Brianna Wedding to lead the Panthers in 2022.

The South Adelaide Football Club is pleased to announce that Brianna Wedding will be the Panthers fourth senior women's captain in 2022. 

Wedding was Vice Captain in 2021 and will take over from Elyse Haylock who hung up the boots at the end of the 2021 season. 

Making her debut in Round 1, 2019 Wedding has played 23 games for the Panthers. 

2022 Panthers Women's Captain Brianna Wedding in action. Image: Nick Hook Photography. 

Nicole Campbell has been named as Vice-Captain for 2022 after being part of the Leadership group in 2021.

Sam Pratt and Tiffany Copley both return to the leadership group and will be joined by Courtney Barry who missed the 2021 season due to an ACL injury. 

Senior Coach Rick Watts is excited for what the leaders will bring in 2022. 

"We're really happy with the selection of our 2022 leaders, and believe they will do a great job to continue to build our culture" said Senior Coach Rick Watts.

"It's exciting to have Bri selected as captain, she has been around the club for a number of years and has a great connection with the playing group and coaches."

"Nicole stepping up as VC is fantastic and is a great step for her personal growth."

"Courtney Barry also joins the leadership group for the first time and will be a great addition along with Tiff and Sam who round out the excellent leadership core that we have."

"We're also fortunate to have been working with Julian Farkas from Leading Teams which has allowed us to develop a strong trademark and help us to build upon our already strong culture." 

Captain
Brianna Wedding

Vice-Captain
Nicole Campbell

Leaders
Tiffany Copley 
Sam Pratt 
Courtney Barry

The leaders are locked in for 2022, are you?

State Government Grassroots Facilities Program.

The South Adelaide Football Club welcomes today’s announcement of funding by the State Government through the Grassroots Facilities Program to upgrade facilities to the Cardijn College football oval.

The State Government Grant of $187, 700 will be matched through a partnership involving Cardijn College, South Adelaide Football Club, SANFL and the AFL to enable the removal of the cricket pitch, installation of a new scoreboard and provide four LED lighting poles to enable night-time training.

South Adelaide Football Club CEO Neill Sharpe said it was an exciting announcement for football in the southern region.

“Cardijn College have been a fantastic neighbor and partner of South Adelaide for a long period of time. We are extremely grateful for their support with this project."

“To strengthen this partnership and provide the Club with access to a secondary football-only oval in close proximity with lighting over the winter months is a significant benefit."

“This will allow us to properly cater for the growth in the game, especially in female sport.”

In 2022, the SANFL will introduce a Women’s Development League and expand its boy’s U16 competition to a full season. The SANFL has future plans to also expand underage male and female football programs in the coming years.

Mr Sharpe said it was an important step as part of a much larger plan to upgrade the whole sporting precinct.

“We’ve had positive discussions with all levels of Government regarding the need to redevelop the facilities at Flinders University Stadium. Having started at Noarlunga in 1995 the facilities are now very dated and not in keeping with the current requirements for female sport."

“The redevelopment of Flinders University Stadium will support the creation of a regional hub in Adelaide’s South that drives improved community connections."

It will raise facility standards to become the premier sporting hub in the region combining football, netball and community use. Something that we can all be genuinely be proud of and provide young footballers and netballers with the best opportunity to fulfil their dreams.”

South Adelaide induct three life members at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Last night at the clubs Annual General Meeting, the South Adelaide Football Club celebrated the life member inductees for 2021, Tyson Brown, Di Burzacott and Scott Webb.

Tyson Brown

Tyson, the first inductee of the evening, played 81 games for the Panthers since making his debut in 2011 having started in South’s U18s after joining the Club from Cove.

The dour defender has had a tough run with injuries over the journey, including missing the 2018 Elimination Final due to concussion and going down with a serious hamstring injury in the opening minutes of the 2016 Qualifying Final.

At the conclusion of the 2021 SANFL season, Tyson decided to retire from League football after 10 years of service to the football club. 

Dianne Burzacott 

The second inductee of the night was long time volunteer Dianne Burzacott (formerly Stopp).

Dianne along with her late husband Darrell, have been volunteering at the club since the move to Noarlunga in 1995.

She has been a Panther Club member for many years and has been working in the BBQ on game days as a cook since 2006, as well as helping with anything that was required.

Dianne is also on the Panther Club Committee, as well as the carols committee, and received her 5 year merit certificate in 2006 and her 10 year in 2010.

Scott Webb

Scott played for the Panthers from 1992 to 2005 in which he played 129 games and kicked 24 goals. 

The defender made his debut as South Adelaide Players 1417 against the Roosters at Football Park in round 20 1992. 

