DIVISION TWO
2022 grand final: Broadview 7.11 (53) d Sacred Heart OC 6.5 (41)
FA Bloch Medallist: Henry Papatolis (PHOS Camden)
Leading goalkicker: Tristan Carcuro (Sacred Heart OC) – 52
Major ins: Mitch Grigg (Lobethal to Athelstone), Lindsay Thomas (Portland to North Haven), Logan Hill (West Adelaide to Edwardstown), Jed Spence (Norwood to Payneham Norwood Union), Josh Glenn (Golden Grove), Michael Virgin (Glenelg to PHOS Camden)
Major outs: Todd Lewis (PHOS Camden to West Gambier), Daniel Cluse and Aaron Stewart (Athelstone to Modbury), Lachy Webb (PNU to Barossa District)
Clubs: Adelaide University, Athelstone, Edwardstown, Golden Grove, Henley, North Haven, PHOS Camden, Payneham Norwood Union, Rostrevor OC, Salisbury North
While newly-promoted Golden Grove will be premiership favourite after adding former SANFL forwards Josh Glenn and Dallas Hill to an undefeated line-up featuring Cam Shenton and Lewis Johnston, Athelstone and North Haven should also emerge as major contenders.
Mitch Grigg has returned to junior club Athelstone after spending time at Lobethal and winning a Hills flag, while former AFL forward Lindsay Thomas has signed with North Haven after dominating for Portland in div four.
Payneham Norwood Union coach Jeremy Cini should lead his relegated side to a finals appearance this year after adding Norwood’s Jed Spence to a line-up which includes former AFL mid Brad McKenzie, while Henry Papatolis and PHOS Camden should also be around the mark after Michael Virgin’s arrival from Glenelg.
West Adelaide club champion has joined Edwardstown after the club’s surprise promotion to division two but will have a challenge on his hands as other competitive clubs in PHOS Camden, Henley and Adelaide Uni also compete for top five.
A relatively unchanged Rostrevor OC may struggle after being relegated from division one, while Eugene Warrior’s Salisbury North side will need another big season from forward Steve Wellington if it wants to survive relegation.
Division two of the women’s league should also be entertaining, with Angle Vale, Blackfriars OS, Brighton, Gaza, Golden Grove, Goodwood, TTG and Westminster OS all fielding sides.
THREE BIG PREDICTIONS
Golden Grove wins second straight flag, double promotion
The Kookaburras went undefeated in division three last season and should be primed for another premiership push behind Cam Shenton, Lewis Johnston and Jake Pitman.
Add former AFL and Norwood forward Josh Glenn as well as Central District gun Dallas Hill to the mix, and you have a truly formidable force.
Grigg dominates medal count
Fresh off of a dominant year with Lobethal, Grigg should be back to his brilliant best through the middle for Athelstone in division two of the Adelaide Footy League.
The Norwood legend has the ability to single-handedly win games on the ball and can also move up front to bag goals.
ROCS face double relegation
Rostrevor OC coach Ben Watkins has his work cut out for him this season after his young side was relegated from div one in 2022.
Staying safe in division two could be too big a task for the club considering the improved strength of the competition and another relegation may loom large.
PREDICTED LADDER
1. Golden Grove
2. Athelstone
3. North Haven
4. Payneham Norwood Union
5. PHOS Camden
6. Edwardstown
7. Henley
8. Adelaide Uni
9. Rostrevor OC
10. Salisbury North
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BRAD MCKENZIE
(Payneham Norwood Union)
The former AFL and Norwood gun had a strong season for the Falcons in division one last year as a defender and midfielder and will need to be at his best this season if PNU wants to win promotion back to the top div.
LINDSAY THOMAS
(North Haven)
One of the most lethal forwards in the Adelaide Footy League, Thomas’ arrival at North Haven could take the club right into contention for a flag.
The small’s ability to win the ball in the contest and finish on either side makes him a must-watch this year.
MITCH GRIGG
(Athelstone)
Grigg has returned to his junior club after a premiership season with Lobethal and should become one of the top players in the league.
He will spend most of his time in the middle but can also rotate up front and kick goals.
Two glaring errors
Rostrevor OC coach Ben Watkins
Completely missed Liam Davis' return to PNU