Footy News - Vol 1 - saafl

FOOTY
NEWS
GET THE OFFICIAL NEWS ON THE AMATEUR LEAGUE
SAAFL Soaring inTO
new season
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
SAAFL 3.2 4.4 7.5 8.12 60
Country 1.3 4.4 6.7 7.8 50
The South Australian Amateur Football
League is soaring into a new season with
several innovations set to enhance interest
in the competition even further in 2012.
A major announcement over the summer
has been the naming rights of Thebarton Oval
to Adelaide Airport Stadium.
SAAFL CEO Grant Goodall has welcomed
the partnership calling it a good fit due to
the stadium’s proximity being close to the
airport and each other’s close ties to the
same council.
“We’re local partners and we’re pleased
they have recognised the size and impact
of the SAAFL, and also seen it as being
beneficial to their needs,” he said.
“It’s not just the impact on the
local community, but the broader
metropolitan community.”
“It is a superb local ground (for football),
which can also be used for a wide range of
recreational purposes”.
The financial support from the Adelaide
Airport, along with that of the South
Australian Government, the AFL, the City of
West Torrens and the Community Football
League, has assisted in upgrading the
lights at the ground, which now allows for
night football.
The success of which has already been
seen with opening game of the SANFL season
at the stadium and several amateur league
clubs will get to experience it throughout
the season.
Reigning Division 1 premiers Gaza will
also be using Adelaide Airport Stadium as
its home base for the first half of the year
while Klemzig Oval is being revamped.
SAAFL reclaim the MAC Cup from the country representative side. Photo: Peter Argent © PLA Media
The lights should also provide the SAAFL
with new business opportunities, which it
hopes to reap the rewards of over the next
few years.
Other community organisations
and sporting codes may look to use the
stadium while function facilities can receive
greater usage.
The Executive Committee has also ratified
the inclusion of Division 8/8 Reserves to the
program this year as well as promotion and
relegation for the other C Section grades.
Committee member John Kernahan said
that creating a level playing field was an
important factor in making the decision.
“The core issue was the disproportionate
level of results in the lower grades,” he said.
“Over 25 per cent of games were being
decided by over 150 points and 40 per cent by
over 100 points.”
“Now we just don’t think that encourages
participation, particularly for sides that are
getting whacked every week.”
Under this new concept of promotion and
relegation, it is hoped that over the course of
possibly two years the C Section will balance
itself out and become a fairer and more even
competition, making for better football in all
grades of the SAAFL.
Division 8 has been established simply for
clubs with C and D grade teams to aid them
in better managing their resources, such as
trainers and match officials.
It will still technically be classed as C
Section, but it will allow clubs to play their
C and D grade teams together each week,
instead of playing say C2 and C6 sides at
different venues.
It is considered a much improved way
of coordinating the competition for the
convenience of clubs and to encourage
home clubs to better promote their matches
to receive increased supporter participation.
It is sure to make for more exciting
football and hopefully greater interest in the
amateur league.
Meanwhile, the SAAFL has reclaimed the
MAC Cup defeating the Country side by 10
points on Saturday at AAMI Stadium.
In a tight low-scoring contest, the amateur
league players were able to edge past their
country counterparts in the second half to
level the annual Easter encounter at 4-all.

2012 MAJOR SPONSORS AND
PARTNERS

SAAFL - DIVISION 1 PREVIEW
Broadview
Gaza
Gepps Cross
Goodwood Saints
Henley
PHOS Camden
Rostrevor OC
Sacred Heart OC
Salisbury North
St Peter’s OC
SHOC class exodus
By Stephen O’Loughlin
Dual runners-up Sacred Heart Old
Collegians has experienced an exodus of key
players making their task of achieving the
ultimate success even more difficult in 2012.
Eight players in Mitchell Bosley, Jamie
Clancy, Cameron De Visser, Jack Fosdike,
Dane Thompson, Patrick Whitelum, Henry
Whiting and Jed Wilson have moved on from
last year’s grand final side that lost to Gaza
by just four points.
