In a significant move, the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) has approved major adjustments for its AFL-affiliated teams, Adelaide and Port Adelaide. This initiative aims to provide more opportunities for local talent and enhance the overall quality of the competition. Following an extensive six-month review, these changes are designed to bolster the development of young athletes in South Australia, responding to the AFL’s ongoing discussions regarding competitive balance and the potential for a national reserves league.
The review was part of the ongoing license requirements for the two AFL clubs to participate in the SANFL, especially in light of conversations surrounding the future structure of football in Australia. Key recommendations from the review include amendments to existing rules that will enable Adelaide and Port Adelaide to more effectively integrate local players into their line-ups. This approach not only focuses on nurturing emerging talent but also aims to ensure the long-term viability of the SANFL and its clubs.
From the 2025 season onward, a new Talent Development List will be implemented, allowing each AFL club to include up to eight young players aged under 21. These players can come from SANFL clubs as well as interstate. In addition, an Open Age List will allow the clubs to recruit up to four players aged 21 and older, thereby enriching the competition with experienced players. The existing community list will also remain in place, ensuring that community club players can continue to be a part of the SANFL framework.
Darren Chandler, SANFL Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of these changes for the league’s sustainability and its historic legacy as Australia’s longest-running football competition. He stated that the review was aimed at fostering long-term growth within the SANFL while ensuring that both AFL clubs remain competitive in the local league. Chandler made it clear that SANFL is not in favor of a national reserves competition, believing that the current model offers the best structure for football in South Australia.
These regulatory changes are particularly beneficial for young players like Logan Evans, who was recently signed by Port Adelaide after participating in the SANFL Rookie Program. Despite being overlooked in the draft, the program enabled him to showcase his skills, highlighting the pathway for young athletes to achieve their goals. The revised regulations not only create opportunities for homegrown talent but also ensure that players who qualify under the Father-Son and Next Generation Academy rules can join their respective clubs ahead of the AFL Draft.
Both Adelaide and Port Adelaide have faced challenges in recent years, with Port’s last reserves championship win dating back to 1999 and the Crows struggling to find their footing despite having numerous AFL-listed players. As these new regulations take effect immediately, clubs are gearing up for the 2025 season, which promises to bring fresh talent and renewed competition to the SANFL landscape.