SANFL clubs have been busy securing a host of quality signings ahead of the 2026 Hostplus SANFL League season.
With several former AFL players poised to play in the SANFL next year, and a few switching clubs, ZAC MILBANK sifts selects your club’s biggest difference-maker.
South Adelaide club champion Joey Haines lands at West Lakes to provide invaluable leadership in the wake of captain Jack Madgen’s retirement.
The 33-year-old has kept in shape while playing for Port District in the Adelaide Footy League for the past two seasons and looms as a steadying presence in the back half for the Crows.
At 186cm, Haines – who has played 137 Hostplus SANFL League games – can play on both the talls and smalls in defence while using his booming kick to advantage from the kick-ins.
Originally from Waikerie, the four-time SANFL Team of the Year member was welcomed to the club by Mark Ricciuto, who also hails from the Riverland town.
Central District fans will be thrilled with the addition of delisted Greater Western Sydney half-back Josh Fahey for the 2026 season.
The 22-year-old, who managed seven AFL games in his four seasons with the Giants, will add plenty of speed and dash off half-back for the Dogs but could also tempt coach Paul Thomas into thrusting him into the midfield.
Originally from Queanbeyan in the ACT, Fahey – a good mate of Magarey Medallist Harry Grant – measures in at 187cm, giving him great flexibility when clamping down on opponents.
”Josh has speed, evasiveness, and a silky left foot which he uses to break the game open,” Central District football manager Mark Ross said.
”We see Josh as a vital acquisition to our team as he will add balance to our inside and outside game.”
Glenelg made a long-term move toward replacing premiership captain Max Proud by signing West Adelaide defender Will Patton during the off-season.
With Proud announcing his retirement after last year’s Preliminary Final, the Tigers set their sights on filling his void with the 193cm Patton set to play a major role in making this happen.
An U18 All-Australian and SA U18 captain, the left-footer has 30 League matches under his belt, racking up 14 last year with an average of six marks and 12 disposals – at an impressive 91 per cent efficiency rate.
“It is great to have Will on board at the Bays for season 2026,” Glenelg Head of Football Paul Sandercock said.
“He will slot into our defensive line well, bringing valuable height, composure, and leadership to the playing group. Will represents an exciting step towards the club’s future. His proven leadership qualities and character will continue to strengthen the Bays for years to come.”
It is rare that such an accomplished player switches clubs in the twilight of their Hostplus SANFL League career.
But former Sturt captain James Battersby is set to boost North Adelaide’s midfield after deciding to join close mates Alex Spina and Mitch Harvey at Prospect.
With 218 Hostplus SANFL League games and two premierships with the Double Blues to his name, the 30-year-old will certainly look different sporting the red and white in 2026.
A dual best-and-fairest with the Double Blues, the seven-time Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year member will play an invaluable role guiding the Roosters’ emerging stars this year and beyond.
”James brings exceptional experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to success,” North coach Josh Francou said.
”His influence will be instrumental in guiding our younger players, imparting invaluable knowledge, and enhancing the strength and cohesion of our senior group both on and off the field. We have no doubt James will make an immediate and positive impact on the football club.”
The sheer presence of 2024 Magarey Medallist Harry Boyd should ensure Norwood is a genuine premiership contender in 2026.
Returning from a season with St Kilda in 2025, which yielded just one AFL game, the 198cm giant will be ready to resume his dominance inside the centre square and around the ground with the Redlegs.
His return to The Parade will also relieve Finn Heard of his role as makeshift ruck, restoring him inside 50m where he can link up with fellow tall targets Jackson Callow and Tristan Binder this season.
Boyd won it all on a personal front with the Legs in 2024 – a Magarey, Shearman and Michael Taylor Medal – now he will be chasing a second premiership medal in 2026.
“Norwood means a lot to me, and to be able to achieve what I have already at the club, especially the premiership in 2022, it does mean a lot,” Boyd told the NFC website upon signing for two seasons, 2026 and 2027.
”But it’s the people within the club that mean the most. Everyone from the players and coaches to the admin staff. You form those bonds, which I’ve really missed over the past 12 months.”
While Port Adelaide is on the verge of announcing its SANFL list for 2026, its star NGA prospect Dougie Cochrane has been granted permission to join the club’s program this season.
This will allow the impressive 17-year-old – who played five Hostplus SANFL League games for Central District last year – the opportunity to don the Magpies guernsey in the Hostplus SANFL League.
Tipped by many to be among the first selections at this year’s AFL Draft, 196cm Cochrane – the son of former Power and North Melbourne utility Stuart – is incredibly athletic and is able to play multiple roles at senior level.
“We believe having Dougie as part of our football program full time next year will maximise his development in his draft year,” Port Adelaide Head of Acadamies Shane Grimm told The Advertiser last year.
South Adelaide was delighted to secure the signature of delisted St Kilda defender Arie Schoenmaker last year.
Not only was the long-kicking left-footer chased by SANFL rivals, he also resisted overtures to return to his native Tasmania to be part of the club’s VFL side in 2026.
Measuring in at a deceptive 194cm, the 21-year-old can provide plenty of rebound from the Panthers’ back half whilst also potentially taking charge of the kick-ins.
“Arie is an athletic rebounding defender who comes from a strong contest based system,” South coach Jarrad Wright said.
”He brings aerial presence, defensive reliability and a classy left foot that will strengthen and evolve our defensive unit.”
Sturt was quick to welcome Jed McEntee back to Unley with open arms after his delisting from Port Adelaide at the end of last season.
Selected in the 2021 AFL Mid-Season Draft, the 24-year-old showcased his defensive pressure across his 52 AFL appearances, chiefly inside the Power’s attacking 50m arc.
Measuring in at 176cm, McEntee is a fierce competitor who will also have the ability to spend more time through the midfield if coach Marty Mattner wishes.
Joins his younger brother Kobe, who made his Hostplus SANFL League debut last season, at Oxford Terrace as the Double Blues prepare to defend their crown.
Talented Tiger Ben Ridgway will join former Glenelg players Callum Park and Brady Searle in search of great opportunities at West Adelaide.
Ridgway, who won the Bob Lee Medal as best afield in the Reserves Grand Final last year, should add his hard edge alongside Sam Frost, Kobe Ryan and Searle inside the centre square in 2026.
The 21-year-old, who measures in at 182cm, is also a former SA U18 player who gained valuable exposure in his 13 League games for the Bays in 2024 and 2025.
“He’ll win his own footy and bring some clean hands, speed and movement,’’ West Adelaide coach Nathan Bassett told The Advertiser.
“He’s tough and reliable and I think he’ll be a really good SANFL player for us.’’
There’s a real hard edge set to be thrust into Woodville-West Torrens’ midfield mix in 2026.
Delisted Geelong on-baller Ted Clohesy forged a reputation as a no-nonsense operater during his three seasons at Kardinia Park.
Despite managing just 12 AFL games with the Cats, the 21-year-old was a prolific performer at VFL level whilst also performing his role well when selected for duty at elite level.
Measuring in at 184cm, Clohesy is expected to be among the best ball magnets in the Hostplus SANFL League.
”Ted developed a reputation for his competitive edge, strong running patterns, and team-first approach,” Eagles CEO Dave Couzner said.
”He offers real versatility, capable of influencing the game through the midfield or across half-forward.
”What really struck us throughout our conversations with Ted was his character. He’s grounded, hardworking, and eager to embrace the culture and direction we are building at the Eagles.”