Other departures in veteran Chris
Flatman, Tom Moten, and Ben Wright have
also made crucial contributions in the senior
side over the past two seasons.
Reigning champions the Eagles will again
be the side to beat as they strive for backto-back
flags with much the same squad as
last year.
A few players like Nicholas Brewer,
Ryan Burns, Matt Downie and Dan Horsnell
have returned to their country roots while
Ryan Plant has moved interstate due to
work commitments.
These losses have been well covered
with the inclusions of Gepps Cross gun
David Allocca, Norwood’s Trevor Baust and
Joshua Benbow, South Adelaide’s Thomas
Butler, Keiran McDougall (Tea Tree Gully),
William Paley (Pembroke OS) and big Shawn
McGregor returns to the club after a stint with
his brother Ken at the Sharks.
Henley will remain strong opposition,
especially with the addition of ex-Eagles
quartet Sam Davoren, Cody Hicks, James
Stewart and Dale Symmonds, former Gaza
player Jamie Grosser, Thor Bekkevold from
Perth in the WAFL, Zach Giles, from the VAFA,
and highly skilled Seamus McDonnell back.
However, there are some huge losses for
the Sharks such as last year’s ruck duo of
Ross Pederson and Sam Daniel, along with
2010 joint Pfitzner Medalist Jason Turner and
McGregor. Fringe players Gareth Daley, Leigh
O’Donohue and Nigel Osborn have also left.
The once almighty Goodwood Saints could
be in for a tough year with the departures of
big man Craig Jamar, spearhead Eric Kells,
and rising star Joshua Starling.
No major signings by coach Trent Mills
will mean he must keep the faith with the
talent of previous years maintaining their
high standards.
Gepps Cross will be keen to improve after
playing finals last year, but Allocca is a big
loss for the club as will be Bradley Campbell,
Jamie and Jarrad Clark, and Joshua Hand.
With a very young squad, Rams coach Greg
Anderson will be looking for some youthful
enthusiasm to progress further.
Missed opportunities irked Wayne
Weidemann last year so seeing finals actions
will be high on the agenda for PHOS Camden.
Jaran Blethyn, Michael Bray, Brody
Culpitt and Archie Longbottom have exited
the Phantoms, but talented Rian Crane back
in the midfield will provide useful drive.
Broadview and Salisbury North will be
hoping new coaches inspire their ranks to
greater success in 2012.
The Tigers have looked to experienced
mentor Phil Harrison who is no stranger to
amateur league after plying his trade with
Modbury where he claimed a Division 2
premiership in 2008 and then two seasons
in Division 1.
Now he will be out to rebuild Broadview,
which has probably achieved the biggest
recruiting coup in gaining the services of
former Port Adelaide Power and St Kilda
ruckman Cain Ackland from North Adelaide.
Nathan Brown, Matthew Camplin and
Sam Haniford will be missed, but the return
of classy Rian Hornhardt is a positive.
Gaza and Henley loom as the sides to beat in
Division 1 in 2012 Photo: Jayson Vowles
Knowledgeable tactician Eugene
Warrior takes the reins of the Hawks and a
quick resurgence could be on the cards for
the northerners.
Newcomers Rostrevor Old Collegians and
St Peter’s Old Collegians may struggle early
on to lift to the level required in the top flight
of the competition, but will need to find their
feet quickly if they hope to hold their place
for next year.
ROCs have recently been here before, but
will be under the guidance of a new coach
Matthew Dawes.
It will be a whole new experience for
Trevor Hill’s young boys who can not afford
to become overawed.
Former Redleg Toby Schultz will be a
valuable focal point in attack for SPOC and
highly skilled Nick Smith should be around for
more games this year. Ruck Daniel Roberts
will need to be accounted for.

SAAFL - DIVISION 2 PREVIEW
Adelaide Uni.
Eastern Park
Flinders Park
Modbury
Old Ignatians
Port District
Portland
Prince Alfred OC
Tea Tree Gully
Walkerville
Leap up in sight
By Stephen O’Loughlin
All Division 2 clubs will be determined to
make the leap into the top flight of the SAAFL
next year – some more so than others.
