), Carey bestafield and dynamic Tony Hall booting six goals. But in the following two weeks the Bulldogs and Bays bowed out to Norwood.

Carey believes the events of that fiery day altered the destiny of the 1984 premiership. “I honestly believe it helped Norwood’s effort coming from fifth to win the flag,” Carey said. “Not saying Norwood didn’t do well but their run was made a little bit easier with the tribunal rubbing out certain players.” sanfl.com.au

19

HOSIE KICKS AWAY Spectacular Glenelg forward Lachie Hosie has claimed the Ken Farmer Medal as the Hostplus SANFL League’s leading goalkicker at the end of the minor round.

Hosie, who boasted an 11-goal advantage before Round 18, cruised to the finish line with a total of 52 majors after kicking two against South Adelaide in Round 18 at the Bay. The 26-year-old joins teammate Liam McBean as one of four Tigers to be awarded the prestigious Medal, together with Todd Grima (2010) and Clint Alleway (2015).

Second in the Ken Farmer Medal race last season, Hosie kicked at least a goal in each of his 18 outings this year, featuring a season-best haul of six against Port Adelaide in Round 2. McBean, who kicked four against the Panthers in Round 18, finished runner-up with 43 goals, ahead of Sturt’s Josh Hone on 41,

SANFL

BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER

MEN ’ S

LEAG UE

ROUND 18 WINNER

KEN FARMER MEDAL Lachie Hosie Glenelg 52 Liam McBean Glenelg 43 Josh Hone Sturt 41 Luke Reynolds Glenelg 37 Lachlan Gollant Adelaide 37 Lachlan Burrows Sturt 33 Zach Sproule South 30 Connor Ballenden Eagles 29 Liam Delahunty West 27 Tariek Newchurch Adelaide 25

while Tiger Luke Reynolds and Crow Lachlan Gollant kicked 37 majors each.

Introduced in 1981, the Ken Farmer Medal is named in honour of the legendary North Adelaide goalkicking champion who kicked 1417 league goals between 1929-41, a record that still stands today.

Farmer broke the 100-goal milestone in 11 consecutive seasons.

MILESTONE

DAVID BRINKER-RITCHIE EAGLES The Woodville-West Torrens ruckman got his team moving at the stoppages with 41 hit-outs, together with 11 disposals, two tackles and two clearances against West Adelaide.

NICK MOORE PORT

50 GAMES

Watch all SANFL Leagues Live and On Demand*

Get one FREE month on us**

PROMO CODE: FREEKICK1MONTH

*Excluding matches shown live on Ch 7 Adelaide **Redeemable on the SANFL Now website, not redeemable in-app. T&C’s Apply. See website for details.

20 sanfl.com.au Untitled-1 1

Scan or visit sanflnow.com.au

31/3/22 2:41 pm

OUR GAME IS FOR EVERYONE

BY ZAC MILBANK

SANFL’s Auskick Centre at Plympton International College, managed by Amer El Hosni (left) and Charlie Kitto.

SANFL is celebrating a record number of Auskick participants across the State, with girls and children from multicultural backgrounds fuelling the encouraging increase.

Through Auskick, 11,761 children have donned footy boots in South Australia this year, a significant seven per cent rise on last year’s figures and two per cent lift on those from pre-Covid levels in 2019.

With the popular AFLW and SANFLW leagues now offering females a genuine pathway to elite level, more girls are continuing to give footy a go with an increase of 16 per cent registering in the past 12 months and 17 per cent more than those who took part in 2019.

The introduction of all-girls Auskick centres in SA has contributed to this rise while the introduction of Auskick as part of the curriculum

offered at five Islamic and several other multicultural schools has resulted in a 15 per cent participation increase for children who speak English as their second language.

In an initiative this year, SANFL – responsible for the management of the AFL’s Auskick program throughout the State – has run several all-girl and multicultural Auskick games at half-time of AFL matches at Adelaide Oval.

“This is a huge achievement and paints a bright picture for the future of footy in South Australia, with more young Auskickers playing than ever before,” SANFL executive general manager football, Matt Duldig, said. “To see such a significant rise in the number of young girls pulling on the boots at Auskick, as well as more participants from multicultural

backgrounds, highlights our game is for everyone.

“We look forward to seeing some of these 11,761 participants take part in activities across the upcoming SANFL finals series and a lucky 22 presenting the premiership medals.”

