Recently axed St Kilda defender Arie Schoenmaker has found a new home, joining SANFL side South Adelaide Panthers for the 2026 season.
Schoenmaker was drafted to St Kilda with Pick 62 in the 2023 AFL Draft out of Tasmania after a promising year with the Devils’ Coates Talent League side.
The defender would make his AFL debut in 2024 against Brisbane and played three more games that season before adding three more appearances at the top level in 2025.
Despite a disappointing four-win 2025 campaign, Schoenmaker is excited by the Panthers’ playing list and hopes to elevate South Adelaide back into Finals contention for the first time in four years.
“I just thought the way the club is heading and chasing finals success with a young list is something I want to be a part of,” Schoenmaker said.
“The 150-year history also played a big role, and I really feel like this is a big year for the club, so I am really excited to be a part of it.
“The fact that we are a young list striving for success and wanting to play finals footy and win finals footy really stands out.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 30: Arie Schoenmaker of the Saints kicks during a St Kilda Saints AFL training session at RSEA Park on April 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
“Everyone is training hard, and when everyone is on the same page and pushing for success, it creates a great environment to be a part of. I am excited to get to work with the boys and chase finals success.”
Schoenmaker highlighted what his role for South Adelaide may look like, as he aims to bolster the Panthers’ defensive depth in 2026.
“The way I play my footy is based on run and carry from behind and being able to play that third tall role. I like to use my left foot and cover plenty of metres. I feel like I can add some skill and run to the back half of the Panthers.”
South Adelaide senior coach Jarrad Wright welcomed the addition of Schoenmaker to the defensive unit.
“We are thrilled to welcome Arie to the club,” Wright said.
“Arie is an athletic rebounding defender who comes from a strong contest-based system. He brings aerial presence, defensive reliability and a classy left foot that will strengthen and evolve our defensive unit.”