5 Year Service Merit Certificate

• Nat Cook MP (Volunteering - Panther Club)
• Michael Middleton (Volunteering - Panther Club)
• Brad Read (Female Football Training Operations)
• Ryan Skouborg (Junior Girls Coach, Female Football Assistant Coach)

10 Year Service Merit Certificate

• The late Noel Paul (Panther Club Chair, Volunteering)
• John O'Keeffe (Volunteering - Panther Club)

The South Adelaide Football Club would again, like to congratulate all recipients from the night.

Jenny Cook, partner of the late Noel Paul accepting Noel's 10 year service certificate.

Brad Read presented with his 5 year merit certificate. 

Ryan Garthwaite heads to Noarlunga in 2022. 

Having spent the last five years at Tiger land, key position player Ryan Garthwaite will provide the Panthers with plenty of options at either end of the ground. 

The Corowa product played 14 AFL games for Richmond having made his AFL debut in Round 13 2018 against Geelong.

The 23-year old also played in the Tigers thrilling 2019 VFL Premiership. 

Taken at pick 72 overall in the 2016 draft, Garthwaite said he is looking forward to joining the Panthers and believes it will be a great fit. 

"I chose South Adelaide because I felt like it was the right fit for me and the position I want to play."

"The coaches and players are all good blokes and being a country kid I enjoy that aspect of it."

"I’m bloody excited to come over and meet everyone, get stuck into training and crack in next year."

South Adelaide General Manager - Football Brent Reilly is really excited to see what Garthwaite will bring to the Panthers. 

"Ryan is a quality player who played his junior football as a forward and his AFL career predominantly as a defender." 

"We know he kicked over 100 goals as a junior in Corowa, so we are keen to see if he can provide us another target up forward along with Sam Overall."

"At 192cm Ryan is a good size and is strong aerially and will be a great fit for the club."

"We've been really impressed with his leadership and he will drive high standards within the playing group."

"We welcome Ryan to the Panthers and look forward to what he will bring in 2022." 

Ryan's Joined the Family, have you? 2022 Memberships now available! 

Former Cat Oscar Brownless to play for the Panthers in 2022. 

Coming off a shortened 2021 VFL Season, Oscar Brownless son of Geelong champion Billy, will take his talents to Noarlunga in 2022. 

Averaging 22 disposals in the 2021 VFL Season, the 21-year old played 27 VFL games and kicked nine goals over his three seasons with Geelong.

The 187cm midfielder was runner up in the Cats VFL Best and Fairest in 2021. 

Brownless was taken as a Father Son selection with pick 27 in the 2019 National Draft, before being delisted and re-rookied in 2020.  

"We like Oscar's endurance, aggression and competitiveness which will see him fit in well with our experienced midfield group with the likes of Bryce Gibbs and Keegan Brooksby." 

"He is a hard-running midfielder with excellent decision making and ball use, but can also play across half-forward or on the wing." 

"More importantly Oscar is a great person and will certainly fit in with our culture and help us as a group take that next step." 

Oscar is in, are you? 2022 Memberships on sale now!

South Adelaide is excited to announce that Keegan Brooksby will once again return home to Flinders University Stadium in 2022.

After returning to the Panthers in 2018 from a 3-season stint at the Gold Coast Suns, Brooksby had an outstanding 2018 campaign which saw him become one of the premier rucks in the SANFL. 

Since the end of 2018, Brooksby has been offered AFL lifelines by the West Coast Eagles in 2018 and Hawthorn in 2020 as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period (SPP).

After spending two seasons with the Hawks, Brooksby made his debut in the brown and gold in round 8 2020 against the Swans.

He will continue to work with Hawthorn having recently accepted the role of Academy Manager, which will allow him to return to play for the Panthers in 2022.

When talking about coming back to the Panthers, Brooksby said he is excited to come back to the club where he has deep family ties.

"Really excited to be coming back to South Adelaide," said Brooksby

"The club holds an important place in our family and I look forward to reconnecting with supporters, players and staff for 2022. Can’t wait to see what we can achieve."

After making the switch from basketball to football, Brooksby quickly climbed the ranks in the Panthers junior program, claiming the 2009 Centre of Excellence U18 Best & Fairest.

His rapid improvement continued at senior level, winning the League Most Improved Award on two occasions (2011 and 2013) before firmly establishing himself as the premier ruckman in the competition in 2014 and 2018.

He was previously selected in the SANFL State Team and Advertiser Team of the Year, before being honoured as the Panthers Best & Fairest at the Knuckey Cup in 2014.

On his return in 2018, Brooksby was named Co-Captain with champion Joel Cross.

Keegan also continues the tradition of the Brooksby name at South Adelaide, with his father Phil and uncle Graham playing 278 and 125 games respectively for South Adelaide in the 1970s and 80s.

Brooksby has played 91 SANFL League matches for South Adelaide across his two stints and is set to play his 100th match in 2022. 