Two that have been there before in
Adelaide University and Port District may
be working a little bit harder if off-season
recruiting shows anything.
The Blacks have just missed being
elevated the past two seasons bowing out in
close Preliminary Final contests and will be
eager to rectify those results this year.
An AFL-flavour has been added to Adelaide
University with the stringent signings of ex-
Adelaide Crows Andrew McIntyre and Lachlan
Roach to improve their chances. Major losses
though are Brad Davis and Michael Taylor.
The Magpies have several key players
returning to Largs Reserve, but the inclusion
of former Sturt strong forward Jeremy
Johncock makes them a more imposing
attacking line-up.
Club loyalties have seen former club best
& fairests’ Simon Maddern, Darren Perry, and
Todd Smitham, along with Shane Catterall,
Dylan Loackwood, and Simon Puecker rejoin
their mates for what builds as a promising
year ahead.
This group should also account for the
leaving players including eternal journeyman
Ben Gunning, pacy Glen Schreiber and goalscorer
Cody Colbung.
Tea Tree Gully has also seen a few changes
on the playing front with the most significant
recruit being multiple Division 1 premiershipwinning
forward from Goodwood Saints Eric
Kells, while elder statesman Stephen Daniels
is back.
Another prime forward Steven Pitt has
moved to the Riverland and defender Keiran
McDougall has traveled further down North
East Road to Gaza.
Promising year ahead for Port District after concerted recruiting over off-season.
Photo: Jayson Vowles
Former South Adelaide and Norwood
onballer Mitchell Sandrey was going to be a
bonus for the Gullies, but made a late decision
to stay at the Panthers for another season.
Adjoining club Modbury may be up against
it this year and be looking to just hold its place
with all the contenders around it.
Expect a few upset wins at home to
hopefully prevent further relegation for the
Hawks as coach Matthew Jolly endeavours
to mould one of the youngest squads in
the division.
Old Ignations will be out to challenge
once again for a finals berth after pinching
fifth spot on the last day of the minor round
last year.
A longer stay in September will be the
aim though with new coach Julian Wait
at the helm.
Prince Alfred Old Collegians and Adelaide
University matches will have extra interest
after the Reds gained the services of Blacks’
coach Marcus Trimboli’s former right hand
man Phil Walsh to lead them further up the
ladder in 2012.
PAOC suffered more injuries than most
in 2011 and they still just missed the top-five
so with key players staying on the park, big
things could be expected from the college side
similar to SPOC last year.
Rivalries will be none bigger than when
Port District face off with close neighbour
Portland, which claimed elevation from
Division 3 with Flinders Park, and Thunder
coach Ricky Pearce will be keen to get one
over his former club in what will probably be
a tough initiation at this level of football.
The Reds moniker will be at stake when
Flinders Park meet Prince Alfred OC and
coach Sean Jackson and his boys have made
the step up in the past so will be expecting to
consolidate their position here for longer than
simply one year.

SAAFL - DIVISION 3 PREVIEW
Athelstone
CBCOC
Kilburn
Mitcham
Payneham NU
Pemborke OS
Pooraka
Salisbury
Seaton Ramblers
SMOSH West Lakes
Lions set to roar
SMOSH West Lakes got close to advancing
a grade last year so are sure to be spurred on
to make the effort required not to falter again.
The Lions certainly possess the manpower
to be a real force in Division 3 in 2012 with
former Adelaide 36ers basketballer and West
Adelaide footballer Chris Molitor, who even
trained with Essendon in 2010 to try his luck
in the AFL draft.
Now he will be a big plus for SMOSH
West Lakes, but the most interesting
clearance coming across their table was
that for Adelaide Crows assistant coach
Scott Camporeale, who may throw the boots
on a few times during the season when
commitments permit.
However, there are some lads pursuing
SANFL opportunities including forward
Charlie Rae, who has already debuted for
the Eagles, Matthew Gates and Nick Latassa.
