Media Release

Super Season ahead for Hostplus SANFL League

2023 Hostplus SANFL League captains (L to R) - James Battersby (Sturt), Matthew Wright (Adelaide), Max Proud (Glenelg), Jake Summerton (South), Matthew Nunn (Norwood), Joseph Sinor (Eagles), Cam Sutcliffe (Port), Kaiden Brand (West), Alex Spina (North), Jarrod Schiller (Central). Picture - David Mariuz

The 2023 Hostplus SANFL League kicks off this Friday night and is shaping up to be one of the closest premiership races in the competition’s 145-year history.

In addition to the on-field excitement, footy goers also will be treated to a host of new gameday entertainment activities in a new initiative for selected marquee games, to be known as SANFL Super Matches.

The 2023 Season and SANFL Super Match initiative was officially launched at Adelaide Oval today, with the League’s 10 Club captains and coaches in attendance.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said on the back of Norwood’s thrilling one-point Grand Final win last year, coupled with only two wins separating minor premier North Adelaide from fifth-placed Sturt, this year’s battle for the flag promised to be one of the strongest seasons in recent times.

“There is a real air of excitement ahead of this season with some big-name players showing a clear desire to play in what is clearly the best State League competition in the nation,” Mr Chandler said.

“Combine the stars of our 2023 competition with an outstanding crop of elite homegrown talent among each of our clubs – and the high-quality attacking brand of footy the Hostplus SANFL League is renowned for – and it’s a perfect recipe for an enthralling season ahead.”

''There is a real air of excitement ahead of this season with some big-name players showing a clear desire to play in what is clearly the best State League competition in the nation.''

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler

North Adelaide captain Alex Spina and Norwood captain Matt Nunn play mini golf at the launch of the 2023 SANFL Hostplus League and SANFL Super Match concept.

Mr Chandler said in an exciting first for the League, the SANFL Super Matches, presented by The Advertiser, would feature a roadshow of entertainment, pop-up bars, food vans and giveaways for footy fans, families and ‘festival goers’.

Commencing with the Sturt v Glenelg blockbuster at Wigan Oval on Saturday, the SANFL Super Match also will feature SANFL partner activations, including The Advertiser Family Zone with face painting, jumping castles, giant games and footy-themed activities, as well as Hostplus Goal Cards available to help fans celebrate every goal.

McDonald’s will have their inflatable Golden Arches, along with thunder sticks, mini footballs and vouchers to giveaway, while West End/Hahn representatives with mobile beer backpacks will ensure you won’t need to leave your seat to enjoy a beer.

“We’re extremely excited about the new weekly SANFL Super Match program, aimed at boosting attendances and providing a real festival atmosphere at SANFL grounds to enhance the game day experience for fans,” Mr Chandler said.

“Importantly, we want SANFL footy to continue to be an accessible, entertaining family-friendly experience for all ages to enjoy. With free entry for kids at every game, it’s affordable entertainment.”

Senior coaches Jarrad Wright (South Adelaide) and Adam Hartlett (West Adelaide) go head to head at giant chess as the Season Launch. Giant games will be part of the entertainment in the Family Zone at SANFL Super Matches.

Season 2022 marked the start of SANFL’s naming rights partnership with Hostplus – one of Australia’s largest industry super funds and 2022 Super Fund of the Year – across both its men’s and women’s State Leagues.

As Hostplus continues its valued support in 2023, so too does broadcast partner Seven Network with a SANFL match of the round telecast live and free on Seven and 7plus.

The announcement this week of SANFL’s new partnership with the AFL will see unprecedented live and on demand free streaming access for every Hostplus SANFL League game delivered to football fans across the nation.

This is in addition to SANFL’s streaming platform, SANFL Now, which continues to stream every Men’s League match live and on-demand, as well as all SANFL competitions, and exclusive historical content.

SEN also will be again providing its vibrant and insightful live radio broadcast coverage with match of the round clashes on 1629 SEN SA or the SEN App.

Hostplus Chief Executive Officer David Elia said:

“I’m very proud to have the Hostplus name and brand associated with the SANFL League. Our sponsorship of SANFL is a valued contributor to the growth of Hostplus in South Australia and is an important connector to the South Australian community.

“I look forward to the exciting competition coming our way in the 2023 Hostplus SANFL League.”

Round One opens with an enticing Friday night clash under lights at The Parade as the Redlegs unfurl their premiership flag against the team which had won the past two – Woodville-West Torrens.

For all match day information and to purchase tickets, visit sanfl.frmdv.com or home club websites.

2023 Ticket Prices

Online

Adults $18

Concession $11

U18s FREE

Tickets can be purchased via the SANFL website at sanfl.frmdv.com/league/tickets or each home club website.

At the gate

Adults $20

Concession $12

U18s FREE

Round One Match Schedule* 

Friday March 31
Norwood v Woodville-West Torrens | The Parade | 7:40pm

Saturday April 1
South Adelaide v Central District | Flinders University Stadium | 2:10pm

Sturt v Glenelg | Wigan Oval | 2:10pm | 1629 SEN SA & SEN App

1629 SEN SA & SEN
North Adelaide v West Adelaide | Prospect Oval | 2:10pm

Port Adelaide v Adelaide | Adelaide Oval | 3:10pm | Seven & 7plus

Fans can have their haircut like their favourite SANFL star at Super Matches this season.

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