The Big Issue Sports Challenge heats up!

The South Adelaide Football Club will be playing in a different kind of contest this week, selling The Big Issue magazine to support vendors experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

South Adelaide players in Keegan Brooksby and Emily Brockhurst took part in The Big Issue Sports Sales Challenge on Friday morning, hitting the streets to sell copies of The Big Issue Christmas Edition alongside vendors.

The contest is all part of a challenge to sell the most magazines and win The Big Issue's Sports Sales Challenge trophy. They'll also be competing against teams from AFL, cricket and soccer

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said the campaign aimed to shine a spotlight on hundreds of vendors selling The Big Issue on street corners around the country rain, hail or shine.

"Sport is an incredible way of bringing people together and strengthening communities," Mr Persson said.

"It's fantastic to see Keegan Brooksby and Emily Brockhurst from the South Adelaide Football Club out in Noarlunga donning the Big Issue vest alongside our vendors."

"Having the clubs participate in the selling challenge is a wonderful way for our vendors to reach to new customers and connect to their community."

"We are grateful for the clubs' participation and their support for people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and marginalisation during this holiday season. I look forward to seeing which team will take home the coveted trophy this year!"

The challenge comes at an amazing time, with tomorrow marking one year since The Big Issue magazine launched in Newcastle.

Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue for $4.50 and sell them for $9, earning a meaningful income. More than 7000 vendors have sold The Big Issue since it launched in Australia 23 years ago, collectively earning $30 million.

The Big Issue Christmas Edition is on sale from 2-25 December. The bumper edition is eight pages longer than regular editions and features holiday wishes written by Big Issue vendors, an interview with Helen Mirren and a Christmas recipe from Donna Hay among much more.

Are you #SouthProud in 2020? 

South Adelaide Football Club Annual General Meeting - Notice of Election 

In accordance with the South Adelaide Football Club Constitution, the Club will be required to conduct elections for the following Board Positions at the 2019 Annual General Meeting on Monday December 16, 2019. 

•  Football Director (3 year term) Nominations:
  - Gerrard Bennett
  - Gavin Riddle
•  Property Director (1 year term, previously vacant position) Nominations:
  - Steve Grimley
  - Adam May

Please see below for further information on the Candidates.

The Club has appointed Mark Carroll APM to act as returning officer.

To be eligible to vote in the Board Elections a person will be required to be a financial member (over the age of 18 years) or life member in the 2019 football year (1 Nov 2018 - 31 Oct 2019).
Voting can be completed in the following ways:

• By visiting the Club Reception during office hours, 9am to 5pm prior to December 16, 2019
• By contacting the Club and requesting a postal vote. All postal votes must be received by last mail on December 16, 2019
• By voting in person prior to AGM on Monday December 16 from 5pm to 6.30pm. The Annual General Meeting will start at 7pm on Monday December 16, 2019 in the Peter Darly Function Room, Level 1 Flinders University Stadium (1 Lovelock Drive, Naorlunga Downs).

Candidates Biographies

Gerrard Bennett (Football Director Candidate)

Former SAFC League footballer 113 games from 2003-2008. 32 AFL games for Sydney Swans 1999-2002. Drafted to Geelong from Tassie Mariners/North Hobart 1996. Port Melbourne VFL B&F winner 2001.

BD Manager EFEX 2018-2019. Director/State Manager TJS Services 2005-2017.

Played at AFL level for two successful clubs in Geelong and Sydney, successful in different ways learning from both experiences, especially on reflection.

Still have links to both clubs especially Sydney, and many of the other AFL Clubs including Chris Fagan who had a great influence on my career prior to being drafted.

Held leadership roles in all teams that I played (excluding AFL level), developing strong relationships with the playing group and coaches, respecting every coach's philosophy on football and coaching styles.

Having an existing relationship with Jarrad Wright, from my time playing with him at South and the other existing relationships I have maintained from my entire playing career, I think I can have an important link between the football program and the Board.

I think through my playing experience I can provide the club a valuable insight.

Committed to bringing new, past people and the surrounding community in to the Club, assisting in creating SAFC with greater financial stability and strength, but importantly giving the coaching and playing group the tools to compete consistently to be successful, win games and break the drought.

Gavin Riddle (Football Director Candidate)

Business and System Manager, Metrocard Ticketing, SA Public Transport Authority

Gavin has a great passion for the South Adelaide Football Club since joining the Talent Pathway coaching ranks (U18's) in 2015. His aim now is to continue that involvement but now off field and further his commitment to the club as Football Director.