SA AUSKICK PARTICIPANTS Registrations 2023 Year To Date 11,761 2022 Registrations (end of year) 11,077 2019 Registrations (end of year) 11,634 Female 2023 2824 2022 2440 2019 2405 English Second Language 2023 Year To Date 743 2022 (end of year) 647

Making our mark.

sanfl.com.au

21

SEASON STANDINGS 2023 2023 HOSTPLUS SANFL MEN’S LEAGUE 2023 STANLEY H. LEWIS TROPHY

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 18)

Team

F

A

%

Pts

Team

U18

U16

1500 800

500

1400

650

500

900

650

South

550

Norwood

650

P W L

D

Glenelg

18 15 3

0 1523 1048 59.24

30

Glenelg

Sturt

18 14 4

0 1289 1193 51.93

28

Sturt

Adelaide 18 13 5

0 1627 1069 60.35

26

Central

Central

18 9

9

0 1084 1192 47.63

18

Port

18 8

9

1

1311 1373 48.85

17

North

18 8 10 0 1086 1245 46.59

M

R

W

Total

225

600

3625

325

600

3475

550

275

900

3275

425

600

150

1000 2725

350

350

125

700

2175

16

Eagles

600

350

550

200

350

2050

1

1053 1248 45.76

13

North

800

150

400

225

400

1975

Eagles

18 6 12 0

1152 1286 47.25

12

West

450

225

150

275

250

1350

South

18 5 12 1 1084 1353 44.48

11

Adelaide

1300

0

0

0

0

1300

West

18 4 13 1

9

Port

850

0

0

0

0

850

Norwood 18 6 11

1110 1312 45.83

2023 HOSTPLUS SANFL WOMEN’S LEAGUE

2023 RESERVES

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 12)

Team

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 18)

P W L

D

F

A

%

Pts

P W L

D

%

Pts

South

12 10 2

0

328

295

52.65

20

Glenelg

18 16 2

0 1592 857

65.01

32

Central

12 9

0

495

414

54.46

18

Sturt

18 13 5

0 1325 848 60.98

26

55.87

26

1057 1166 47.55

17

3

Team

F

A

Norwood 12 7

5

0

462

338

57.75

14

Central

18 13 5

0 1238 978

Sturt

12 6

6

0

460

388 54.25

12

South

18 8

9

1

Glenelg

12 6

6

0

358

390

47.86

12

Eagles

18 7

11 0

1195 1317

47.57

14

North

12 4

8

0

452

444 50.45

8

Norwood

18 7

11 0

1107 1278 46.42

14

Eagles

12 3

8

1

326

451

41.96

7

West

18 4 13 1

869 1362 38.95

9

West

12 2

9

1

288

449 39.08

5

North

18 3 15 0

860 1437 37.44

6

2023 TORRENS UNIVERSITY SANFL U18s

2023 TORRENS UNIVERSITY SANFL U16s

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 18)

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 18)

Team

P W L

D

P W L

D

South

18 12 6

0 1329 1030 56.34

F

A

%

24

Sturt

18 13 5

0 1330 865 60.59

26

Central

18 11

7

0 1280 965

57.02

22

Central

18 11

7

0 1222 1198

50.5

22

Eagles

18 11

7

0 1337 1051 55.99

22

West

18 11

7

0 1079 1113 49.22

22

Sturt

18 10 8

0 1266 1112 53.24

20

North

18 9

9

0 1229 1195

50.7

18

Glenelg

18 10 8

0 1235 1095

20

Glenelg

18 9

9

0 1169 1161

50.17

18

North

18 8 10 0

1125 1200 48.39

16

Eagles

18 8 10 0 1192 1303 47.78

16

Norwood

18 7

11 0

929 1353 40.71

14

South

18 6 12 0

1106 1182 48.34

12

West

18 3 15 0

929 1624 36.39

6

Norwood

18 5 13 0 1032 1342 43.47

10

53

Pts

Team

LAST ROUND’S RESULTS

HOSTPLUS SANFL LEAGUE ROUND 18

Eagles v West (Maughan Thiem Kia Oval) West 13.8 (86) d Eagles 12.8 (80) Crowd: 1595

North v Sturt (Prospect Oval) Sturt 15.10 (100) d North 11.7 (73) Crowd: 2475

Central v Port (X Convenience Oval) Central 14.7 (91) d Port 11.10 (76) Crowd: 2253

Norwood v Adelaide (Coopers Stadium) Norwood 15.3 (93) d Adelaide 10.14 (74) Crowd: 2333

