2022 Sturt Pocket Profile

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Double Blues heading into the 2022 Hostplus SANFL League season.

Saturday March 5
Sturt 11.10 (76) d Norwood 11.4 (70) at Coopers Stadium

Saturday March 12
Sturt 12.7 (79) d South 8.9 (57) at Flinders University Stadium

Saturday March 19
Central 7.9 (51) d Sturt 4.8 (32) at X Convenience Oval

Sturt’s recruiting was selective during the off-season but the mandate was clear at Unley – ensure all delisted AFL talent returned.

And while Jarrod Lienert did for a month or so before being claimed by St Kilda, the Double Blues had a win by regaining Malachy Carruthers from the Sydney Swans.

An elite runner boasting an excellent field kick, the 19-year-old has impressed as a prime mover in the midfield during the trial match period.

”When he did get delisted we were really excited to get him back to the club,” Sturt coach Marty Mattner said of the 185cm Carruthers.

”With Matt Crocker and Charlie Parker leaving, he will fill one of those wing roles.

”His running capacity is elite, he has been working really hard with his workrate in the preseason games and has been finding a fair bit of the footy.”

Silky midfielder Nick Sadler is right in the mix to play at Hostplus SANFL League level in Round 1, having impressed coach Marty Mattner in the trial matches.

Entering his AFL Draft year, Sadler will do his chances no harm if he can lock down a spot on a wing or across half-forward while using his exceptional skill level by foot.

Measuring in at 180cm and 70kg, the 18-year-old is yet another product of Sturt’s focus to produce local players capable of having an impact in the Hostplus SANFL League.

”He’s had a really good preseason but his last month has been really impressive – both at training and playing in trials,” Mattner said.

”We’re really impressed by his kicking ability – that is his real strength as he’s an elite kick.

”He’s a real chance to play at League level this year and hopefully, build towards the AFL Draft at the end of the year.”

Nick Sadler
Nick has completed the preseason program under the guidance of senior coach Marty Mattner with the Double Blues.

He has also experienced league level footy in trial games this preseason.

Nick is a classy midfielder who is able to win the ball inside the contest and also shift the ball and break open the defence from the outside.

If he does play senior level, he is more likely to play outside and high forward roles where he can use his legs, smarts and skills.

Having finished Year 12 last year, this will be his first SANFL season uninterrupted with school footy.