Having had a number of years' coaching experience at clubs in the SFL and the SANFL, both with juniors and seniors Gavin is now eager to link his business expertise and skills with his football knowledge and use that to assist the Board and Football Department of the club.

Gavin has a firm belief in good cultures and in the benefits of looking after people and that the individual matters.

He believes that relationships are critical in any sporting club or business that is constantly seeking and aspiring for high achievement and desires now to share his experience in this area.

He is passionate about looking after individuals and strives to assist with building focused, well rounded, balanced men and women within the South Adelaide Football Club.

Gavin's experience over the last 5 years in the Talent Pathway places him in good stead having already built considerable relationships with coaches, players and officials within the club.

He desires to continue and enhance those relationships and commits to maintaining the clubs strong focus in being United and with a Can Do attitude.

Gavin desires to continue his focus on the junior programs at the club also to ensure ongoing involvement and inclusion for all players, coaches and volunteers within the South Adelaide zone.

As Business Manager Metrocard Ticketing in the State Government Gavin leads a team of over 20 people and has direct involvement with Business Stakeholders, Company Directors, Corporate Entities and members of the public.

As such Gavin takes the needs of all people very seriously. Respect, Inclusion, Empathy and Understanding are vital elements he believes are critical for achieving successful outcomes.

The Board, Football department, coaches, players, staff, volunteers, sponsors and passionate supporters of this football club deserve these same privileges and Gavin commits to enhancing these relationships in fulfilling this role.

Gavin's qualifications cover a range of disciplines stemming from an Electronic Trade Certificate, a Business Management Diploma and a Human Resources Diploma to a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

With over 15 years' experience in Senior Management Gavin represents South Australia Public Transport as a member of the Australasian Ticketing Partnerships Directorate.

Gavin looks forward to the opportunity to work in this Football Director role.

Steven Grimley (Property Director Candidate)

Winemaker/Business owner

I was born in 1974 in Melbourne where I did my early schooling before moving to the Barossa and finishing at Nuriootpa High. 

I played plenty of sport in my youth, including the 91 winning Teal Cup team and a handful of games for Centrals, I also played cricket for South Australia and had a season playing at Sturt. 

I always wanted to be a Winemaker so I chose to follow this as a career path early and subsequently held numerous winemaking roles both domestically and internationally.

I resigned from my role as GM at Kreglinger to start our own business in 2005, at which time we relocated to McLaren Vale where Anna, our 3 lads and I still reside today. Son James played Under-18 and Reserve grade football for South Adelaide in the past couple of seasons. 

Our early phase of business was focused on supply chain improvements for large retail wine businesses which proved to be highly successful, our 2 major customers today were our first 2 at the start.

Since then we have diversified into various other pursuits including retail (Little Black Bike/Five O'Clock Somewhere), Viticulture & Winemaking, Hotel (Hagen Arms at Echunga) and some small commercial developments.

Our Service Provision business continues to be a market leader in its field and has close working relationships with the likes of Virgin, Laithwaites, Coles & Woolworths on one side and pretty much every wine business, small and large on the other.

We have approx. 25 staff, an annual turnover + $15m and Anna and I remain the sole shareholders.

In addition to my role as MD of our Group, I have a Consultant role for Laithwaites (largest direct mail wine business in the world), advising their Management team on everything from range architecture to acquisitions and a similar role for Virgin Wines in the UK.

When I have time I also help with Business SA and the Entrepreneurs Program.

Filled vacant SAFC Property Director position for 2019.

Adam May (Property Director Candidate)

Current Adelaide 36ers Chief Financial Officer since 2018

I have worked in the sporting field for past 10 years, being employed at the Adelaide 36ers as the membership and finance manager before moving to the SANFL.

In my time at SANFL I was employed as the Finance Manager, where I was involved in the plans and analysis to redevelop AAMI Stadium/Football Park, working with C&G to ensure maximum returns.

I then changed roles to become the SANFL Clubs Finance Manager, where I was seconded to the Clubs and assisted five of them with strategic direction, financial analysis and reporting.

I have recently returned to the Adelaide 36ers as CFO, where one of my responsibilities is maximising revenue from non-traditional revenue streams.

One of the key areas is property and location. I was heavily involved in creating the business case for the 36ers' move to Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

I have recently completed my MBA, including studies and governance and responsibility.

I have also served on my daughter's school board (St Francis Xavier), where I was part of the Master Planning sub-committee to create a plan for use of the land owned by the school.

I am now also serving on my daughters' new school board of St Aloysius College in Adelaide.

South Adelaide welcomes former Redleg Tahlia Meyer to Flinders University Stadium for 2020. 

The 24-year old played her first season at SANFLW level in 2019 and made an impact right away. 