Glenelg v South (Stratarama Stadium) Glenelg 14.16 (100) d South 5.10 (40) Crowd: 3123 22

sanfl.com.au

F

A

%

RESERVES ROUND 18 Central 12.14 (86) d Norwood 5.7 (37) Glenelg 21.14 (140) d South 3.4 (22) Sturt 14.13 (97) d North 3.6 (24) West 6.14 (50) d Eagles 7.7 (49) TORRENS UNIVERSITY SANFL U18S ROUND 18 Central 9.13 (67) d North 8.9 (57) Glenelg 9.8 (62) d Sturt 8.11 (59) West 13.6 (84) d Norwood 9.6 (60) South 9.11 (65) d Eagles 9.7 (61)

Pts

THE ROAD AHEAD ROUND 1

Eagles 14.7 (91) d Norwood 6.9 (45) North 10.19 (79) d West 9.9 (63) South 10.12 (72) d Central 7.4 (46) Sturt 12.8 (80) d Glenelg 7.7 (49) Adelaide 19.10 (124) d Port 6.10 (46)

ROUND 6

West 11.8 (74) d Norwood 8.14 (62) Eagles 10.7 (67) d Central 6.7 (43) Glenelg 16.14 (110) d North 8.5 (53) Sturt 10.6 (66) d Adelaide 8.8 (56) Port 15.12 (102) d South 11.8 (74)

ROUND 11 First Nations Round

South 11.10 (76) d Eagles 8.10 (58) Port 13.14 (92) d West 12.10 (82) Glenelg 18.12 (120) d Central 8.9 (57) North 10.6 (66) d Adelaide 7.15 (57) Norwood 9.5 (59) d Sturt 3.12 (30)

STATE GAME

BYE WEEKEND

Weekend of Saturday 5 August

ROUND 16

Norwood 12.11 (83) d South 12.9 (81) Sturt 8.14 (62) d Central 9.4 (58) Glenelg 9.12 (66) d Port 8.9 (57) North 12.8 (80) d Eagles 9.11 (65) Adelaide 15.6 (96) d West 8.10 (58)

Friday 19 May SANFL 8.16 (64) d WAFL 7.9 (51)

ROUND 2 Easter Weekend

ROUND 7

ROUND 12 Country Champs Round

ROUND 17

ROUND 3 ANZAC Weekend

ROUND 8

ROUND 13

ROUND 18

Central 13.14 (92) d West 12.9 (81) Adelaide 15.11 (101) d Glenelg 11.15 (81) Port 14.7 (91) d North 6.17 (53) Eagles 9.9 (63) d Norwood 7.10 (52) Sturt 17.5 (107) d South 11.7 (73)

West 13.8 (86) d Eagles 12.8 (80) Central 14.7 (91) d Port 11.10 (76) Glenelg 14.16 (100) d South 5.10 (40) Sturt 15.10 (100) d North 11.7 (73) Norwood 15.3 (93) d Adelaide 10.14 (74)

ROUND 4

ROUND 9 King’s Birthday Weekend

ROUND 14

FINALS

Sturt 16.10 (106) d Norwood 8.5 (53) Adelaide 13.15 (93) d West 9.6 (60) Central 9.13 (67) d North 5.10 (40) South 9.2 (56) d Eagles 6.9 (45) Glenelg 10.10 (70) d Port 7.11 (53)

Adelaide 8.12 (60) d Norwood 5.6 (36) Eagles 14.10 (94) d West 5.8 (38) Glenelg 8.5 (53) d Central 6.8 (44) North 15.10 (100) d Port 14.8 (92) Sturt 7.9 (51) d South 7.7 (49)

Port 13.10 (88) d Eagles 8.4 (52) Glenelg 13.9 (87) d Norwood 7.15 (57) North 6.9 (45) d South 3.12 (30) Sturt 5.8 (38) d West 4.8 (32) Adelaide 15.14 (104) d Central 5.6 (36)

South 15.7 (97) d Port 14.13 (97) Central 8.12 (60) d North 8.10 (58) Eagles 16.8 (104) d Glenelg 12.10 (82) West 10.16 (76) drew Norwood 11.10 (76) Adelaide 16.7 (103) d Sturt 13.9 (87)

AFL GATHER ROUND

Thursday 13 April - Sunday 16 April Central 13.7 (85) d Adelaide 11.15 (81) West 14.12 (96) d South 11.8 (74) Sturt 16.12 (108) d Port 10.10 (70) Glenelg 15.10 (100) d Eagles 7.10 (52) North 14.10 (94) d Norwood 5.10 (40)

