Dear Panther fans,

Dean Brogan here.

It has been great to re-connect with South Adelaide over the past 18 months, giving back as both a sponsor and as a ruck coach for season 2018.

I have a lot of fond memories pulling on the boots for the Panthers and will always appreciate the start they gave me in helping turn my love for the game of football into a professional career.

In 2019 I am excited to take over the role of Chairman of the club's vice president's group, the Kingstonians.

We are looking to revamp what it means to be a Kingstonian. Make it more easily accessible to all supporters and deliver some truly fun and exciting benefits for everyone involved.

My goal is to see in the next generation of Kingstonians. Connect and network with business leaders that have a passion for the Panthers, engage past players and encourage more women to be involved. Bring together a group that are #SouthProud and want to help the Club prosper on and off the field.

To do this we have introduced some new ideas for 2019.

Kingstonian Membership now comes in tiers, starting at just $300 to make it more affordable for anyone to get involved.

There are some higher priced levels, but at the end of the day our goal is to help with fundraising and we have added some new benefits as well.

All Kingstonians will get inner sanctum access to pre-game functions at home games, which will include game plan analysis from senior coach Jarrad Wright and special guest speakers.

Some levels also include Gala Night and Knuckey Cup tickets, discounted rates on player sponsorship and exclusive access to things such as Magarey Medal tickets that are not available for public sale.

Click here for more information about the new-look Kingstonian Membership levels. We'd love for you to get involved.

If you need further convincing we will be officially re-launching the Kingstonians with a sportsman's lunch at the Saracen's Head on Friday, February 22.

Our guest speakers will be former Panther and lovable larrikin Ryan Fitzgerald, former Collingwood superstar and Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan and South Adelaide Coach Jarrad Wright.

Promises to be a great Friday lunchtime event - click here or the image below to book your seat. Spots are limited so get in quick!

Before I go, I should also acknowledge the contribution of Dr Jack White, who has served as Chairman of the Kingstonians for the past eight years.

Jack has done a sterling job in his time and we look forward to him remaining involved with the group.

Overall, I am excited for the year ahead and am looking forward to getting to know many new faces around the club through the Kingstonians.

See you at the footy - Go Panthers!

Dean Brogan

A classy left-footer with pace to burn. Get to know new Panthers recruit Malcolm Karpany by watching some of his highlights with the West Coast Eagles!

Mally is #SouthProud...are you?

South Adelaide defender Tom Fields will depart the club in 2019.

Fields, who has played 88 games for the Panthers over two stints, has advised the club that he will be heading home to Queensland next season.

Recruited from Labrador in the NEAFL, Fields joined South Adelaide in 2013 and by the end of 2014 found himself rookie listed by Carlton.

After one season and two games with the Blues, Fields brought his long-raking left boot back to Noarlunga and played a further three seasons.

The 25-year-old will return to the NEAFL after agreeing with terms with the Southport Sharks.

Young defender Robert Irra will also depart the club and line up for OSB/Lonsdale this season after making his senior debut and playing three League games this season.

Meanwhile, midfielder Adam Hunter has advised he will return to Mt Compass in 2019 after notching 26 games with the Panthers since making the move from the Bulldogs in 2017.

The Club thanks Tom, Robert and Adam for their dedication and effort throughout their time in Noarlunga and wish them well in their future endeavors.

South Adelaide are pleased to announce the signing of new recruit Malcolm Karpany.

Karpany, 23, heads to Noarlunga having spent five years with the West Coast Eagles after been taken at pick 31 in the 2013 national draft.

An exciting wing-forward, with explosive pace, a penetrating kick and good evasive abilities, Karpany played seven AFL games during his time with the Eagles for six goals.

"We are very happy to be able to recruit Malcolm to the club," said Panthers senior coach Jarrad Wright.

"He is a hard-working outside runner, with a beautiful left foot and we are really excited to see the class he can bring to our team connecting between our defensive and forward halves.

"His spatial awareness and elusiveness is top class and he can also push forward and kick goals. I think our supporters will really enjoy watching him play.

"I spent some time with him at Woodville-West Torrens as Reserves coach when he was coming through the Under-18s and he was a top talent then.

"After five years with the Eagles in the AFL system his leadership and footy smarts will be a great asset both on the field, but also in working with the exciting young players we have coming up to the senior ranks."
 

Speaking on his move, Karpany said he was excited by a change of scenery and to play SANFL football.

"I am just keen to get started," he said.

The Club has really welcomed me with open arms. I am keen to get started and play alongside all these good players at League level.

"I feel like the SANFL competition is really strong. That's one thing I am excited about.

"It is also exciting to represent a new club. I feel like the move is going to be good for me. Fresh start, new people.

When asked what Panthers members and supporters can expect from him, Karpany said he was looking forward to showcasing his abilities for the Panthers.

"I think I am a crafty player with a good skill set.

"I love to run, use my pace and work rate out on a wing and also push forward."

