The SAFC Junior Boys program has built a proud legacy, securing six premierships between 1990 and 2023. This page brings those moments together in one place—capturing the stories, scorelines, and key performances that shaped each triumph.
Under 17 - 1990
1990 U17 Grand Final - Football Park - Sunday, 30th September 1990
| Q1 | HT | Q3 | FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Adelaide | 2.2 | 6.5 | 13.7 | 17.10 (112) |
| North Adelaide | 3.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 9.7 (61) |
Goal Kickers: Bone 3, Barry 3, Powell 2, Mills 2, Lush 2, Ackland, Rogers, Morrow, Turner, Yon
Best Players Bone, Koster, T. Mills, Powell, Barry, Rogers, Groom, Morrow.
1990 Team ListC. Groom, C. Allen, M. Powell, R. Bone, J. Yon, M. Rogers, C. Tumer, D. Auckland, P. Ford, T. Mills, M. Morrow, R. Sheers, E. Maxwell, C. Lush, B. Barry, D. Rayner, C. Hoskin, K. Koster, M. Bryant, D. Nyland, P. Wright, M. Muller, D. Thomas, G. Holden, D. Smyth, P. Cook, B. Kitto, C. Nottle, S. Trott, M. Loy, A. Taylor, M. Roberts, M. Cook, T. Hebbard, T. Pearce
Under 17's take the flag.
(reproduced from SAFC 1990 Year Book - Page 35)
by KEN APPLEGARTH - U17's Coach 1990
My congratulations and thanks to all who have assisted in this history making premiership year. Being a new person the the club and with around 50 new players, I found it necessary for all concerned, to commence training before Xmas.
This I believe gave all the lads both new and regular, individual confidence and that vital extra time to become orientated with one another.
The training sessions from then on gained momentum and were always well attended.
After the training camp held at Victor Harbour, and our 20 goal trial win against Glenelg at Port Elliott, gathered an inner feeling then that the ads both as individuals and as a team, had something pretty special to offer. Hence through the minor round, they won 13 games and lost only 5, enabling them to finish 3rd on the Premiership table. To achieve that, we played about 46 players for the season.
The results from these speak for itself, with resounding victories in the major round. The qualifying, second semi and of couse the one that counts the GRAND FINAL.
Through the couse of the season like most clubs, players were promoted to both U/19s and Reserves.
My congratulations to Michael Morrow, Randall Bowe, Kym Koster, Matt Powell, Chris Groom, Matt Rogers, Corey Allen, Adam Taylor, Travis Hebbard, Mark Loy and Michael Muller.
Also superb with deserving efforts were Randall Bone and Kym Koster. This saw them selected for the Teal cup side for Brisbane, and both performed with excellence. Trent Mills was most unlucky not to be selected, but was named as a reserve, and Clayton Lush had shocking luck breaking his arm whilst trying out. A great effort lads! And to be successful you require support staff. Those fantastic people were,
- Daryl West - Assistant Coach;
- Trevor (Ned) Kelly - Team Manager;
- Sam Forrester - Team runner;
- Dave Hansen - T&D officer;
- Trevor Blight - Head Trainer;
- Trevor's assistants - Bob McPherson, Bob Slater, Bruce Gilbert, Roger Ackland and Frank Taylor;
- John Wilson - Time Keeper;
- Les Scheers - Interchange steward;
- Tom Groom - Jumper Steward;
- Bob Miles - Junior delegate to match committee;
- Peter Hoskin - Drink steward;
- Panther club and various parents - cooking and preparing BBQs;
- Parents - General allround support.
Also a big thankyou to the Hoskin and Maxwell families for allowing social functions at their respective residences throughout the year.
In closing I hope all the players will cherish this the first juniors premierships for the rest of their lives because quite simply achieving this is very, very special.
My best wishes and success lads with their futures with the S.A.F.C. I will follow you all with extreme interest.
The season has been extremely rewarding, and most enjoyable. You all deserve it.
Under 19 - 1993
1993 U19 Grand Final- Football Park - Saturday, 25th September 1993
| Q1 | HT | Q3 | FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Adelaide | 5.3 | 8.8 | 12.16 | 19.22 (136) |
| Eagles | 5.2 | 10.4 | 13.5 | 16.6 (102) |
Goal Kickers: D. Scholz 6, G. Smith 4, D. Trethewey 3, B. Pyman 1, M. Roberts 1, A. Harrison 1, J. Batsavalas 1, A. Mills 1, M. Ryan 1
Best Players A.Harrison, C.Lush, M.Roberts, D.Scholz, S.trott, B.Barry, M. Cook.