Mitcham will be another side to watch this
year, finishing on same number of wins as the
Lions in 2011, only to succumb to them in the
first semi-final.
Continued improvement will see the
Hawks rise up the ladder as well.
The two demoted clubs Norwood
Payneham Union and Athelstone were not
happy with their performances last year and
if their pre-seasons are anything to go by then
look for quick improvement.
It has been rapid slide down from Division
1 in consecutive years for the Falcons, but
coach Garry McIntosh believes the knowledge
gained by his young troops puts them in a
good position to be back amongst the top
sides in no time.
Seasoned campaigners Loius Martin, Alex
Douglas and Jarrod Haynes will be missed,
but veteran Kym Klomp adds experience to
the line-up.
Dumped Prince Alfred Old Collegians
coach Rocky Butterworth is now putting the
Mitcham will be hoping to advance further than the first semi-final this year while it could be another
tough season for CBCOC. Photo: Jayson Vowles
Raggies through their paces and word is their
players have never been fitter.
Elevated Kilburn will be an unknown
quantity as it is a Division 1 club that wants
to return to the glory days as soon as possible.
The appointment of former State and
Salisbury North coach Jamie Thomas has
been the impetus the club has needed as
last year he was able to instill belief in his
players and they went on to win the Division
4 premiership from fifth spot.
Ex-Central District junior Sean Brading
will add invaluable skills to the Chics and has
already impressed in Easter’s SAAFL versus
Country clash.
Fellow promoted club Salisbury has
previously struggled at this level of football
and will need to work hard again if it plans
to remain here.
Seaton Ramblers and Pooraka sat around
the middle of the table for most of last
season with the former just holding on to see
finals action.
No doubt the Bulls will believe it is their
turn this year, but, with the talent around
them, similar positions are most likely.
The two college sides CBCOC and
Pembroke OS battled to stay up last year and it
is difficult to see anything different in another
season of tough Division 3 football.

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SAAFL - DIVISION 4 PREVIEW
Elizabeth
Golden Grove Greenacres Hectorville Para Hills Plympton Pulteney Salisbury West
Scotch OC
Unley
Long roads to success
By Rod Moss
Some serious kilometres face teams this
season and away performances are likely
to influence the shape of the finals mix at
year’s end.
After a forgettable season in 2011, Para
Hills re-joins Division 4 and coach Scott
Bamford will be looking for immediate
improvement, against Greenacres, which has
been consistently around the mark in recent
seasons without quite being able to make the
Grand Final.
Recruits, pre-season fitness and team
cohesion will obviously be the key factors in
all round one games and hence a toss of the
coin is the only way to go at this stage.
Maybe the Reds at home might just out
run the Dragons whose early season form
can be a bit patchy at times. Prediction: PARA
HILLS by 1-10 pts
In a similar position to Para Hills being
back at this level, Golden Grove has recruited
strongly and will be looking to establish
themselves as a contender right from the
start, when hosting Pulteney .
The Kookaburras have The’ Navy Blues’
had a reasonable finish to season 2011
and under new Coach Ryan Viney, will be
desperate for early points which is something
it has struggled with in recent years.
The Kookaburra’s will equally want an
early win to boost local support and its young
legs will be a factor on the roomy Harpers
Field oval, but maybe Pulteney’s ‘ins’ might
just tip the result their way. Prediction:
PULTENEY by 1-10 pts
There is no love lost between local rivals
Elizabeth and Salisbury West.
Elizabeth had a disappointing 2011 and will
have no doubt bolstered its key position depth
during the off season.
The Tigers return to Division 4 with some
confidence after consolidating its young group
well last year, and the energy and flair which
led to its Grand Final appearance should be
on display.
In a game which has all the hallmarks of
a possible draw, Salisbury West might just
get the job done despite the Eagles having
the home ground advantage. Prediction:
SALISBURY WEST by 1-10 pts
Hectorville faded during the latter part of
last year and that will not be lost on coach
Darren Francis who will demand early wins on
the board to build on, starting with promoted
Plympton at home.