Malcolm Karpany is #SouthProud...are you?

Take a look inside the High Performance Training camp for our Panthers Academy.

Our partnership with Flinders University has opened doors for some amazing mutually beneficial collaborations.

Our Panthers Academy camp exposes our young players to elite standard high performance training and testing, while offering real life experience for Bachelor of Sport Health and Physical Activity students.

South Adelaide is pleased to announce that Abe Davis has re-committed to the Panthers for season 2019.

The former Sydney Swan enjoyed a break out second season in Noarlunga after an injury-restricted debut year.

The strong on-baller played all 19 games for South in 2018, racking up 23.2 touches per contest while also proving an effective weapon up front with 15 goals on the year.

Bothered by an ankle injury in 2017, Davis blossomed into one of the competitions more intimidating midfield presences in 2018, averaging 4.7 clearances and 5.2 tackles around stoppage.

His improved play did not go unnoticed, as he claimed third place in Knuckey Cup voting and stormed home to a fifth placed finish on the Magarey Medal leader board, polling 11 votes in his last six games.

"We are pleased Abe has committed for season 2019, coming of a career-best year in the SANFL," said Panthers senior coach, Jarrad Wright.

"His game really improved as he found some continuity in his football, being injury free and playing a consistent position as big-bodied midfielder.

"He became a really important player for us and has grown into one of the better big mids in the competition.

"His strength around the contest and ability to also head forward, take a catch and kick goals will be important for our team."

The Panthers also welcome Palmerston recruit Kyle Emery into the fold for 2019.

The former Gold Coast Academy member is a dangerous medium forward, who heads to Noarlunga after plying his trade in the NTFL over the past few seasons.

Abe has committed for 2019...have you #SouthProud

Two South Adelaide juniors have been given their chance at the AFL after the conclusion of today's national and rookie drafts.

Strong-bodied midfielder Tom Sparrow was the first Panther to have his name called, as the Melbourne Demons snapped up the Bridgewater/Callington junior with pick 27 in the national draft.

He becomes the first Panther taken in the national draft since Caleb Daniel was selected at pick 46 by the Western Bulldogs in 2014 and the highest pick since Ryan Griffen also made his way to Whitten Oval with pick three of the 2004 draft.

A contested animal, known for his attack on the football and speed and power away from stoppages, Sparrow was a member of South Australia's Under-18 National Championship winning side earlier in the year, notching 17 touches in the title decider against Victoria Metro.

His football talents kept him busy during 2018, splitting time between State committments, South Adelaide and captaining Prince Alfred College's First XVIII.

Through eight Under-18s games Sparrow averaged 22.2 disposals, 6.1 clearances and six tackles per contest, while also notching two Reserves games with the Panthers during the season.
 

Next cab off the rank was exciting small forward/midfielder Jake Tarca, who will re-unite with former teammate Nathan Kreuger at Geelong after being called at pick 68 by the Cats.

Originally from the Encounter Bay Football Club, Tarca kicked 27 goals in his 15 games with South's Under-18s this season, averaging 13.3 touches in the process.

An exciting talent with plenty of x-factor, he was among the Panthers best performers in their Under-18 Grand Final against Woodville-West Torrens, slotting four goals as the most damaging forward on the ground.
 

Help support South Adelaide's talent pathway with a tax deductible donation to the SAFC Junior Development Fund.

South Adelaide can reveal that ruckman Keegan Brooksby will pursue an AFL opportunity in 2019.

Brooksby's management has informed the club that he has been offered another chance at the AFL via the newly revamped rookie rules.

Previously-listed AFL players who have spent a season or greater away from an AFL list no longer need to be selected through the draft to find an AFL lifeline.

These players can now sign with a club of their choice during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SPP) between December 1 and March 15.

This will be Brooksby's second crack at the AFL, having played 14 games with the Gold Coast Suns between 2015 and 2017.

The Panthers skipper enjoyed a stellar 2018 SANFL season, playing all 19 games, finishing second in Knuckey Cup voting and being selected as captain of the 2018 Advertiser Team of the Year.

"It is very exciting for Keegan to get another chance to prove himself at the highest level," said Panthers Chief Executive Officer, Neill Sharpe.

"He is an outstanding player and his form over the last season speaks for itself.

"He certainly deserves this opportunity and we wish him well in the next phase of his AFL career."

South Adelaide stalwart Brad Crabb has signed on for the 2019 season.

The Kangaroo Island native has put pen to paper to extend his career with the Panthers into a 13th season.

Recruited from Western Districts in South Adelaide's country zone on Kangaroo Island, Crabb worked his way through the Panthers junior programs before making his SANFL League debut in 2007.

The strongly-built defender soon established himself within the senior team and has played a key role within the team for more than a decade.

Currently sitting 16th on the Panthers list for most League appearances all-time, Crabb is edging closer to his 200-game milestone, something that has not been achieved by a South Adelaide player since Trent Mills in the early 2000s.