1993 U19 SquadR. Hearn, G. Barry, R. Forrester, D. Trethewey, S. O'Connor, K. Harrison, A. Harrison, P. Cook, C. Lush, N.Genovese, S. Sampson, B. Pyman, M. Ryan, M. Schutze, S. Meyer, J. Wilson, M. McDermott, J. Wilson, D. Badderley, R. McPherson, J. Schirmer, M. Cook, A. Mills, J. Batzavalis (Captain), B. Nyland, M. Bryant, B. Matheson, M. Carter, G. Smith, D. Scholz, D. Smith, O. Ladd, L. Bettes, M. Roberts, S. Trott, S. McGuinness, J. Gaskin.
A story of Character
Reproduced from the 117th Annual Report - 1993 (page 17)
On the 25th September at Football Park, our Under 19's competed in, and won, the Grand Final against the Woodville West Torrens Eagles.
From the outset, it was clear this was going to be a high standard encounter between the two top teams, and the crowd was not disappointed. The Eagles finished the season as Minor Premiers with South just one game behind, so clearly they were the best two teams in the competition.
Weather wise, it was a perfect day for football. Not too hot, and a slight breeze towards the lake end. The Eagles kicked with the breeze, and after a high scoring and even performance by both teams, ¼ time saw South Adelaide in front by 1 point. Result, even.
Our turn with the breeze, and both defences worked overtime. Our poor kicking for goal was starting to cost us, but both teams continued to battle hard, and ½ time saw the Eagles lead by 8 points. Result, even.
The Eagles had the slight breeze again, a small lead, and south had to be careful not to let this get out of control, but to their credit they kept on fighting hard and attacking the goals, but their poor kicking for goal was now starting to be a major factor between the teams. Up to now, we had 28 shots for goal to the Eagle's 18, but at the end of the 3rd, South were in front by 5 points.Result, even.
This was it, real nail-biting stuff. One of these teams had to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and fortunately for South their kicking for goal started to improve. South showed more fight, desire and character in this last term than the Eagles. South rattled on 7 goals 6 points to the Eagles 3 goals 1 point in the last ¼ to win the game by 34 points. If we had kicked straight, the game would have been over a lot sooner. We had 41 shots for goal to their 22, and we hit the post 5 times, but it was our character and perseverance that got us through. Result, ours.
Score
SOUTH 5.3 8.8 12.16 19.22 136)
EAGLES 5.2 10.4 13.5 16.6 102)
A lot of people might not be aware, but this was a historic win. In over 50 years of junior football, this is the first time that South has ever won the Under 19 Premiership. In fact, it wasn't until 1990 that South won its first and only Under 17 Premiership. Both of these teams were coached by Ken Applegarth, so as you can see, Ken has had quite an impact on our junior development.
The lads in the team wish to thank Ken and Merv and all the support staff, and they were very appreciative of the support they received at Football Park. It was an impressive crowd of South members and supporters. Well done, everybody.
MICHAEL MOORE
Under 19 - 1994
1994 U19 Grand Final- Football Park - Saturday, 24th September 1994
| Q1 | HT | Q3 | FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Adelaide | 6.1 | 12.5 | 16.8 | 22.8 (140) |
| Woodville-West Torrens | 2.2 | 5.7 | 12.11 | 14.14 (98) |
Goal Kickers: M. Roberts 3, N. Genovese 2, C. Draper 8, M. Ryan 2
Best Players M. Ryan, N. Genovese, C. Draper, B. Nyland, S. Clonan, S. O'Connor
1994 U19 SquadS. O'Connor, D. Elliott, G. Osborn, B. Baxter, P. Rooke, M. Ryan, K. Cobb, B. Nyland, J. Bevan, D. Threadgold, S. Clonan, J. Tassone, B. Vayro, N. Genovese, M. Schutze, J. Gaskin, O. Ladd, J. Luke, D. Davis, L. Betess, M. Roberts, K. McCassey, J. Torney, S. Goodwin, B. Tymmons
UNDER 19 REPORT 1994
Reproduced from the 118th Annual Report - 1994 (page 15)
Another successful year with the Under 19's winning another Premiership. They only lost 3 games all year 2 against the Eagles and 1 to Glenelg.
Thirty-four players were tried during the year with several Under 17's given the opportunity to play at a high level.
They acquitted themselves extremely well and full credit must be given to Coaching, Medical and Support Staff.
Shane Reardon in his first season as Coach and supported by Steve Meyer, gave all the boys the opportunity to play Senior Football and hence they played their first games at Senior level. They were Clay Sampson, Jarrad Luke, JulianFarkas, Leif Bettess, Shannon O'Connor.