If the Bulldogs allow Hectorville to gain
control of the game, it will find itself with
a huge challenge to turn it around, once
the ‘Hounds’ machine is rolling it is very
hard to stop.
Though, Plympton will probably start as
marginal favourites. Prediction: PLYMPTON
by 1-10 pts
It will be the first showing of the newly
formed Unley-Mercedes as they face another
great local rival Scotch Old Collegians at
Kingswood Oval.
The Jets fade from the finals last season,
but expectations are high for a good showing
in 2012 while Scotch is always around the
mark with its well-balanced midfielders
and smalls and control of its high marking
forwards is always a challenge.
The last kick of the game decided the
result last year and a similar situation would
not surprise. Prediction: UNLEY-MERCEDES
by 1-10
Unley-Mercedes and Greenacres will be major
contenders in 2012. Photo: Jayson Vowles

SAAFL - DIVISION 5 PREVIEW
Ade. Lutheran
Brahma Lodge
Fitzroy
Glenunga
Hope Valley
Kenilworth
North Haven
Rosewater
West Croydon
Westminster OS
Clash of the titans
By Max Phillips
Brahma Lodge host Adelaide Lutheran in
a battle of the Division 5 heavyweights to kick
off the season .
Both clubs have been active on the
recruiting front during the off-season and will
fancy their chances to start the year with a win.
A few handy pickups from Eastern Park in
the form of Nathanial Solly, Alan Harvey and
Matthew Paul should help Brahma Lodge
cover the loss of gun forward Scott McIntyre
and skipper Michael Hayes over the summer.
Adelaide Lutheran also has some
big-name ins to strengthen its side, with
star Berri recruit Chris Scholefield and club
legend Rowan Miegel back in a Bulldog jersey.
Glenunga will be keen to make an
early statement after earning promotion
from Division 6, beginning at Webb Oval
against North Haven.
The Rams have retained most of their
list from last season and have added some
firepower up forward in Jacob Bushell and
Kane Stewart for the 2012 premiership tilt.
It will be a tough assignment first-up
however, as the Magpies are shaping as one
of the early favourites for this year’s title.
Although the loss of ruckman Matthew
Eagles is a blow, North Haven has added
plenty of quality with former Port Adelaide
player Jake Lynch and ex-Portland pair Tom
and Chris Lipson head-lining its list.
After finishing third last season, West
Croydon will be hungry for more success
starting with a win against Westminster OS
at Fawk Reserve.
Andrew Shepley will be a welcome addition
for the Hawks who appear to have retained
most of their core group, bar the loss of Jeb
Stubberfield.
It’s a tough ask to beat the Hawks
on their home deck, but Westminster
OS do have some handy inclusions of their
North Haven shape as early flag favourites for Division 5.
own in the form of ex-Goodwood Saint Josh
Starling and forward Jamie Clancy from
Sacred Heart OC.
Rosewater will begin their campaign at
their make-shift Nazer Reserve home against
Hope Valley.
The Bulldogs will rue the loss of gamebreaker
Ashley Matz and workhorse Phil
Williams during the off-season, but their
competitive spirit and grit means that Rosies
should never be underestimated.
Hope Valley will launch their new strip and
could be a smokey for the flag with last year’s
D5 Medalist Lee Duggan leading the charge.
The inclusion of Darryl Wintle will also add
some invaluable footy experience and wisdom
to the Demons’ list.
Photo: Jayson Vowles
After a disappointing 2011 season ending
in relegation, Fitzroy will be keen to take the
big scalp of D6 premiers Kenilworth in front
of the Lions’ faithful.
Newcomers Brent McLean and Lachlan
Camp will add some class to the Fitzroy
line-up as the Lions fight to regroup in 2012.
Kenilworth, on the other hand, will be
looking to keep the premiership momentum
flowing and should start hot favourites to
down the Roys.
