South Adelaide induct four life members for 2025

At the 2025 Knuckey Cup and Margaret Nyland Medal event, the South Adelaide Football Club proudly honoured its newest life members: Edna Vanderham, John Vanderham, Tony Barbaro and Jaslynne Smith. Their commitment and contributions to the club have been invaluable, and the evening was a fitting celebration of their achievements.

Edna Vanderham

Few honours carry as much meaning at South Adelaide as Life Membership, a recognition reserved for those who have gone above and beyond in their service to the club.

Since joining the club in 2010, Edna Vanderham has been one of the people who quietly make everything work behind the scenes. As Team Manager for both the Under 16 and Under 15 squads, she has supported countless young players as they began their football journeys.

Edna’s tireless efforts have included sorting and transporting gear, washing jumpers, recording Best and Fairest votes, taking attendance, and ensuring teams were ready to perform each week. She has also played an important role in helping young players grow into responsible and independent young men.

Over 550 players have passed through the Under 16s program under her guidance, including AFL premiership players Caleb Daniel, Tom Sparrow, and Jason Horne-Francis. Her influence is reflected in the strength of the program and in the character of the players who have come through it.

John Vanderham

While Edna has made an enormous impact on the junior program, her husband John Vanderham has been just as vital to the senior side.

Since 2009, John has been a constant presence within the senior program, always willing to step in and help wherever needed. He first joined the club as a massage therapist, providing care and support to players as they prepared for matches and recovered afterwards. Over time, his role grew to include property management and equipment organisation, which are crucial details that make a football program run smoothly.

John’s contribution is marked by quiet professionalism and genuine care. He is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring that every piece of gear is in place, every player is ready, and every session runs without a hitch. Those who have worked alongside him know the calm reliability and positive spirit he brings to every task.

In a football environment that can be intense and fast moving, John has been the steady hand behind the scenes, embodying the true meaning of dedication and teamwork.

Tony Barbaro

For Tony Barbaro, what began as a passionate supporter’s offer to lend a hand became a long and loyal chapter of service to the Panthers.

Tony’s journey with South Adelaide began when he answered a call for volunteers from the then Chief Executive Officer. What started as a small gesture of support quickly grew into a deep commitment. In 2010, Tony took on the role of Reserves Team Manager, a position he has held ever since.

Across more than a decade of service, Tony has been a model of reliability and pride. He has never missed a beat, never incurred a fine for late starts, and is always ready to step up to League-level duties when required. His preparation, organisation, and attention to detail have set a standard for how game-day operations should be run.

Tony’s influence extends beyond his official duties. He is known for his calm presence, his encouragement of players and staff, and his willingness to help wherever needed. He has shared much of this journey with his children, passing on the same sense of loyalty and pride in the South Adelaide Football Club that has guided his own involvement.

Those who know Tony describe him as someone who never seeks recognition, but whose commitment is noticed and appreciated by all.

Jaslynne Smith
 

The final presentation of the night marked a historic moment for the South Adelaide Football Club.

For the first time in the club’s 149-year history, a senior women’s player was awarded Life Membership. That honour went to Jaslynne Smith, a true pioneer of the Panthers’ SANFLW program.

Jaslynne began her South Adelaide journey in the Development Squad in 2015 before joining West Adelaide for the inaugural SANFLW season in 2017. When South Adelaide entered the competition in 2018, she returned home and quickly became the cornerstone of the Panthers defence.

Calm, dependable, and consistent, Jaslynne has been named twice in The Advertiser Team of the Year, finished runner-up in the 2021 Best and Fairest, and played in six Grand Finals, winning four premierships. She has played in 107 of South Adelaide’s 108 SANFLW games, a record that reflects her incredible consistency and resilience.

In Round 6 of the 2025 season, she became the first player in SANFLW history to reach 100 games, and now she becomes the first SANFLW player inducted as a Life Member of the South Adelaide Football Club.

A quiet achiever, a loyal teammate, and a trailblazer, Jaslynne has set the benchmark for what it means to be a Panther.

The 2025 Knuckey Cup and Margaret Nyland Medal evening not only celebrated on-field excellence but also honoured the people whose commitment and passion continue to define South Adelaide’s proud history.

Congratulations to Edna Vanderham, John Vanderham, Tony Barbaro and Jaslynne Smith on their induction as 2025 Life Members of the South Adelaide Football Club. Their dedication and service have left an enduring mark on the Panthers community.