The Grand Final was played with South Adelaide starting as the underdogs but with an excellent first quarter kicking against the wind they proved that with determination and wanting to win the football they were in a strong position and went on to win the Grand Final by 42 points.
Many thanks must go to all concerned in getting the boys to back to back Premierships. My thanks go to everyone concerned with special thanks to John Wilson who has been Time Keeper for 460 games. John will be at the helm again next season and he will amass over 500 games which is a truly unique record.
I am looking forward to our move to Noarlunga and wish the Club every success both on and off the field in 1995 and in future years. It is truly a great moment with our move to Noarlunga and I hope that all members and supporters will be there to see our players perform in their new premises.
Under 17 - 1995
1995 U17 Grand Final- Football Park - Saturday, 23rd September 1995
| Q1 | HT | Q3 | FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Adelaide | 0.1 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 9.7 (61) |
| North Adelaide | 2.0 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4.7 (31) |
Goal Kickers: C. Burckhardt 3, S. Farrant 2, N. Kay, T. Viney, L. Palmer, S. Redden 1.
Best Players L. Palmer, Johnson, M. Walton, J. Wilson, P. Van Dyk, A. Tonkin
1995 U17 SquadB. Rynne, J. Bevan, T. Viney, M. Walton, S. Redden, M. Walter, D. Gosden, N. Trethewey, S. Clonan, C. Burckhardt, R. Veenoliet, A. Gordon, A. Gowling, M. Smith, S. Freer, S. Mahoney, G. Davey, H. DeBoo, J. Wilson (Captain), N. Kay (Vice Captain), P. Van Dyk, G. Orrock, C. Bevan, D. Clonan, L. Howlett, A. Tonkin, A. Carnevale, B.Campbell, S. Goad, E. Whale, S. Farrant, A. Manuel, L. Palmer
UNDER 17S AND 19s REPORT 1995
The Under Age program at South Adelaide continued its successes of recent years with the Under 17 Team finishing the season as Premiers.
This was a terrific effort by all the Players, Coaches and Officials connected with the Under 17 Year.
The Under 19 year was less spectacular, with the team finishing in 7th position on the ladder. The side had a chance of making the four up until the 3rd last game of the year, but unfortunately it was not to be.
The value of the Under Age program at South Adelaide is further emphasised by the fact that 43 players were given the opportunity of playing Under 17 football with 11 of those players being given the chance to play Under 19 football. Similarly the Under 19 Team played 38 players and 7 Under 19 players played Reserves Football with 5 of them going on to play League Football.
Another special feature of the year was the selection of Jason Bevan and Shayne Clonan in the Commonwealth Bank SA Under 17 Team which contested and won the Under 17 Championship held at Albury. Both Jason and Shayne did their club proud with their performance. Ashley Manuel was an emergency for this Team.
All in all the football future of South Adelaide is continuing to look good.
As coaches, we would like to thank the people who helped us through the year, particularly our Team Managers, John Ayres (Under 17) and Merve Temme (Under 19), our assistants out on the track, Rod Corsey, Reg Pollard and Peter Maidment and Laurie Nicholas and his Training staff and Dr Anthony Kresivic. Our on field leaders Jared Wilson (Under 17s) and Ashley Mills (Under 19s) both did a fine job.
Under 16 - 2021
Grand Final - Noarlunga OVAL - Sunday, 25th April @ 11:00 AM
South Adelaide
104
16.8
Glenelg
51
7.9
| Q1 | HT | Q3 | FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Adelaide (U16) | 3.3 | 4.4 | 10.6 | 16.8 (104) |
| Glenelg (U16) | 2.1 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.9 (51) |
Goal Kickers: Jack Delean (3), Jake Agnew (2), Phoenix Hargrave (2), Ryan Pearsons (2), Benny Barrett , Isaac Churchill , Jayden Heinze , Sebastian Hoeck , Sebastian Oliver , Tom Schirmer , Tom Wheaton
Best Players:
Player List (Jumper Number, First Name, Last Name, Local Club) 1 Jayden Heinze Myponga/Sellicks FC, 4 Benny Barrett Happy Valley FC, 8 Blake Rodrigues Yankalilla FC, 10 Sid Draper Willunga FC, 12 Phoenix Hargrave Reynella FC, 13 Sebastian Hoeck Willunga FC, 16 Jack Delean Reynella FC, 17 Ethan Taylor Christies Beach FC, 18 Tyson Woodcock Willunga FC, 19 Tom Pilmore Aldinga FC, 20 Lachlan Hamilton Happy Valley FC, 22 Ryan Pearsons Encounter Bay FC, 23 Tom Wheaton Strathalbyn FC, 24 Cooper Bobridge Brighton FC, 29 Ayden Duke Yankalilla FC, 30 James Baxter Encounter Bay FC, 31 Jace Daris Christies Beach FC, 32 Riley Mechan Reynella FC, 33 Myles Amos Willunga FC, 34 Noah Howes Port Noarlunga FC, 35 Isaac Churchill Aldinga FC, 36 Nicholas Schroder Willunga FC, 37 Zak Keir Dudley United FC, 38 Sebastian Oliver Happy Valley FC, 39 Jake Agnew Reynella FC, 40 Tom Schirmer Reynella FC.
