Select from our latest news items below:

• Wayne Slattery stands down as reserves coach
• Gerrard Bennett announces retirement
• Clay Sampson appointed coach for next two years
• John Cahill steps down as coach of South Adelaide
• Clay Sampson announces playing retirement
• Sam Elliott wins Star Search nomination for round 8
• Join the Panther Club and help the Panthers
• Archived news items

Wayne Slattery stands down as reserves coach
Friday 4 July, 2008

Wayne Slattery has stood down as reserves coach of the South Adelaide Football Club.

Slattery joined the club in October and has played an integral role in assisting a large number of young locals player make the transition to League football this season.

Slattery said "I have really enjoyed my return to South and am still excited about the direction the club is taking.  My return to senior level football has been a good learning experience for me, but is incredibly time-consuming and combined with my shift work hours has seriously impacted on precious family time."

"I look forward to watching the many young promising South players continue their development under new coach Clay Sampson and wish the club every success going forward."

Gerrard Bennett announces retirement
Thursday 3 July, 2008

South Adelaide Football Club backman Gerard Bennett has retired after 113 consecutive League games.

Gerard Bennett said, "Over the past few months the hours required to manage the business I own have begun to cut into what was previously my training and football preparation time.  I have tried hard to make both work, but have continually found myself in a position where I am late for, or missing training.  I am a very proud person and am not willing to compromise the standards of the club, or my own, for that matter.  I can’t give 100% to football so it’s time to step aside and give one of our many 'up and comers' that are doing all the right things, a chance. "The South Adelaide FC has been fantastic to me.  It has always stood by me and I have only positive thoughts and memories about my time at the club."

Ben Kavenagh (CEO) said, "Gerard has been an outstanding contributor to the South Adelaide FC on and off the field for six years.  He has never finished lower that fourth in the Knuckey Cup and has been a regular member of our leadership group.  He is a larger than life character and will always be welcome back at Hickinbotham Oval.  On behalf of the Club I would like to wish him every success in his future endeavours." 

Clay Sampson (coach) said, "Not only has Gerrard been a great player for our club, but he has been a great friend of mine.  He has expressed to me a desire to assist in some capacity at least until the end of the year, which reiterates the loyalty he has for our Club."

Gerrard's contribution to the club will be officially recognised at South Adelaide’s presentation night at the end of the year.

Gerard Bennett Fact File

• Originally drafted by Geelong in 1996 from North Hobart FC
• AFL debut in 1999
• Key defender
• 32 AFL for Sydney
• Joined SAFC in 2003 from Sydney Swans Football League
• 113 consecutive League games for SAFC (current SANFL record)
• 16 Leagues goals
• SAFC Leadership group

Clay Sampson appointed coach for next two years
Thursday 29 June, 2008

The South Adelaide Football Club are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors,in overwhelming show of support, have unanimously endorsed Clay Sampson as the coach of the Panthers until the end of the 2009 season. Further details will be available shortly.

The Board will be writing writing to every member of the South Adelaide Football Club to explain the situation in the best possible manner.

Dave Flanagan – Chairman South Adelaide Football Club

John Cahill has stepped down from his role as coach of South Adelaide Football Club.

We are currently in discussions with him about a possible future role with the club which we will announce tomorrow.

Clay Sampson announces playing retirement
Wednesday 22 May, 2008

"The mind is willing, but the body is no longer able."

With deteriorating ligaments following yet another shoulder reconstruction over the off-season, South Adelaide veteran Clay Sampson has officially announced that his football playing career is over.

Clay Sampson says;

"I’ve been playing football at AFL or SANFL level for over half my life so it is going to be an enormous change.  I  wanted to get back for one more  crack this year and worked really hard to get in position to put my hand up for selection, but now realise my body is simply not going to get there."

"I'm comfortable with the decision.  My recent months on the side-lines have given me the opportunity to try my hand at coaching and I am really enjoying it.  I'm still involved at the club and have a strong belief in the direction we are taking. We all understand that success is not going to come over night, but that if we stick to our plan it will come."

Sampson arrived at South from the Morphett Vale FC as a junior before progressing to the Panthers senior ranks and then had AFL careers with Melbourne, Richmond and Adelaide where he was a member of their 1997 premiership.  He returned to South in 2001 and was appointed captain in 2002, a position he retained until standing down at the commencement of this season. 

South Adelaide FC CEO Ben Kavenagh says:

"Clay has been the heart and soul of the South Adelaide FC for a number of years.  He is highly respected and his playing days will long be remembered for the numerous acts of  extreme on-field courage."

"His move to the coaching ranks this year has been a natural and smooth progression.  Clay's decision will now allow him to fully focus his thoughts and energy into this new phase of his football life."

