Brooksby returns to the Panthers in 2022.

3 December 2021

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.