Speaking to SAFC Media, Crabb cited unfinished business following the Panthers finals exit and his approaching milestone as motivators to play on.

"It was pretty disappointing the way we went out in 2018. We want to try and achieve a bit more," said Crabb.

"It would definitely be good to get to 200 games, but I still need to have a good preseason and get in the team."

Crabb also declared he was excited continue playing with close friends Joel Cross and Nick Liddle, who have also re-committed for 2019, while also helping nurture the exciting youth coming through the ranks.

"They (Cross and Liddle) are great blokes I've got to know really well. It is good to be able to do another season with them," said Crabb.

"It's funny when you're young you don't have any responsibilities, but as you get older and play a few more games you realise you actually have to be a bit more mature and lead the team a little.

"A lot of these guys coming through a really good lads I have been able to follow for a few years now (in the juniors). It should be exciting times ahead.

The club looks forward to seeing Crabby go around again and hopefully celebrating another significant achievement in an already great career in Noarlunga!

Brad Crabb

Playing Career

197 games
6 goals

Accolades

Club captain (2015 - 17)
SANFL Advertiser Team of the Year selection (2015)
Knuckles Award (2010 & 2016)
Best Clubman (2013 & 2018)
Equal third Knuckey Cup voting (2015)
Most Improved Player (2008)
South Adelaide Football Club Life Member (2016)

SANFL has announced a raft of rule changes to be introduced from 2019 in the SANFL Statewide Super League, in line with the majority of the AFL's adjustments to playing conditions.

The introduction of a restriction on starting positions before each centre bounce, increased freedom from kick-ins and the repealing of the "hands in the back" rule in marking contests highlight the new laws which have been ratified by the SA Football Commission.

SANFL General Manager Football Adam Kelly said SANFL's Laws of the Game Committee believed the rule changes would enhance those introduced by SANFL in 2016, such as the successful last possession out of bounds rule and interchange rotation cap.

Kelly said the committee supported the objectives that led to the introduction of change by the AFL.

"These changes in match conditions respond to fans wanting free-flowing passages of play and one-on-one contests, and they support more instinctive play and players being able to showcase their skills and differences," Kelly said.

The SANFL competition has transitioned from the low scoring, high stoppage numbers of season 2015.

"Stoppage numbers have decreased over the past three years, with the average number dropping to 60 in 2018 from 84 in 2015," Kelly said.

"In comparison to other State Leagues, we have gone from the highest number of stoppages to the lowest and from the lowest scoring to the highest.  This year's Grand Final was the highest scoring in 35 years."

Confirmation of the rule changes coincide with today's announcement by SANFL of a new three-year naming rights partnership with Statewide Super, with the competition to be now known as the SANFL Statewide Super League.

Some rules will continue to differ between the AFL competition and SANFL, including the last possession out of bounds rule.

Kelly said SANFL would also continue to use the 25m penalty and have a cap of 60 on interchange rotations (as opposed to the AFL competition cap of 90).

Details of the rule changes follow:

1. Traditional Playing Positions at Centre Bounce

Implementation of a traditional set up at centre bounces clubs must have six players inside both 50-Metre arcs, with one player required to be inside the goal square. Four midfield players are positioned inside the centre square with the wingmen required to be placed somewhere along the wing (no closer to either goal than the centre square line).

2. Kick-ins

Kick-ins from a Behind, a Player will no longer need to kick to himself to Play On out of the Goal Square.

Following a Behind, the man on The Mark will be positioned 10 metres from the top of the Goal Square (currently 5 metres).

No opposition player can enter the area shown with the dotted line until the designated kicker has played on or been called to play on from the goal square. Any opposition player already in the area when the behind is scored must be actively exiting the area.

3. Marks / Free Kicks (Deep D50)

For all defenders who take a mark or gain a free kick within 9 metres of their own goal, the man on the mark for the attacking team will be brought in line with the top of the goal square (which is 9 metres).

4. Umpire Contact

Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the Umpire at each centre bounce.

5. Application of 25-Metre Penalty

Allowing the player with the ball to advance the mark by 25 metres without the infringing player delaying the game.

In addition, the player with the football will be able to play on during the advancement of the 25-metre penalty.

6. Kicking for Goal post-siren Centre of Goal Line

A Player who has been awarded a mark or free kick once play has ended will now be able to kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick. The player shall dispose of the football directly in line with the man on the mark and the goal.

7. Marking Contest

'Hands in the Back' rule interpretation to be repealed, allowing a player to place his hands on the back of his opponent to protect his position in a marking contest but not to push the player in the back.

8. Ruck Contests Prior Opportunity

A Ruck player who takes possession of the football while contesting a bounce or throw up by a field Umpire or a boundary throw in by a boundary Umpire, will not be regarded as having had prior opportunity. Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated Ruck, the Ruck for each team will continue to nominate to the field Umpire. SANFL Rules still permit a "third man" contesting the ruck contest.