Averaging just under 12 disposals a game in 2019 at an impressive 76% efficiency, Meyer will look to bolster the Panthers midfield. 

One of her stand out games was in the Preliminary Final loss to the Roosters where she had a career high of 19 disposals. 

"I'm looking forward to using my past experience at SANFLW level with what I'm learning at South to continue the development of my skills both on and off the field" Said Tahlia Meyer

"When you make the switch there are always some mixed feelings, but I'm relly keen to get stuck into it"

"It feels great to be a Panther, and to embrace the values of South Adelaide is a privilege"

When talking about why Meyer made the swtich to South, she highlighted the focus on development. 

"I chose South Adelaide based on the program that is provided with the focus on development and feedback"

"The ability of coaches, specifically Rick to be so open to players and provide instant feedback made South the right fit"

In other list news, the Panthers welcome a host of local players to the extended list for the 2020 season. 

• Alana Baker (Flagstaff Hill)
• Courtney Barry (Victor Harbor)
• Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg (Aldinga)
• Annabel Gordon (Happy Valley)
• Chloe Jacobs (Happy Valley)
• Skye Kartinyeri-Sumner (Victor Harbor)
• Ellen Keightley (Happy Valley)
• Sheena Peters (Kenilworth)
• Layla Rogers (McLaren Vale)
• Caitlin Ross (Hackham)
• Kristen Rothwell (Willunga)
• Katrice Turner (Willunga)
• Renee Ullrich (Cove)

The Panthers also welcome back 2018 Premiership players in Nicole Mark, Louella McCarthy and Lucy Northcott. 

"It's really exciting to welcome back three Premiership players to the club" Said Watts

"Adding their experience into the squad will certainly help with some of our younger players"

"It's also fantastic to welcome so many local players into the program"

The Panthers have also elevated eight players from their successful under-17s program into the senior squad. 

"We're really thankful to the local clubs for the time and effort they put into developing players"

"The GSFL and SFL are great competitions to recruit players from and the standard of both competitions have improved significantly over the last few years"

"It's going to be an exciting 2020, so by getting behind the girls with a Women's Membership or making a tax-deductible donation to the Female Pathway Program you will allow us to keep developing these players for years to come"

Show the Girls that your #SouthProud in 2020!

Dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross has signed a new deal that will see him at Flinders University Stadium in 2020. 

Coming off another outstanding season where Cross claimed his fourth Knuckey Cup (South Adelaide Best and Fairest), along with a host of other awards, he will enter into his tenth season at Noarlunga in 2020. 

Since joining the Panthers from Scoresby in Victoria, Cross has put together an impressive resume of accolades, including an outstanding two Magarey Medals and R.O. Shearman Medals, which is judged by the umpires and coaches respectively.

Since becoming Co-Captain with Keegan Brooksby in 2018 and Matt Rose in 2019, Cross has developed his leadership qualities 

Having played 174 games to date, Cross played a slightly different role in 2019 with some more time up forward which also saw him take out the leading goal kicker award. 

"His loyalty to the club is unquestionable, and we're really excited to have him onboard for 2020"  Said South Adelaide Chief Executive Officer Neill Sharpe

"We know it was tough for Joel at the end of last season to see two of his mates in Crabb and Liddle hang up the boots, but for him to re-commit is fantastic." 

Playing Record
2011 - Present
174 games
139 goals

Accolades
Magarey Medal 2012 & 2015
Knuckey Cup 2011, 2015, 2016 & 2019
Mark Rawlins Trophy (Runner up B&F) 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2017
R.O. Shearman Medallist 2015 & 2017
SANFL State Team selection 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016
SANFL Advertiser Team of the Year selection 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 & 2019 (as VC)
SANFL Advertiser Player of the Year 2011 & 2012
South Adelaide Life Member 2018 
Player's Player Award 2019
Onsite Rental Group Fans MVP 2019
League Leading Goal Kicker 2019 (26 Goals)
Club Captain 2018 & 2019

Crossy is on for 2020, are you?

South Adelaide welcomes former Port Adelaide player Matthew Broadbent to Noarlunga for 2020.

The Henley Sharks/Woodville West-Torrens junior was taken at pick 38 of the 2008 AFL Draft by the Power. 

After spending 11-seasons at Alberton, the midfield utility now finds a home with the Panthers after 171 games at the highest level. 

"We welcome Brogsy to the club and we're really happy to have him on board for an exciting 2020" Said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright.

"He's been around footy and the AFL system for a long time, and the wealth of experience he brings to the club will be really useful in helping with some of our younger players."