Keegan Brooksby in action for the Hawks in 2020. Image: Ryan Pierse/AFL Photos

"We're really excited to have Keegan return home after a further two years in an AFL environment," said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright.

"Having a disrupted 18 months with Hawthorn due to COVID, he is keen to get stuck in and help the group take the next step."

"Not only will Keegan help with our ruck stocks, but he will be able to mentor and assist with the development of Bailey Griffiths and Damon Freitag." 

The club is ecstatic to have Keegan back in blue and white and look forward to him playing a key role within the senior playing group in 2022.

Keegan Brooksby

Playing Record

• South Adelaide - 72 games (2010 - 2014)
• Gold Coast Suns -  14 games (2015 - 2017)
• South Adelaide - 19 games (2018)
• West Coast Eagles (WAFL) -  20 games (2019)
• Hawthorn - 1 game (2020)

Accolades

• U18 Best & Fairest - 2009
• U18 Leading Goal Kicker - 2009
• League Most Improved - 2011 & 2013
• SANFL State Team - 2014
• The Advertiser Team of the Year - 2014
• Knuckey Cup winner - 2014
• Drafted by Gold Coast Suns (2015 & 2017 rookie draft)
• SPP listed by West Coast Eagles (2019)
• Gold Coast Suns NEAFL Player of the Year - 2016
• Mark Rawlins Trophy (Runner-Up Best & Fairest) - 2018
• West Coast Eagles WAFL Best & Fairest - 2019

Brookers is part of the Family for 2022, are you?

There was a lot for South Adelaide to be proud of with Jason Horne-Francis, Matt Roberts and Arlo Draper all finding their way on to AFL lists last week.

These three young men have all attacked their football over the last couple of years at South Adelaide with a fantastic mindset and genuine desire to improve.

It has certainly taken a lot of coordination and support to help them be their best.

There have been plenty of people along the way that have all assisted them on their journey to the AFL.

I’m sure you are all sharing in the excitement of these young men being able to live out their dreams.

All the boys’ parents and families should be very proud in the significant role they have played in their son’s football journeys. We are grateful that their support has enabled them to fulfil their talent.

The part their junior clubs have played in their journey is critical. It wasn’t that long ago that No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis was playing for Christies Beach, Matt Roberts was representing Langhorne Creek at A-Grade level and Arlo Draper was kicking 100 goals for the Willunga junior colts. It illustrates how quickly you can go from watching your heroes to joining them in the AFL.

Thank you to all our Southern Zone Clubs and their volunteers for the effort they put in to putting football teams on the ground every weekend. While I know every Club playing against those boys previously may not have enjoyed it, this is the opportunity the game can provide young men and women.

The Great Southern Football League and Southern Football League Association teams and Academies also play a key role in developing these young footballers.

Number 1 pick of the 2021 AFL Draft, Jason Horne-Francis in action for Chrisities Beach Football Club in 2018. Image: via Instagram. 

Key South Adelaide partners have played their part with Balfours providing Jason Horne-Francis with a scholarship to assist his football and Fleurieu Milk being a very understanding employer balancing his work and football commitments.

We are grateful for the understanding partner Cardijn College showed Arlo Draper in combining his football and schooling in 2020. It was also pleasing that South Adelaide and St Peters were able to maintain regular correspondence which enabled Matt Roberts to meet the needs of both his school and Club football.

Finally, thank you to all the South Adelaide football staff that have been a part of the boy’s journey through our talent pathway. A terrific advantage for SANFL Clubs is that all three have risen through South’s development programs to play League football. SANFL programs stand out as the best pathway for young footballers in the country and these boys have clearly embraced it and thrived.

At South Adelaide we are acknowledged as having one of the best junior programs in the State under Talent Manager Mark Clayton, with support from Magarey Medalist Bryce Gibbs. That all three played League football is also a credit to League coach Jarrad Wright.

Arlo Draper (Willunga) after kicking 100 goals at junior colt level next to future team mate Matt Roberts (langhorne Creek) who took out the junior colts mail medal in 2017. Image Victor Harbor Times

We all will look forward to watching each boy’s AFL journey as they now join a number of former Panthers in the AFL.

Again it wasn’t long ago Tom Sparrow was a South U18 player and now he is a premiership player at Melbourne.

But we also look forward to the next crop of young footballers coming through the grades at South Adelaide.

There are certainly a few more to get excited about and it can happen very quickly.

Neill Sharpe

Chief Executive Officer

South Adelaide names new vehicle partnership with Southgate GWM Haval.

The South Adelaide Football Club is pleased to announce a new vehicle partnership with Southgate GWM Haval.

South Adelaide FC CEO Neill Sharpe said it is exciting to partner with one of the fastest growing car brands in Australia and internationally with 240 per cent growth this year alone.

