South Adelaide are sadden by the passing of Life Member Mervyn Temme.

Mervyn (Merv) began his journey with the Panthers in 1976 where he was the assistant timekeeper for the development squads, in which his two sons played. 

After a few seasons with the development squads, Merv became the drinks steward in 1981 for the Under-17s, which was followed by his appointment as the team manager for the Under-15 Development Squad in 1982.

Over 1983 and 1984 Merv moved to another new role where he was the coordinator of the Development Squads, as well as serving for two years on the Panther Zone Committee. 

Marv also served two years on the Management Committee in 1985 & 1986 and as the Under-19 and Under-17 Coordinator and Property Steward in 1987 &1988. 

By the end of the decade, Marv was team manager for the Under-15s in 1989 and Under-17s in 1990. 

In 1991 and 1992 he was Property Steward for the Under-17s, and from 1993 until 1997 served as Team Manager for the Under-19s.

He was appointed Training Operations Manager in 1998, and Property Manager-Football in 1999, a position he held until 2007.

In 1986 he received his Five Year Service Certificate, and in 1992 he was inducted as a Life Member of the South Adelaide Football Club.

Over the journey, Merv was also dedicated to the Southern Football League as a Commissioner, and SFL Tribunal Secretary.

Merv's work for the club has always been thorough and reliable, and has been typified by his willingness to do much more than any job description expects.  

It is estimated that Merv officiated at over 600 games during his time with the club, but more impressively he only missed four games.

The thoughts of everyone at South Adelaide are with his wife Mavis and the rest of his family. 

The South Adelaide Football Club advise that Jimmy Deane's Bar, Bistro and Gaming will suspend operations as part of the new COVID-19 measures. 

After the announcement from the Morrison Government, imposing strict new measures in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy Deane's will be closed from 12pm March 23, 2020 until further notice. 

The stage 1 restrictions that were announced last night state that Pubs, registered and licensed clubs will be close. 

"This is a particularly challenging time for us as a football club, but for everyone as a whole" Said Neill Sharpe, South Adelaide CEO. 

"For the foreseeable future, operations will be suspended with our licensed venue, Jimmy Deane's".

Update on the COVID-19 situation. 

Due to the postponement of the State League competition until May 31, 2020, the Club's players will cease training and will not resume until further notice, a decision aligned with all SANFL Clubs and nationally across all State League competitions.

As a result of this, the Club's office will be closed and football department will be on leave until further notice.

This is an extremely difficult time for the Club as we deal with the impact of the measures which have been imposed across all industries, including football, as a necessity to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect the health and well-being of the community

Through this time your support is more crucial than ever  and I urge you to take out a 2020 Membership if you haven't already. The Membership hot line (08 8186 8200) is still open, or your can purchase online here.

Jimmy Deane's Bistro is business as usual, where you can also support the club by coming down for a meal and even go for a kick on the oval, which is also open to the public.

A reminder that Kids Eat Free on Friday and Saturday night's, and your membership discount applies (T&C's apply).

With the unprecedented events happening around the world we will provide with updates via the club website and on social media channels.

I thank you for your support and patience through this uncertain time.

Frequently asked Q&As

Do you know when the season will start?

At this stage, the season is postponed until 31st May but this will continually be reviewed based on the changing circumstances of and advice from government and health authorities.

When matches do commence, do you know if spectators will be allowed?

We are unsure of this, it will be dependent on restrictions imposed by the Federal Government.

What about my Club membership, will I get reimbursed?

The decision to postpone the season has been made very quickly so Clubs, in consultation with SANFL, will be working through this issue and will update members in due course. We ask that you be patient and understanding and, if you are in a position to support your Club financially, please do so at this difficult time.

I have an Adelaide Oval membership, will I get reimbursed for that, since spectators are not allowed at AFL matches?

For any further enquiries with regards to Adelaide Oval membership, please contact the Stadium Management Authority on 82111160.

I've purchased a SANFL Digital Pass subscription for the season, what happens with that if there are no matches to live stream?

We are currently reviewing Season Digital Pass subscriptions. Check the SANFL website for further updates.

Why can the AFL commence its season but it's saying all other footy must be postponed?

Football at the highest level has put in place highly regulated and controlled health and safety standards that can't be replicated in football matches at community levels. The health, safety and wellbeing of the football community, including our volunteers, remains paramount.

Will the SANFL Statewide Super Women's League be postponed?

Yes, for the health and well-being of players, coaches, umpires, officials and volunteers, the Women's League has also been postponed until 31st May, in line with the men's League.

Will there be more trial matches between SANFL or community clubs?

No there will be no further trial matches until the season commencement date is determined.

Has the start of the National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors season be delayed?

Yes, SANFL Juniors is also postponed until 31st May, as well as NAB AFL Auskick for the health and well-being of junior players, volunteers and officials.

Why has the U16 Torrens University Cup season been cancelled altogether rather than be postponed?

Unfortunately, as only two rounds of the seven-round competition were completed, the difficult decision was made to cancel this competition. However, the SANFL Clubs, together with SANFL, are working through options to ensure SANFL Under 16 players are provided with an opportunity late in the year to play for their SANFL Club.

Will SANFL'S U13-U15 Development Squad programs be cancelled?

Yes, these programs at SANFL Clubs are also postponed until 31st May in line with the postponement of our state talent programs, U18s Torrens University Cup and SANFL Juniors.

Will Community Football be postponed in line with SANFL's competitions?