Div. 1 recruit Zac Ellis will add more
depth for the Kookaburras who will be
hoping to follow the efforts of Golden Grove,
Westminster OS and Hectorville in recent
years by storming from D6 straight through to
D4 with successive Grand Final appearances.

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SAAFL - DIVISION 6 PREVIEW
Adelaide Uni.
Blackfriars OS
Central United
Col. Light Garden
Houghton Dist.
Ingle Farm
Lockleys
Mawson Lakes
Trinity OS
Woodville South
Open season ahead
By Jack Grover
It will be a long trip for Colonel Light
Gardens in round 1 as they make the trip up
to Houghton to take on the Raiders.
Both sides will want to start their 2012
season off with a win and improve on their
sixth and seventh placings respectively
last year.
Houghton is always a tough ask at home
and with the likes of Liam Davis running
around it is always a threat.
The Lions will take the field under new
coach Steve Zweck for the first time with Kane
Stewart the only big loss from last year, but
should win by 25 points.
The two sides relegated from Division 5
battle it out first-up at Lockleys Oval.
The Demons losing Martinello, the team
of the year ruckman from Division 5 last year
will be tough to replace.
Woodville South has added Jeb
Stubberfield and former Woodville West
Torrens player Nathan Rayner to their already
impressive playing stocks.
The Cats only major loss at this stage is
Timmy Sumner who will be playing in the
SANFL this season, but should still win
by 50 points.
Central United travel to Mawson Lakes, in
what should be a cracker of a game.
The major pick up for the Saints is Brad
Lees, who by all reports should go very well
at this level, improving an already strong team
that took on SHOCS in the div 7 grand final
last year.
However, new Dogs coach Shaun Holland
will attempt to show the newly promoted side
just how tough this division can be.
Central United have added Aaron Firth to
their side, who much like Brad Lees should
go well in this division, but look for an upset
by the home side by 22 points.
Ingle Farm will be out to claim an opening round victory at home over the Blacks.
Photo: Jayson Vowles.
Ingle Farm takes on Adelaide University at
Rowe Park with a lot of new faces.
Nicolas Lynch is likely going to be their
best recruit and will be a player to watch for
opposition sides.
The Blacks are always an unknown
quantity at this time of year and while more
than competitive in 2011 it could be a different
story this year.
If its depth is maintained and its two teams
in the higher division have an injury-free run
then I can see this University team being
as strongly competitive as they were last
year, but its Ingle Farm for me by 15 points in
round one.
The match of the round in my opinion
is the two Old Scholars teams (Trinity and
Blackfriars) playing each other at Park 6.
Blackfriars Old Scholars will have
a similar side to last year but without Chad
Spurr while new Trinity coach Scott Matthews
will have his hands full as playing coach.
The Lions are always a strong team and
you can’t write off a side with two big mobile
lads like the Zorich brothers.
Trinity were cursed by injury last year and if
they can have a better run then I can see them
being a top 3 threat and close winner in the
opening week by Trinity by 4 points.

SAAFL - DIVISION 7 PREVIEW
Angle Vale
Flinders Park
Flinders Uni.
Henley
Mitchell Park
Modbury
North Pines
Sacred Heart OC
Smithfield
Tea Tree Gully
Big distance between clubs
Division 7 is an interesting competition
with half the sides being their club’s C grade
while for the other half it is their A grade
so results can be somewhat lop-sided
sometimes.
Last year’s premiers Sacred Heart
Old Collegians has decided not to accept
promotion to Division 6 so will go around
here again.
However, expect most sides to become
more competitive against the college boys
as several of last year’s best are likely to find
themselves in the club’s B grade due to the
loss of players from their A grade.
SHOC must make the long journey north
first-up to face Modbury which is always hard
to beat at home whatever level is being played.
The Hawks can only improve on last year’s
performances as well, notching up just two
wins so can they double that this season.
2009 premiers Henley is back and will
challenge again for elevation with strong
depth at the club.
The Sharks first round opponents Tea
Tree Gully has increased its stocks for the
higher grades so some talent may drift down
improving its flag chances too.