Clay Sampson Fact File:

• League debut for SAFC 1994
• 142 League games
• 2002 Knuckey Cup (SAFC Best & Fairest)
• SAFC Captain 2002 - 2007
• Represented SANFL 3 times
• 64 AFL games including 1997 premiership with Crows

Sam Elliott wins round 8 Coca-Cola Star Search Award nomination
Tuesday 20 May, 2008

Sam Elliott from the South Adelaide Football Club has been named the Round 8 Coca-Cola Star Search Award nominee.

Playing his 12th League match, 20 year old Elliott was named high in South Adelaide’s best players in difficult conditions against Glenelg last Saturday at Hickinbotham Oval. Described as a skilful player that’s good in traffic, Sam gathered 16 possessions including 8 kicks, 8 handballs, 3 marks and laid a game high 10 tackles, while playing across the Panthers’ forward line and having a run "on the ball." Recruited from the Strathalbyn Football Club, Elliott progressed through the Panthers’ Under 17’s, Under 19’s, Reserves and was a member of the State Under 18 team in 2005, before making his League debut in round 10 last year. After playing every league game this season and touted as long term Panther, Sam Elliott is South Adelaide’s third Coca-Cola Star Search Award nominee already this season, following James Turner in Round 2 and James Boyd in Round 6.

Join the Panther Club and help the Panthers

If you're an existing or a new member of the Panthers have you considered joining the Panther Club?

For just an extra $10 you can enjoy the benefits of being a part of a fantastic group that help the Panthers run the best club in the state.

If you join now you will receive a steak sandwich for FREE when you take your voucher to our BBQ at home games - if you do this for the remaining 7 home games you'll a total value $31.50 for just $10!

So why join the Panther Club and what happens to my money? Monies raised by the Panther Club help fund the following:

• Player awards for 50, 100, 150 & 200 games
• Player Milestone Awards
• Achievements in just the past five years:
  • Ground improvements including the players race, PA system, ground siren, whipper snipper, Glass Memorial of David Kantilla
  • A new canteen on the northern-western hill.
  • Football training aids such as a video camera, trauma kit with doll
  • Player presentation functions including being a major sponsor of Knuckey Cup and Junior presentation evening
  • Football clothing including warm-up jackets, training jumpers, football shorts for all junior teams
  • Weekly awards for junior grades

If you'd like to help the Panther Club with their fantastic work by becoming a member for just $10 simply contact the club office on 8186 8200 today!

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Select from our archived news stories below:

• Sam Davis
• Trevor Mitton appointed Football Manager
• Torney to lead Panthers in 2008
• Sampson forgoes captaincy
• South Adelaide trial game schedule
• AFL Regional Challenge match set - Power v Dockers
• Panthers select Otten and Cook in mini-draft
• Jason Torney comes home
• Panthers putting house in order
• Panthers announce Michael Taylor as assistant coach
• South Adelaide Football Club Zone Coach Award winners

Sam Davis
Monday 5 May

The thoughts of the whole of the South Adelaide FC are with the Davis family following the tragic loss of their son Sam. Sam has been a popular member of the club’s junior program for a number of years, with recent form suggesting elevation to the senior section was not far away.  Stunned and distraught junior players, officials and counselors met at the Club last night.  Training has been cancelled tonight, but players, their parents and club officials will again congregate at the club to support each other during this most difficult period for all concerned. All enquiries should be directed to SAFC CEO, Ben Kavenagh, at the club on 8186 8200.

Trevor Mitton appointed Football Manager
Friday 28 March, 2008

The South Adelaide Football Club would like to announce that Trevor Mitton has been appointed as the club's Football Manager, following Brian Corcoran's decision to change roles.  Trevor, both a former player and reserve grade coach with the Panthers, is a South man through and through, also having coached in the Southern Football League and at Edwardstown in the SAAFL.  Mitton's presentation during the rigorous interview process was outstanding and we are sure that he will be an invaluable core element of our Football Department.

For further comment please contact SAFC CEO Ben Kavenagh at the South Adelaide Football Club on 8186 8200.

Jason Torney to lead Panthers in 2008
Friday 28 March, 2008

The South Adelaide Football Club would like to announce Jason Torney as its club captain for the 2008 season.  As club CEO Ben Kavenagh states, "Jason has proven throughout his distinguished AFL career that he that he is a born leader and has shown tremendous loyalty to return to South after receiving strong offers from rival clubs."

We, as a club, are sure that Jason's experience - both on and off the field - as well as the quality of his character will see him leading by example and that he will be of invaluable worth in working with the squad's younger players.

Jason will be very ably assisted this season by vice captains Mathew Smith and Craig Parry.

For further comment please contact SAFC CEO Ben Kavenagh at the South Adelaide Football Club on 8186 8200.