“This partnership continues the long-standing relationship the Club has had with Southgate Automotive Group in Reynella.

“GWM Haval is a new player in the Australian market and it’s fantastic for South Adelaide to partner with them and play a part in their growth.”

The Southgate GWM Haval brand will feature on the back of the League jumper and player polo shirts as the clubs Official Vehicle Partner.

They will also partner the South Adelaide Development Squad program that involves boys from U13s to U15s from the Club’s southern zone.

"With Southgate Automotive having been a sponsor of SAFC for over 25 years it is great to renew the partnership and relationship with our Southgate GWM Haval brand." said Southgate Automotive Managing Director Peter Altman.

"Southgate GWM Haval and SAFC is a good fit and may they both do well in 2022!” 

Dealer Principal Chelsea Altman added that “we are really excited about this partnership! GWM Haval is fast emerging brand, growing significantly around Australia. We are looking forward to seeing this relationship grow into big things for season 2022 and beyond.”

GWM identified that the world today demands more.

GWM was founded to meet this challenge, and we never settle for less.

Through dedication and ‘small improvements everyday’ (the company motto) GWM have become one of the world’s fastest-growing mobility technology providers.

GWM strives to meet the needs of today, and exceed the dreams of tomorrow. Our dream is to manufacture vehicles that move people, through automation and emotion, and to make a positive contribution to global development. Together, we will Go With More

Book a test drive today by getting in touch with the friendly team at Southgate GWM Haval by calling 8321 0000 or visiting their website here.

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The 2021 NAB AFL Draft saw a trio of Panther products take the next step in their footy journeys.

It was a history-making start to this year's draft, with Jason Horne-Francis becoming the first South Adelaide player to get selected with the first pick and the first croweater to be selected at number 1 since Bryce Gibbs in 2006.

Watching with family and friends, the Christies Beach junior heard his name read out at the cherished first pick – marking 5479 days since a South Australian had last experienced it.

"It was really special actually, I'm privileged and proud to spend it with them," Jason said in a press conference post-draft.

One of footy's worst kept secrets, the number 1 pick will now look towards his debut season with North Melbourne.

"… It feels really good, it's a nice fit actually," Jason told the press when asked how it felt to be in the blue and white stripes.

However, Horne-Francis is not the only Panther that fans would recognise from the 2021 SANFL season.

Matty Roberts, who joined the Panthers' pathway from Langhorne Creek, began his life in the senior side with a strong display during South's nail-biting win over the eventual premiers in Round 6.

Going on to play 7 matches this year, Roberts averaged 11 touches and 4 tackles a match which no doubt led the Sydney Swans to select him with Pick 34.

Fellow Great Southern product, Arlo Draper, has swapped the blue for black as Collingwood picked him up with Pick 45.

Joining the pathway from Willunga, the young Panther showed his pace during his league matches this season while also averaging 11 disposals, 5 marks and 3 tackles a game.

Draper now joins two fellow graduates of the Panthers' development pathway, with Nathan Kreuger and Beau McCreery also calling the Magpies home.

From team mates to opponents. The Three Panther Draftees have one last laugh before heading off to Melbourne. Image: SAFC Media.

Going from strength to strength in recent years, the Panthers' pathway is beginning to produce high-class talent – with the 3 drafted this season being the equal highest total in the league.

The Panther faithful will be eagerly waiting to see how well our exciting boys can perform at the top level – but they've already made the club extremely proud.

South Adelaide Football Club Sports Trainers Academy

South Adelaide is looking for Year 12 students or people from 16 – 28 years of age, who are sports minded, reliable and embarking or already in a sporting or medical career to join us.

In the Trainers Academy you will learn what it takes to prepare our male and female players for game day.

By taking part in the Academy, you will further your knowledge in a range of areas, using modern aspects and technical support that is required in our modern game.

As part of the course there will be an opportunity to attain a First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011 PROVIDE FIRST AID AND/OR HLTAID009 PROVIDE CPR) (if not ready attained) and learn to run water efficiently to SANFL and AFL standards.

There could also be an opportunity to become a qualified Sports Trainer, will all courses paid for either by South Adelaide Football Club or your local football club which you may be attached to, after a discussion by all parties.

The club has developed a partnership with the Australian Institute of Fitness (RTOID: 121508) with the possibility of a scholarship from any referral, including Master Trainer Program™ (SIS40215 CERTIFICATE IV – IN FITNESS and Fitness Essentias Prerequisites) and Massage Therapist (HLT42015 CERTIFICATE IV – IN MASSAGE THERAPY)

This is an initiative by the South Adelaide Football Club to support our youth in furthering their development in the sporting environment.

For further information please either email Frank Rismondo frismondo7@gmail.com or phone on 0414 598 703.