"We'll expect him to bring his hard-nosed style to our new look midfield while also helping to cover down back"

"Matt will add a layer of calmness in the heat of battle which is a developing area for our team"

"His decision making and skills by hand and foot is something that our offensive transitions will benefit from."

"It was a pretty tough decision for me, but an important one and one I'm really excited about" said Broadbent 

"There were a number of factors [to come South Adelaide] but the chance to work with Jarrad Wright, who I've got a good relationship with and as well as the exciting list helped me make the decision"

When talking about what would be his role, Broadbent said that "I might play a bit more midfield than I have".

"We've got pre-season to look forward to, to get fit and get ready and obviously want to get some good momentum leading into the season."

"Really excited to get stuck into it."

Having a break out season for the Power in 2012, Broadbent played 19 AFL games to earn a consistent spot in the side where he also finished equal second in the John Cahill Medal.

2014 saw Broadbent bring up his 100th AFL game against Carlton in round 22.

At that point he was a key part of the Port Adelaide back six. 

The 2016 season was one of great consistency for Broadbent as he finished sixth in the Cahill medal after playing a large part of the year in defence. 

In the 10 AFL matches played in 2019, Broadbent averaged 20 disposals a game, which was above his career average. 

The South Adelaide Football Club welcomes Matthew, and partner Rachelle to the Family for 2020.

Matthew Broadbent

Playing Record

• Port Adelaide (Power) - 171 games (2009 - 2019) 
• Port Adelaide (Magpies) - 12 games (2014 - 2019)
• Woodville West-Torrens  - 15 games (2009 - 2013)

Accolades

• Port Adelaide Football Club Life Member - 2018 
• Equal runner-up John Cahill Medal - 2012

Brogsy is #SouthProud in 2020...are you?

South Adelaide is excited to announce that Keegan Brooksby will return home to Flinders University Stadium in 2020.

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. 

At the end of the 2018 season, Brooksby was offered another AFL lifeline by the West Coast Eagles as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period (SPP).

After spending a year in the WAFL, Brooksby played 20 games for the Eagles where he was in scintillating form which was confirmed by taking out the 2019 Best & Fairest for West Coast.

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

"In 2018 when he returned from the Gold Coast, the leadership and maturity he brought really helped push and develop our very young team" 

"His presence around the ground will certainly generate belief for the group"

"More importantly his ruck craft will provide first use for our new look midfield," 

"Leaving last year after being around for one season was not what I was really expecting to happen" said Brooksby

"To come back to the club, hopefully for good is something I'm really looking forward to"

When talking about his year at West Coast, Brooksby is excited to use some of his experiences to his advantage.

"I think you just get different look at a different environment"

"I've had some key takeaways on how they did things and they've obviously been successful"

"It's been a valuable experience learning from Adam Simpson, who was under the Clarko system at Hawthorn "

"I certainly felt that after the 2018 season, that we probably were on the cusp of being very competitive"

"To get that first season under Boof and play a final, the group is ready to take the next step"

"Younger blokes are getting plenty of experience and we're in a position where we can really push on"

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.

Under the tutelage of Brad Gotch, he was 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-Captian with 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.

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 what will be a big 2020.

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)

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 #SouthProud...are you?

The South Adelaide Football Club is saddened to hear the recent passing of former player Kevin Griffiths.

Kevin was recruited from the Teachers College to South Adelaide Football Club in 1971.

His first game was Round 8 vs North Adelaide 22/05/1971.

At the beginning of his football journey, Kevin was an elegant ruckman who later in his career switched to the forward pocket. He played 28 games from 1971 - 1973.

Kevin went on to having a succesful cricket career, winning a Bradman Medal. He was well respected within the cricket community.

He joined the Board at Adelaide Oval SMA as a Director; and as a member of Finance, Audit & Risk Committee. In addition to this, he was a previous member of the SACA Board and the Cricket Australia Board.

Professionally, Kevin completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Western Michigan University. His career pathway followed into leadership management and team building, when he established KRG Consulting in 1988.

The thoughts of everyone at the South Adelaide Football Club are with Kevin's family, friends, teammates and all that remember him fondly on and off the football field.

South Adelaide has secured the signatures of four key senior players for the 2020 SANFL season.

Returning next season is 2019 Mark Rawlins Memorial Trophy winner (Runner-Up Best & Fairest) Joseph Haines, along with Co-Captain Matt Rose, Encounter Bay product Ben Heaslip and ever reliable defender Tyson Brown.

In a breakout year, Haines played his best season at league level averaging almost 23 disposals per game and was also selected to represent SA in the state game against WA in May. 

However, Haines 2019 campaign will best be remembered for a 'Leo Barry' mark late in the Round 10 match against the bays. 