Sampson forgoes captaincy
Thursday 28 February, 2008

For the first season since 2001, the South Adelaide League team will be led onto the ground by a player other than Clay Sampson. 

Sampson, who was honoured by the Panthers last season with a testimonial year will forgo his long-time player leadership role to concentrate on both his playing and assistant coach duties in 2008. 

“The captaincy is something that I have cherished and has been an enormous honour.  Unfortunately I’m not 100% certain how much football I will actually play in 2008 and strongly believe any club Captain should be spending more time on the field than off it. 

“In addition to my coaching duties, I still hope to play an integral on-field role and look forward to supporting the new Captain, whoever that may be.

The Panthers will name their 2008 Captain in late March.

South Adelaide trial game schedule
Friday 21 December, 2007

South Adelaide will play three trial games before the start of the 2008 SANFL season:

• South Adelaide v Norwood, Coopers Stadium, Friday 7 March
• South Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Alan Hickinbotham Oval, Saturday 15 March
• South Adelaide v West Adelaide at Broadspectrum Oval, Saturday 22 March

AFL Regional Challenge match set - Power v Dockers
Tuesday 26 February, 2008

With the results from the weekend's games now decided the AFL has scheduled the Regional Challenge matches around the country, with Hickinbotham Oval set to host the Port Adelaide-Fremantle game on Saturday, March 8.

Tickets can be purchased prior to the game at Hickinbotham Oval for $13.00 for Adults, $8.00 Concessions, $2.00 Children (6-15) and a Family $26.00.

The times for the day are as follows:

Panthers select Otten and Cook in mini-draft
Tuesday 18 December, 2007

South Adelaide have selected Andy Otten and Myke Cook in the 2007 SANFL mini-draft.

Andy Otten From: Oakleigh Chargers (Vic) Position: Tall forward Date of Birth:May 15 1989 Height: 191cm Weight: 88.8kg A prolific ball winner, he averaged more than 26 possessions and six marks per game with the Oakleigh Chargers in 2007 and capped off an outstanding season by taking out the best and fairest award and TAC Cup Team of the Year honours. He recorded strong results at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp, ranking in the top 2 per cent for the vertical leap (92cm) and the top 20 per cent for the beep test (14.2).
Myke Cook From: Sandringham Dragons (Vic) Position: Medium Midfielder Date of Birth: 9/10/1989 Height: 184.1cm Weight: 76.7kg Extremely quick and aggressive player who kicks well on the run and is smart around goals. He spent the first 12 years of his life living in Adelaide attending St Peters College. From St Bede's Mentone.

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Jason Torney comes home
Monday 19 November, 2007

South Adelaide are delighted to announce that Jason Torney has rejoined the Panthers, where it all started for him. In keeping with the club's recruitment policy of searching for quality of character as well as football skills, the whole club is abuzz with the news of Jason's commitment to the Panthers for the next 2 years as he is one of our favourite sons, who has always represented himself and the club with distinction both on and off the field.

South Adelaide General Manager, Ben Kavenagh, announced Jason's signing, "Over the last couple of months the club has been very selective on who it re-signed and who it did not.  With the status of all our 2007 players now known, we have always viewed Jason as the number one priority as far as additions go.  We're only looking to add another couple of new players to the list now."

In addition to his playing role Kavenagh confirmed Torney's experience will aid the club in developing its younger players, "As well as playing, Jason will join our coaching ranks were he will oversee the development of a number of young South locals, many of whom showed enormous potential during the recent reserves finals campaign."

Panthers putting house in order
Friday 9 November, 2007

South Adelaide FC’s coup of enticing Football Legend John Cahill out of retirement is only the first part of a master plan to turn the club’s on-field fortunes around according to Panther CEO Ben Kavenagh.

"Off-the field we’re performing very strongly.  As a business we are now very financial and when completed, our facilities will be second to none in the SANFL. The challenge now is to emulate this success on the field, and we’re not talking about a short-term fix.  The SAFC has instituted a Football Operations Committee (FOC) to, among other things, make recommendations to the board on coaching positions, retention and recruitment of players and provide a two-way conduit between the Board of Directers and the playing group. The FOC consists of former players Mark Naley, Brenton Honor, David Kappler and Shane Butler who are in the process of developing a Football Operations Strategic Plan which we hope to be a blueprint for sustained success. Part of our vision is to have a succession plan for our coaches, not unlike the model that exists at Central District, for incumbent coaches to have a responsibility to develop the 'next' coach."

"From a senior coaching perspective, the FOC identified that it needed someone to come into the club with a high level of experience and success to not only get the football side of things right, but shake up the whole club."