Sturt 9.9 (63) d Central 9.6 (60) Adelaide 19.20 (134) d South 7.8 (50) North 10.10 (70) d Eagles 7.12 (54) Port 12.13 (85) d West 10.8 (68) Glenelg 12.10 (82) d Norwood 7.10 (52)

ROUND 5

Central 8.12 (60) d West 7.7 (49) Adelaide 13.10 (88) d North 5.11 (41) Glenelg 13.8 (86) d South 6.9 (45) Port 8.10 (58) d Norwood 7.9 (51) Sturt 12.15 (87) d Eagles 10.5 (65)

Central 8.8 (56) d Norwood 7.9 (51) Glenelg 12.10 (82) d Adelaide 12.8 (80) South 11.12 (78) d North 7.9 (51) Eagles 9.8 (62) d Port 8.11 (59) Sturt 8.15 (63) d West 9.5 (59)

Adelaide 13.17 (95) d Eagles 11.6 (72) West 10.8 (68) d North 5.9 (39) Port 13.14 (92) d Central 10.9 (69) Glenelg 23.12 (150) d Sturt 6.9 (45) Norwood 12.7 (79) d South 8.8 (56)

ROUND 10 Split Round

Central 6.7 (43) d Eagles 4.2 (26) Sturt 9.13 (67) d North 7.9 (51) Norwood 8.12 (60) d Port 8.5 (53) Glenelg 12.14 (86) d West 7.7 (49) Adelaide 11.12 (78) d South 6.5 (41)

Glenelg 6.8 (44) d West 5.4 (34) North 6.12 (48) d Norwood 5.10 (40) Central 8.10 (58) d South 4.9 (33) Port 10.13 (73) d Sturt 7.12 (54) Adelaide 17.9 (111) d Eagles 6.6 (42)

Sunday 3 September Elim. & Qual. Final

AO

Sunday 10 September Semi Final 1 & 2

AO

Sunday 17 September Preliminary Final

AO

Sunday 24 September

ROUND 15

Grand Final

AO

Sturt 10.15 (75) d Eagles 9.6 (60) Adelaide 14.8 (92) d Port 2.15 (27) South 8.11 (59) d West 6.1 (37) Norwood 9.10 (64) d Central 9.5 (59) Glenelg 11.9 (75) d North 6.9 (45)

Legend

Key: Bold = home team

AO - Adelaide Oval, A - Alberton Oval, NO - Nuriootpa Oval, CS - Coopers Stadium, Norwood, FUS - Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga, HS – Hisense Stadium, Richmond, L - Loxton, MB - Murray Bridge, MTKO - Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville, PL - Port Lincoln, PO - Prospect Oval, SS – Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg, XCO - X Convenience Oval, Elizabeth, WO - Wigan Oval, Unley

PUBLISHER

EDITOR Peter Cornwall

PHOTOGRAPHY Cory Sutton & David Mariuz

P (08) 8233 9433 W boylen.com.au

MEDIA PRODUCER Zac Milbank zac.milbank@sanfl.com.au

COVER

BUDGET SALES & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES E admin@sanfl.com.au P (08) 8424 2200

DESIGN Henry Rivera & Patrycja Whipp

It’s finals time and these superstars and their teams are primed for action.

Photo: David Mariuz

sanfl.com.au

23

Hostplus is a top-performing super fund that puts members first. That’s why we’re proud to have been named the 2023 Fund of the Year by third-party ratings agency SuperRatings.

Judged across three areas: strong performance, competitive fees, and an ongoing focus on members, we’re thrilled to receive this recognition.

HOSTPLUS. THE OFFICIAL SUPERANNUATION PARTNER OF THE SANFL. The rating is issued by SuperRatings Pty Ltd ABN 95 100 192 283 AFSL 311880 (SuperRatings). Ratings are general advice only and have been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider your personal circumstances, read the product disclosure statement and seek independent financial advice before investing. The rating and awards are not recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product and are only one factor to be taken into account when choosing a super fund. Past performance information is not indicative of future performance. Ratings are subject to change without notice and SuperRatings assumes no obligation to update. SuperRatings uses objective criteria and receives a fee for publishing awards. Visit www.lonsec.com.au/super-fund/ratings-and-awards/ for ratings information and to access the full report. © 2022 SuperRatings. All rights reserved. General advice only. Consider the relevant Hostplus PDS and TMD at hostplus.com.au and your objectives, financial situation and needs, which have not been accounted for. Awards and ratings are only one factor to consider. Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 trustee for Hostplus Superannuation Fund, ABN 68 657 495 890. HP2388