Under 18 - 2023
Grand Final - Adelaide Oval - Sunday, 17th September @ 12:00 PM
South Adelaide
71
10.11
Sturt
69
10.9
| Q1 | HT | Q3 | FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Adelaide | 3.3 | 6.5 | 9.6 | 10.11 (71) |
| Sturt | 2.2 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 10.9 (69) |
Goal Kickers: Noah Howes (3), Jack Delean , Sid Draper , Phoenix Hargrave , Blake Rodrigues , Cohen Shortridge , Dakota Sterzl , Tom Wheaton
Leading Disposals: Sid Draper (21), Phoenix Hargrave (18), Zak Keir (17), Ryan Pearsons (16)
Best PlayersDraper, Schroder, Keir, Duke, Howes
Our Under-18's win their first flag!
Reproduced from U18 Match Report published 18 September 2023 on safc.com.au
It all came down this; a fateful day in September which could see the Panthers Under-18's cement themselves into the history books, winning their first Torrens University Under-18's Premiership.
The Adelaide Oval stage was set for the Grand Final against Sturt, and it was time to get the job done.
The Panthers got to work quickly in the first quarter, with a passage straight out of the middle would find Noah Howes. Howes on the move, picked up the ball cleanly and the snap around the body was even better securing the first major of the day.
Sturt replied but the Panthers would tighten up and apply stronger pressure, Tom Wheaton being a catalyst of this movement ending his game with 8 tackles.
It was incredibly contested, and it would take some time until the panthers were able to score again.
Wheaton would break the drought just before the 15-minute mark, taking a quick grab and finding himself 30-metres out directly in front, the kick was perfect sailing straight through.
Howes would assert himself in this term with his second. On a tight angle 40-metres away from the sticks his kick was pure and the Under-18's were building up a lead early.
However, after this Sturt lifted their intensity and found some form securing three majors in the second term.
The Panthers needed to stop the bleeding, with Sid Draper the first to reply back. After an impactful opening term his presence was felt after he secured his first goal in a dire situation, crumbing a dropped mark and running into an open goal, securing an essential major.
Sturt were finding plenty of room with the ball in this term and they were making the most of it but the Panthers would reply late in the term with two critical majors.
Jack Delean would be taken high and find himself 30-metres away directly in front, we knew what was coming next as his kick was spot on.
From the clearance Taylor Goad would follow up his own work and stream forward, the kick lacing out Howes at the top of the square, the set shot was absolute and the Panthers would find themselves in the lead by 1-point headed into the third.
A great effort late in what could have been a detrimental term, showing the effort these boys are willing to put in.
The third term started strong as a beautiful passage would see the ball get into the hands of Phoenix Hargrave who would run on and unleash from 55-metres out, securing a long-range bomb and setting the tempo.
Sturt did well to stay close in the term but the Panthers would separate themselves in the middle of the quarter.
Cohen Shortridge was taken high out of a stoppage, and he found himself lining up from 45-metres on a slight angle, it took all he had but the kick was definitive, and he secured his first.
Blake Rodrigues would follow suit after he took a contested grab 45-metres out, the kick was piercing and the Panthers had a 2-goal lead, ending the term in the lead by 11-points.
With one quarter of the season left and the contest still in anyone’s hands the boys left it all on the field.
Sturt weren’t going down without a fight, and they kept up the intensity until the final siren.
The Panthers would only kick one major late in the final term. An entire field passage through the guts of Adelaide Oval would see the Panthers get crafty and find Dakota Sterzl, his kick from 35-metres on the move was immaculate.
Sturt did not let up at any point as they went on to reply with two goals late, but it wasn't enough.
A number of handy points was the difference, as the Panthers would claim the 2-point win and their first Premiership.
Sid Draper was awarded the Alan Stewart Medal for his impactful performance of 21 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 marks and a goal.
A huge congratulations is to be awarded to U18's Coach and Talent Manager Mark Clayton, Captain Nick Schroder, the whole playing group, support coaches and staff, as well as all the passionate and dedicated family members.
