The SANFL season officially kicks off this weekend, and excitement is in the air as teams prepare for their opening matches. Norwood will face North Adelaide in a highly anticipated Round 1 clash at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night, March 29, 2025. The game is set to begin at 7:10 PM, following the Reserves match that kicks off at 4:30 PM.
Norwood, coming off a strong pre-season under new coach Jade Sheedy, is eager to start the season on a high note. They have named an extended squad featuring potentially seven debutants, including Connor Ling, Tom McCallum, Josh Gillow, Daniel Gauci, Jack Hodges, Liam Ling, and Charlie Molan. This fresh talent is expected to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Redlegs as they take on the Roosters.
Luke Surman will take on ruck duties, joining Nik Rokahr, Billy Cootee, and Mitch O’Neill in the centre circle. Key players Matthew Ling, O’Neill, Finn Heard, and Tom McCallum have all recovered from pre-season injuries, adding depth to the squad. Norwood captain Jacob Kennerley expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating, "Every year we get that first night game, North always have a strong crowd, so we hope Norwood fans come out because Saturday night at The Parade doesn’t get much better. We are really excited and we have a really positive mindset for the season ahead."
Kennerley continued, emphasizing the positive atmosphere in the team: "There is a buzz in the air with footy season upon us. I am really looking forward to Saturday night against North Adelaide. We have been working towards this for months now, and I’m feeling really confident about how the boys have prepared. It’s been a great pre-season under Sheeds, it’s been great getting to know him. He’s added some new elements and theories to the team. Sheeds has handled it really well, and the group has too. I’m excited to see what we can do."
Meanwhile, the SANFL season officially kicked off on Friday night, March 28, 2025, with reigning premiers Glenelg taking on the Port Adelaide Magpies at Alberton Oval. The match, which started at 7:10 PM, featured a strong lineup for Glenelg, who are looking to secure their third consecutive premiership after defeating Sturt in the 2023 grand final.
Glenelg vice-captain Matt Allen shared insights into the team's pre-season, noting, "We've been able to bring in some new players and we had a really, really hungry crop of young players come up through our under 18 program last year. It’s been a really competitive pre-season, and that’s probably the word that has stood out … competitive." Allen emphasized the importance of developing young talent quickly to integrate them into the game plan.
As the SANFL season unfolds, teams will be focused on stopping Glenelg from achieving another premiership. Other matches on Saturday, March 29, include Sturt facing South Adelaide in Noarlunga Downs, West Adelaide against Adelaide in Richmond, and Central District battling Woodville-West Torrens in Elizabeth.
Port Adelaide's lineup for their clash with Glenelg featured new faces Jez McLennan and Jack Watkins, who are expected to make a significant impact. McLennan, a two-time Fos Williams medallist, joined from Central District, while Watkins, who captained North Melbourne in the VFL, adds valuable experience to a young Port Adelaide squad. Coach Hamish Hartlett named 11 AFL-listed players in his 21-player squad, indicating a strong commitment to fielding a competitive team.
Tickets for the Port Adelaide versus Glenelg match were available at the gate, with children under 18 allowed free entry. Concession tickets were priced at $14, while adult entry cost $22, making it accessible for fans eager to witness the action.
In a noteworthy development, Dyson Sharp, a highly regarded prospect, will commence his 2025 SANFL campaign at the league level for Central Districts. The 17-year-old is set to play against Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Sharp's impressive performance in the previous season, where he averaged 17.8 disposals, 5.5 tackles, and 5.3 inside 50s per game, has positioned him as a player to watch as he aims to boost his draft stock.
Sharp's previous experience includes playing five games under senior coach Paul Thomas last season, where he showcased his skills in critical matches, including a qualifying final win over Sturt, where he collected 21 disposals, five clearances, four inside 50s, and scored a goal.
As the SANFL season progresses, the league will also host regional matches, with Norwood set to host Adelaide in Port Lincoln for Round 5 and North Adelaide playing South Adelaide in Port Pirie in Round 13. This initiative aims to bring SANFL football closer to fans in regional areas, providing them with the opportunity to see their favorite teams in action.
With the finals season scheduled to take place at Adelaide Oval starting August 31, 2025, the SANFL is poised for an exciting year ahead. The league's commitment to showcasing talent, both at the league and under-18 levels, is evident as they prepare for a competitive season filled with promising matchups and emerging stars.
As the first round of matches kicks off, fans can look forward to thrilling encounters and the chance to see how teams adapt to the new season. With Norwood and North Adelaide set to clash, expectations are high, and the atmosphere is electric as teams aim to make their mark in the SANFL.