Flinders Park has agreed to field its C
and D grades in Division 7 this year after
premiership success in C3 and C6 in 2011.
An opening match-up with Flinders
University could be a good contest for them
to show their capabilities after the Crabs won
just once last year.
Smithfield may be up against it after only
achieving one victory in C1 with its sole side
in the competition last season.
However, being in a position to field two
sides this year places them here, which may
be a struggle.
Neighbouring Angle Vale and North Pines
along with southerners Mitchell Park met
each other during last year’s finals series
and are sure to face-off again in August
with high expectations of going further this
time around.
The Owls and the Redbacks are matched
up in round one and the Lions host the
Panthers for early supremacy.
One thing is for certain though, there will
be a lot of kilometres built up by all concerned
at this level with the distance between clubs
so hopefully away sides will be well supported
throughout the season.
Reigning premier Sacred Heart Old Collegians
will remain in Div 7 chasing unique back-to-back
flags. Photo: Jayson Vowles

STOP PRESS
The South Australian Amateur Football League (SAAFL) launched its 2012 Season at the newly named
'Adelaide Airport Stadium' on Wednesday 21 March 2012.
The President of SAAFL, Mr Gino Capogreco opened the 2012 season with a raft of new initiatives
announced at the season launch. Thebarton Oval has been renamed to 'Adelaide Airport Stadium', the
culmination of a new partnership agreement between SAAFL and Adelaide Airport. Other new initiatives
announced at the season launch were the completion of the half million dollar light upgrade project at
Adelaide Airport Stadium; a new and improved website and a new player management system.
Adelaide Airport's Managing Director Mr Young said, "Adelaide Airport is proud to be the new naming
rights sponsor for the Adelaide Airport Stadium. SAAFL is a not-for-profit organisation with a proud 100
year history and the community benefits of supporting the largest Australian Rules competition in Australia
are appealing to our organisation. Tens of thousands of South Australians will play at or attend the
Adelaide Airport Stadium this year ensuring that our support will help foster the competition and its
community ties alike. The proximity of the stadium to our Airport and the fact that all planes approaching
the Airport from the east view the oval, contributes to a perfect partnership. Supporting a great
organisation promoting healthy sporting activity for so many South Australians and a sporting venue that
has so many community uses, played an important part of our decision to take up the naming rights."
This season 66 clubs making up 236 teams, over 20,000 players and officials, and over 80,000 loyal local
team supporters. These are all indicators SAAFL is in for another strong and successful season which will
start on 14 April, 2012.
SAAFL President, Mr Capogreco said, "2012 will be an exciting season and we welcome Adelaide Airport as
the new stadium sponsor. Many of the other new initiatives delivered before the season commences will
create a stronger SAAFL. Our new lights will allow us to attract new users to our stadium which includes a
function centre. The stadium itself is already used by a number of other community organisations and
sporting codes. Corporate businesses and private groups also use our oval and function facilities.
With the SANFL Umpires vacating our upstairs office space next year, to locate back to AAMI Stadium, we
are also beginning our search for a new sub tenant in 2013. Our proximity to the CBD and Airport and the
excellent condition of our grounds make the Adelaide Airport Stadium a unique venue."

The Sherrin - It's the Official AFL Football, an elite piece of leather that has always been
around since 1880 - 21 years before federation.
The Sherrin is the oldest regular footy. It seems that footy pioneers used rugby balls from
England. It was when Sherrin's founder was given a misshaped rugby ball to fix in 1880 that
he came up with the design for the first Sherrin.
The ball bears the name of its founder/inventor, T.W. Sherrin, who produced the footy from
a factory in Collingwood. Now the famous footy is manufactured in Scoresby.
Sherrin was founded in 1880 and since that time has had an unswerving dedication to the
following values:
high quality craftsmanship
commitment to excellence in all areas
support of grass roots
highest levels of service
passion for the game
As custodians of this enduring brand name today, all staff involved in the brand as
thoroughly grounded in these values to ensure that the Sherrin tradition continues and
evolves.