by Bounce of the ball » Mon Feb 29, 2016 4:06 pm
As SANFL clubs begin their on-field campaign with 2016 trial matches, the focus is also shining heavily on attracting off-field support through memberships.
Here, the SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK explores each club’s 2016 membership campaign and the reasons why you should sign on the dotted line forthis year.
SANFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE JAKE PARKINSON
‘’Members are the foundation of all SANFL clubs,’’ SANFL Chief Executive Jake Parkinson said.
‘’The commitment and dedication of SANFL members is core to the health of the clubs, and our clubs provide great environments for members to have fun and socialise with players and supporters alike.
‘’Revenue streams such as membership have a vital role to play and each fan who becomes a member can rest assured their contribution is building a successful football club.
‘’Not only do members feel closer to the club they love, they can also receive significant savings when it comes to purchasing season tickets while also receiving discounts on other items such as meals and merchandise.
‘’With the trial matches underway, now is a perfect opportunity to sign up your friends and family in preparation for what promises to be an exciting season in 2016.’’
CENTRAL DISTRICT
2016 slogan – Yield To None.
Why should I join? The Bulldogs made a barnstorming run through to the Preliminary Final in 2015 so optimism is high they can go one step further in 2016. In terms of recruits, the Bulldogs have netted an exciting trio, headlined by delisted Essendon midfielder Elliott Kavanagh. Big-bodied Nick Holman (Carlton) and ruckman Darcy Fort (Footscray) have also arrived at Elizabeth. Star on-baller Chris Jansen will look to build on an impressive debut season after winning the Powerade Star Search Award while SA Under-18 players Kyle Presbury and Brendan Dew are expected to continue their rapid development at League level.
GLENELG
2016 slogan – Forever Gold
Why should I join? The Tigers have assembled a star-studded off-field team with favourite son Kane Cornes returning to the Bay as a development coach. Crows premiership hero Tyson Edwards will coach the Under-18 team while former skipper Ben Moore will work closely with the midfield group in 2016. On the field, Glenelg junior James Sellar is back at Brighton Road after playing with AFL clubs Adelaide and Melbourne while former Magpies Ben Sawford, Jack Haarsma and Luke Harder could all make an impact under senior coach Matt Lokan. The Tigers’ Brighton Road venue is also an attractive place to watch football, particularly under lights near the Jetty Road precinct.
NORTH ADELAIDE
2016 slogan – Leave Nothing Behind
Why should I join? – New coach Josh Carr has promised to deliver a hard edge to Prospect as he begins coaching in his own right. The former Power assistant has brought with him the highly-regarded Brad Dodd – who played with AFL club Fremantle - as development mentor. On the field, a steep rise is on the cards at Menzies Crescent with several of last year’s stars – including the Thring brothers – looking good on the track. Plus, former Melbourne midfielder Jordie McKenzie and Richmond utility Matt McDonough have arrived while North junior Mitch Harvey is back after a two-year stint with the Power.
NORWOOD
2016 slogan – Norwood. My Team.
Why should I join? There is a real sense of redemption emanating from The Parade after last year’s fading finish in the Elimination Final. Off the field, Jarrod Cotton has returned from the Crows to be the club’s head of Player and Coaching Development. On the field, a host of premiership players have been welcomed back into the fold including Jaryd Cachia, Matt Fuller, Anthony Wilson and Andrew Kirwan. The Friday night footy experience is one to be enjoyed at The Parade, with fans able to have a meal and a drink before watching the Redlegs do battle in a marquee match-up under lights.
PORT ADELAIDE
2016 slogan – We Are Port Adelaide
Why should I join? 2004 premiership star Chad Cornes has been welcomed back to Alberton to take charge of the Magpies in season 2016. The All-Australian has promised to bring a ‘’ruthless’’ edge to his playing group as he seeks to make his presence felt in the SANFL. Retiring Magpie Tom Logan will continue his involvement at the club as League runner while triple Best-and-Fairest winner Steven Summerton has been locked in as skipper for another year. Exciting youngsters Sid Masters, Tom Gray and Luke Reynolds will look to further their development in 2016.
SOUTH ADELAIDE
2016 slogan – Fight On Forever
Why should I join? South fans can regularly be treated to watching arguably the SANFL’s best player – dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross – and the League’s most spectacular – high-flying forward Brett Eddy. Plus superboot Tom Fields has returned from a one-year stint at Carlton where he regularly let fly with some 80m torpedo punts kicking-in while playing in the VFL. And don’t forget the unique atmosphere created at Hickinbotham Oval when the boundary line is surrounded by supporters sitting in their cars during the middle of winter.
STURT
2016 slogan – The Team Behind The Team.
Why should I join? 2002 premiership hero Marty Mattner is back at Unley to begin his senior coaching career after playing in Sydney’s 2012 AFL premiership and acting as a development mentor with the Swans for the past two years. Mattner is sure to bring a steely resolve to the playing group, which has been boosted by the return of star midfielders Brodie Martin (Crows) and Aidan Riley (Melbourne). Giant Adelaide rookie ruckman Jack Osborn – who measures in at 205cm and 110kg – will also be one to watch in 2016 after joining the Double Blues this off-season. The playgrounds at Peter Motley Oval offer a unique entertainment addition for families while watching their team play at the historic Unley venue.
WEST ADELAIDE
2016 slogan – Run With The Pack.
Why should I join? Why wouldn’t you join the reigning premier? There’s a lot to like about the Bloods, who play an entertaining brand of football resulting in high scores on the scoreboard. The majority of last year’s premiership team has been kept intact, including former Crow Jason Porplyzia who has declared he will play on in 2016. The Bloods have also added former Collingwood rookie Trent Stubbs, a versatile utility who can play through the midfield or in attack.
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS
2016 slogan - Here We Come
Why should I join? – Already, you can sense the Eagles are on a mission after being on the wrong end of last year’s Grand Final result. The club lost just 3 matches at League level in 2015 and with much of the same squad signed up for next year, expect much of the same. Plus, highly-rated delisted Essendon midfielder Nick O’Brien will bolster the on-ball brigade while Eagles juniors Jarrad Redden (Port) and Cameron Giles (Carlton) return. Anyone who experienced the community-minded atmosphere are Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval, when nearly 5,000 attended on a warm afternoon in Round 17, will be wanting to be a part of the action in 2016.