It is our strong recommendation that all affiliated Community Football leagues in SA also be postponed until 31st May, 2020. Some leagues have already acted on this and ceased all trainings and play until 31st May and we expect all will follow this directive.

Does the postponement extend to training as well as playing matches? 

Yes, training has also been postponed. We will continue to review this decision based on the changing circumstances and advice from government and relevant health authorities.

Will Community Football clubs be compensated financially?

No. In line with there being no financial compensation for SANFL and its clubs, Community Football clubs won't be compensated. It is recommended Community Football Leagues reduce their operations to reduce the financial impact as much as possible.

Will NAB AFL Auskick programs be postponed?

Yes, Auskick is also postponed until at least 31st May, in line with the postponement of SANFL Juniors and other junior programs. For more information and updates on AFL Auskick, visit [link to AFL website]

Will AFL9's competitions be postponed?

Yes, AFL9's is also postponed until at least 31st May, in line with the postponement of Community Football.

SANFL update: SANFLW, SANFL Juniors, AFL Auskick & Community Football

SANFL today announced the postponement of the 2020 Statewide Super Women's League until May 31 and strongly recommended that all Community Football competitions across South Australia also be postponed until that date.

In addition, SANFL has postponed National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors and NAB AFL Auskick until May 31.

The 2020 SANFL Under-16 competition, which commenced two weeks ago, has been cancelled.

Today's decision is consistent with the earlier postponement of the men's Statewide Super League and state talent programs as a measure to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson said the health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials and communities has been the number one priority throughout this decision-making process.

He said SANFL Club CEOs were supportive of the League's decision to postpone the Women's League competition, due to play Round 5 this weekend.

In line with a national decision on Community Football by the AFL, SANFL is strongly recommending that all affiliated leagues in SA cease any play until May 31, including training.

SANFL will continue to review these decisions based on the changing circumstances and advice from government and relevant health authorities.

"The recommendation to all affiliated leagues was collectively agreed upon due to the nature of shared public facilities across community football clubs and the health and safety of football's volunteer network," Mr Parkinson said.

SANFL is continuing to work with all affiliated Community Football leagues to provide ongoing support during this extremely challenging time.

SANFL STATEMENT: 2020 SEASON POSTPONED

SANFL, in a united decision with the AFL and all other State Leagues, has postponed the 2020 football season in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

SANFL will delay the start of the 2020 SANFL Statewide Super League season, Reserves and U18 competitions until May 31.

A review of competitions which have already commenced, including the SANFL Statewide Super Women's League and U16, is continuing, with a shortened season under consideration. An announcement regarding these competitions will be made shortly.

SANFL remains in discussions with the AFL with regards to the postponement of Community Football leagues and will provide an update as soon as possible.

SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson said the delayed start to the 2020 State League season in South Australia was unavoidable due to concerns for the coronavirus and the need to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, staff, supporters and the broader community.

"This is an unprecedented global health issue which we, like many other organisations, are doing our best to come to grips with and make decisions which are in the best interests of the general public," Mr Parkinson said.

"The ramifications across all levels of football are monumental and therefore require a united 'whole of football' approach to ensure the financial sustainability of our clubs and the future of our national game."

Mr Parkinson said SANFL will be working through the impact on SANFL Clubs, its members, players, staff, supporters and sponsors over the coming days.

The SANFL issues a statement regarding upcoming SANFLW, Under-16 and Under-18 matches. 

SANFL wishes to advise that from tomorrow (Saturday 14 March) no spectators will be permitted to attend SANFL matches until further notice.

However, due to the timing of this decision, tonight's two SANFL Statewide Super Women's League matches at X Convenience Oval (Elizabeth), as well the Statewide Super League men's trial matches at Thebarton Oval and Coopers Stadium (Norwood), will go ahead as usual, with supporters allowed entry.

The restrictions will apply to tomorrow's two remaining Round 4 SANFLW matches at Flinders University Stadium (Noarlunga) and the men's trial match between Central District and Sturt at
X Convenience Oval.

Only players, umpires and officials will be allowed entry into these matches tomorrow. 

All U16 and U18 Torrens University Cup matches scheduled at various grounds on Sunday also will be played under these entry restrictions.

The situation around Coronavirus has changed rapidly today and SANFL has been in constant communication with the AFL and by extension the Federal Government health authorities and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

In addition, SANFL has provided information and advice to all SANFL clubs and leagues in South Australia which will see them introduce precautionary plans immediately to limit the risk of infection of COVID-19 to all players, staff and match officials.

SANFL will provide updates regarding any change to the current status.

Supporters are advised that the games can still be watched via the SANFL Digital Pass.

South Adelaide's Under-16s look to bounce back against the Roosters on Sunday Morning at Flinders University Stadium. 

The Panthers will look to get on the winners list this week after a tough day at the office last Friday night, when they take on the Roosters on Sunday morning. 

The Roosters head to Flinders University Stadium having just got past the Bloods by the narrowest of margins in last week. 

In the first of four games of football at Flinders University Stadium on Sunday, the action kicks off bright and early from 9:00am.

Also in a first, all games of the SANFL Under-16 competition are streamed live and on demand via the SANFL Digital Pass. 

What: Panthers vs Roosters
Where: Flinders University Stadium
When: Sunday, March 15.
Time: 9:00am 
Watch: SANFL Digital Pass Members Only | Non-Members 
Tickets: Free Entry! 

Under-16 Round 2 South Adelaide vs North Adelaide presented by Hilton's Betta Home Living

Are you #SouthProud in 2020?