"John Cahill’s record speaks for itself. He maintains a fierce passion for the game and has extreme confidence in his ability to bring the best out of each individual, whilst upholding a playing and coaching style that is direct and easy to follow. The benefits for SAFC are four fold – his personal attributes and experience which will undoubtedly impact the playing group, the attraction for our members and sponsors, the mentoring and development of future leaders and coaches for SAFC, and his driven attitude and commitment to ensure success, will have a positive influence on the entire football club."

"The FOC has just finished a comprehensive selection process to select a group of assistant coaches and junior coaches who will work with Jack over the next two years. Former Norwood legend, Michael Taylor has been appointed as Jack's Senior Assistant. Taylor has also coached West Adelaide and was Assistant Coach at Collingwood and the Adelaide Crows and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the club. The rest of the appointments will form Jacks 'stable' and have been appointed because the FOC felt they have the attributes and potential to be further developed under Jack's guidance to have the necessary skill-set to be a successful senior coach.  Jack has been given the responsibility to develop and educate this group with the aim of being in a position to recommend one of them to be the next coach at South Adelaide. We anticipate Jack may then take on an advisory role much like David Parkin did at Carlton to provide mentoring to the new coach."

Current skipper Clay Sampson has been appointed as Assistant Coach and in a boost for the club will continue playing in 2008. Wayne Slattery has returned to South Adelaide to coach the Reserves after coaching West Adelaide Under 17s to a premiership in 2006 and the club is hopeful of appointing ex-Crow and former Panther Jason Torney in a dual assistant coach and playing role shortly.

Ben Porter has been appointed Under 19's coach after previously holding the position as Development Manager. Porter has done an outstanding job within the critical Southern Football League, Great Southern League and Kangaroo Island zones. This appointment is seen to be pivotal in maintaining the key relationships built within these zones and will provide a smoother pathway for junior players recruited from these leagues.  With highly respected current Under 17's coach David Tiller committing to 2008, this rounds off a coaching panel blending experience with potential and will give the club an opportunity to move forward with unprecedented confidence for the future.

The club as also appointed Mario Covino as its Head Fitness Coach. Covino, a former SANFL boundary umpire, has been in charge of fitness, conditioning and rehabilitation with the Port Magpies, Norwood and Sturt.

The Administration side of the club has also been restructured with former club champion and 1998 Magarey Medallist Andrew Osborn has been appointed as Marketing Manager and Brian Corcoran has been appointed as Football Manager with incumbent Alex Burrowes moving into a football administration role. Corcoran, a former Chairman and General Manager of the Glenelg Football Club, will be a huge asset to South Adelaide bringing with him vast football experience, knowledge and expertise.

New coach John Cahill is looking forward to the challenge.  Cahill stated, "The whole club is extremely enthusiastic and excited by the new direction. We're targeting the right people on and off the field to ensure the long-term success and stability of South Adelaide.  There will be new standards and expectations set.  I am currently in the process of meeting the entire playing group and have been impressed with the core leadership group in particular club captain Clay Sampson and vice captain Matthew Smith. Poor attitudes will no longer be tolerated at South Adelaide.Tough decisions have already been made on players who haven’t the necessary character traits or are unwilling to commit to a pre-season that for many will be the toughest they have ever experienced."

Panthers announce Michael Taylor as assistant coach
Wednesday 24 October, 2007

The South Adelaide FC is thrilled to announce that Michael Taylor will join the Panthers as Assistant Coach in 2008.

Taylor, who has had an extensive involvement in both AFL/VFL football and the SANFL is regarded as South Adelaide’s second coup of the off-season after recently announcing the appointment of John Cahill as senior coach.

Taylor’s impressive football background includes almost 300 games at Norwood where he was a premiership captain.  He had playing and coaching roles with the Collingwood FC, was an assistant coach at the Adelaide Crows for five years and was senior coach at West Adelaide FC for five years.

"The ability to work along side John Cahill has been a major player in my decision to join South.  I really do see the Club as being untapped in many ways and I am extremely excited at the direction it is now taking." Taylor said.

Former North Adelaide player and junior coach David Tiller has been re-appointed for a second season as Panthers under 17’s coach.  All another coaching appointments will be announced in coming weeks.

South Adelaide Football Club Zone Coach Award winners
Monday 5 November, 2007

The winners were presented with their Awards at the SANFL Coaches Awards Dinner on Friday night in front of 400 people from all over the State. Congratulations to these Coaches for their untiring efforts in providing positive experiences for their players.

The Award winners were:

• Sandy Cramp - Year 4/5 team Morphett Vale East Primary School. Female Coach of the Year Award (State Award)
• Colin White - Reynella Primary School Auskick Centre. Metropolitan Auskick Coordinator of the Year Award (State Award)
• Barry Pilmore - Willunga FC A Grade. South Adelaide FC Zone Senior Coach of the Year Award
• Dale Wilson - Morphett Vale FC Under 18. South Adelaide FC Zone Junior Coach of the Year Award

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