Rose has also committed to the Panthers after his first season as Co-Captain where he averaged 22 disposals across the back flank. 

His 2019 got off to a bright start, by being named as a co-captain with Joel Cross thanks to the outstanding leadership he's displayed since coming to the Panthers from Port Adelaide in 2014.

Rose also was selected in the SANFL State Team that faced the WAFL in May, making it back to back state game selections.

South Adelaide Talent Pathway product Ben Heaslip will enter his sixth season at Noarlunga. 

He's played 57 league matches since his league debut in round 1 2015.

In 2019 Heaslip stepped up into a leadership role within the leadership group for the first time. 

Ever reliable defender Tyson Brown also inks a new deal which will see him enter into his 10th season at Noarlunga. 

In what was another extremely consistent year, Brown averaged 15 disposals and managed to play all 18 games injury free. 

South Adelaide welcomes back all four men and eagerly awaits seeing them back in blue and white in 2020!

Joseph Haines

Playing Record

2013 - Present
64 games
7 goals

Accolades

Mark Rawlins Trophy (Runner-Up Best & Fairest) - 2019
Flinders University Most Improved Player - 2018
SANFL State Team Selection - 2019
Runner-Up Reserves Best & Fairest - 2016

Matt Rose

Playing Record

2010 - present
153 games (103 for South Adelaide)
43 goals

Accolades

Mark Rawlins Memorial Trophy (Runner-Up Best & Fairest) - 2015
Best In Finals - 2016
Third Best & Fairest - 2017
SANFL State Team Selection- 2018 & 2019
Club Captain - 2019
Frank Barry Medal - 2019

Ben Heaslip

Playing Record

2014 - present
57 games
26 goals

Accolades

League Best First Year Player (David Kantilla Memorial Trophy) - 2015
Flinders University Most Improved Player - 2017
Leadership group - 2019

Tyson Brown

Playing Record

2011 - present
65 games
11 goals

Accolades

Flinders University Most Improved Player - 2016

These boys are #SouthProud in 2020, are you? 2020 Memberships now available!  

South Adelaide are excited to welcome James Rose for the 2020 season.

The former Sydney Swan lands at the Panthers following 5 seasons in the red and white after making his AFL debut in 2015. 

Taken at pick 37 of the 2014 AFL Draft, Rose went on to play 14 AFL games after playing at Sturt as a junior. 

The smooth mover kicked 22 goals from 13 NEAFL matches in 2018 and was at his best in the 2018 NEAFL Grand Final collecting 38 disposals and a goal. 

"We're really excited to welcome James to the club, he'll be a great addition to the team" said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright

"As a player James will add some top end class to our midfield, he has elite speed and decision making and knows where the goals are."

"He will complement our already tough working midfield nicely"

"As a person his core values fit in with what are building here at South, and James will be a very good fit." 

When speaking on making the move to the Panthers, Rose felt that South Adelaide was the right fit. 

"I came back to Adelaide with an open mind, and after meeting with Jarrad and Neill I sparked a connection with Boof quite quickly as our values aligned"

"I'm bloody excited to contribute and looking at the list there are some fantastic leaders in Cross and Rose."

"The list is maturing at the right time and it's shaping up to be an exciting year, and I'm really keen to contribute."

We welcome James to South Adelaide and are excited to see him in action in 2020.

James Rose Playing record

Drafted - Pick 37, 2014 AFL Draft
Team - Sydney Swans
Games - 14 (AFL)
Goals - 7

James is #SouthProud, why aren't you? 2020 Memberships now available!  

South Adelaide are pleased to announce the signing of Ben Sawford. 

The 25 year-old joins the Panthers after spending the last four seasons down the bay with Glenelg. 

Prior to joining the Tigers in 2016, Sawford began his SANFL football life at Port Adelaide as a junior in 2011. 

The 182cm ball winner is poised to bolster the Panthers midfield in 2020. 

"We're really excited to have Ben on board for 2020, he's a proven ball winner and will look to strengthen our midfield" said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright

"I'm confident that Ben will be the first of several important additions to our playing group for 2020"

We welcome Ben to South Adelaide and are excited to see him in the blue and white next season. 

In other list news, Emmanuel Irra has informed the club that he will look to seek an opportunity at another SANFL club due to work related reasons. 

Likewise, Mark Noble has also informed the club of his desire to explore opportunities in Melbourne for family reasons. 

"We appreciate the contribution that Emmanuel and Mark have made to the football club, and we wish them all the best for the future" said Chief Executive Officer Neill Sharpe. 

Ben has shown that he is #SouthProud, are you? 2020 Memberships now available!