SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Eagles heading into the 2021 Statewide Super League season.
Finished – 1st
Record – 11 wins, 3 losses (minor round)
Perce Johns Medallist – Joseph Sinor
Leading Goal Kicker – James Rowe (38)
Best Team Man – Rhyan Mansell
The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year – James Rowe (forward pocket), Jack Hayes (centre half-forward), Jordan Foote (wing), Joseph Sinor (interchange)
Coming
Riley Knight (returned/Adelaide), Daniel Menzel (Central District), Troy Menzel (Central District), Kobe Mutch (Essendon), Rhys Mutch (North Melbourne VFL), Clay Cameron (Redland/Gold Coast Suns), Stephen Mills (Redland/Gold Coast Suns), Mitch Hardie (Canberra Demons), Cooper Sharman (Leeton/Oakleigh Chargers), Cooper Gaffney (returned/Port Districts), Seb Kerrish (Glenelg), Rory Lehmann (Vermont), Dane McFarlane (Werribee), Mishai Wollogorang (Robinson River, NT)
Going
Nick Hayes (work/Melbourne), Jordan Foote (work/Sydney) Lachlan Jones (Port Adelaide), Caleb Poulter (Collingwood), James Rowe (Adelaide), Rhyan Mansell (Richmond), Henry Smith (Brisbane), Jacob Wehr (GWS), Lachlan McNeil (Western Bulldogs), Taj Schofield (Port Adelaide), Jamie Coff (Central District), Sam Lowson (returning to Melbourne), Will McPherson (work), Jake Weidemann (Port Adelaide SANFL), Jake Westbrook (Port Adelaide SANFL), Tristan Carcuro (Echunga)
Thursday March 4
Woodville-West Torrens 7.8 (50) d North Adelaide 6.4 (40) at Thebarton Oval
Friday March 12
Woodville-West Torrens v Glenelg at Thebarton Oval – 7.30pm (Reserves at 5.30pm)
Saturday March 20
Woodville-West Torrens v Adelaide at Thebarton Oval – 9.30am (Reserves v PAOC at 12pm)
Speculation was swirling that former Crow Riley Knight may sign with North Adelaide but in the end, the Eagles junior returned to Oval Avenue. In a significant boost to the reigning premier, Knight’s presence will not only provide coach Jade Sheedy with someone to run and carry the ball through the middle but also another attacking option inside 50m. Featuring in 55 AFL games for Adelaide, the 25-year-old is entering the prime of his career which should excite all Eagles’ fans.
Former Glenelg utility Seb Kerrish has landed at Oval Avenue, refreshed and ready to make his mark with the reigning premier. The neat-kicking left-footer managed just one League match for the Tigers in 2019 but has played 33 Reserves matches and at age 21, could be ready to shine this season. With Jacob Wehr’s half-back role needing to be filled, Kerrish looms as the ideal like-for-like replacement.
Brayden Calvett (176cm and 71kg) – Outside midfielder is an elite runner with a speed and endurance combination. Has ability to kick well both sides of his body, working on improving his contested ball and clean hands under pressure.
Jase Burgoyne (185cm and 64kg) – The son of Port Adelaide premiership star Peter Bugroyne is tied to the Power under the father-son rule. A smooth-moving midfielder, Jase is slightly built but able to navigate his way through traffic while delivering the ball in impressive fashion.
Lukas Cooke (194cm and 79kg) – Developing tall forward who can take a big marks in a pack, has very clean hands and sound mobility for a tall player. Working to develop his size and strength to enable him to cope with the contested aspect of the game.
Jonte Hunter-Price (197cm and 90kg) -Boasts a big, strong body. Enjoys the competitive side of the game. Plays mostly ruck and key forward. Has an elite running jump which allows him to launch high and hard into aerial contests. Working on winning more of the footy when playing ruck.
Jay Watson (174cm and 64kg) – The small forward/outside midfielder has great combination of speed and endurance and knows where the goals are having averaged a goal per game in 2020. Working hard to develop his defensive impact in games.