The 2026 Adelaide Footy League finals are closing in and a number of teams look set for strong runs home as they aim to book a spot for September.<\/p>\n
See our analysis and big predictions for every division ahead of the run home.<\/p>\n
DIVISION ONE<\/p>\n
Current ladder:<\/p>\n
Port District \u2013 19 ptsSalisbury North \u2013 18 ptsRostrevor OC \u2013 18 ptsGolden Grove \u2013 16 ptsGlenunga \u2013 13 ptsAthelstone \u2013 11 ptsTea Tree Gully \u2013 11 ptsSt Peter\u2019s OC \u2013 7 ptsSacred Heart OC \u2013 7 ptsPayneham Norwood Union \u2013 0 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder: <\/p>\n
Port DistrictRostrevor OCSalisbury NorthGlenungaGolden GroveTea Tree GullyAthelstoneSt Peter\u2019s OCSacred Heart OCPayneham Norwood Union<\/p>\n
Division one has unsurprisingly been the most entertaining competition in local SA footy again this year, with a number of superstars performing at their best and multiple clubs still in with a shot of top spot and a top five place for finals.<\/p>\n
A round 13 clash between Salisbury North and Port District at Salisbury North Oval this Saturday could ultimately determine which side pushes on to claim the minor premiership, while Rostrevor OC would also be well-placed if it tops Glenunga at home.<\/p>\n
While they face a tough test against the Hawks this week, Josh Ramsey\u2019s Ditters will play Tea Tree Gully, Athelstone, PNU and Sacred Heart OC in four of their last five games, meaning they should collect enough points to finish in the top two at the very least.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Rams make the grand final<\/p>\n
They started the season slowly, but Nathan Grima\u2019s Glenunga Rams have hit some consistent form in recent weeks, just in time for a big run home against Rostrevor OC, Salisbury North, Tea Tree Gully, Athelstone, Port District and Payneham Norwood Union.<\/p>\n
Led by dominant captain Abe Davis and ruck Jordan West, and with a number of signings including former SANFL player Hayden Kernahan beginning to find their feet, Glenunga has looked as dangerous as anyone in the second half of the season.<\/p>\n
They play a tough finals brand under Grima and have added some speed to their approach this season, so could make a lot of noise in September if they head in with strong momentum.<\/p>\n
Grigg wins D1 medal<\/p>\n
A number of top players will be in the running for the Keith Sims OAM Medal this season but Mitch Grigg has been a major standout each week so far for Athelstone.<\/p>\n
The former Crow and Norwood star has been at the top of his game as the Raggies fight for a finals spot and was also the best player on the park when the AdFL thrashed the VAFA earlier this season.<\/p>\n
DIVISION TWO<\/p>\n
Current ladder: <\/p>\n
Henley \u2013 17 ptsPrince Alfred OC \u2013 16 ptsOld Ignatians \u2013 16 ptsModbury \u2013 16 ptsBroadview \u2013 13 ptsBrighton Bombers \u2013 12 ptsGoodwood Saints \u2013 11 ptsFlinders Park \u2013 8 ptsUnley Mercedes Jets \u2013 6 ptsWestminster OS \u2013 5 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder: <\/p>\n
Prince Alfred OCHenleyOld IgnatiansModburyBroadviewGoodwood SaintsBrighton BombersFlinders ParkUnley Mercedes JetsWestminster OS<\/p>\n
Division two is in the midst of one of its most unpredictable seasons, with a number of teams packed with star power and ready to launch a strong premiership bid in September.<\/p>\n
Prince Alfred OC, Henley and Old Ignatians have been the most consistent outfits so far but Modbury has come on strong in the second half of the year and should be one to watch as finals approach.<\/p>\n
Chad Cornes\u2019 Goodwood Saints side has plenty to do to ensure a top five finish, but while the club is still missing a number of key names, there could still be enough talent to ensure a late surge.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Old Reds triumph<\/p>\n
PAOC has experienced an inconsistent second half of the year so far but the return of a number of names, including dominant onballer Jack Trengove should ensure Ned McHenry\u2019s side produces strong performances in September.<\/p>\n
Still a youthful team, the Old Reds have added valuable experience this season in Trengove, Harry and Macca Slee and Sam Saunders and have built well up to this point.<\/p>\n
The side will take on Goodwood Saints away from home this Saturday and also has games against Unley Mercedes Jets and Flinders Park coming up as they aim to build more momentum.<\/p>\n
If they can remain fit from here on out, PAOC should be a huge chance to claim the flag and move back up to D1.<\/p>\n
Tigers make finals<\/p>\n
Not many gave Broadview a chance to stay in the division let alone make finals heading into this season, but the Tigers, led by coach Luke McCracken, have been one of the stories of the Adelaide Footy League season.<\/p>\n
The emergence of Cooper O\u2019Leary as a superstar of the competition has been a major key to the club\u2019s resurgence but McCracken\u2019s implementation of a fast style of play characterised by risky and efficient ball movement has also been a factor.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Leary claims medal<\/p>\n
One of the most skilled players in division two so far this year, Cooper O\u2019Leary\u2019s ability to find the footy and distribute as well as hit the scoreboard makes him a dangerous leader for the Tigers.<\/p>\n
If the side keeps winning games, he\u2019ll be a strong chance to claim the FA Bloch Medal.<\/p>\n
DIVISION THREE<\/p>\n
Current ladder: <\/p>\n
Walkerville \u2013 20 pts Seaton Ramblers \u2013 18 ptsNorth Haven \u2013 16 ptsPlympton \u2013 14 ptsPHOS Camden \u2013 14 ptsEdwardstown \u2013 11 ptsKilburn \u2013 11 ptsLockleys \u2013 8 ptsPembroke OS \u2013 8 ptsAdelaide Uni \u2013 0 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder: <\/p>\n
WalkervilleSeaton RamblersNorth HavenPHOS CamdenPlymptonEdwardstownKilburnPembroke OSLockleysAdelaide Uni<\/p>\n
Walkerville has been one of the standout stories of the 2026 season and the Cats should be set to continue their strong run to close out the minor round behind the play of Sean Kuerschner, Charlie Dowling and Jack Mackay.<\/p>\n
Seaton Ramblers should also be around the mark for the minor premiership but may fall just thought if star recruit Brodie Smith is unavailable for many more games before finals, while Ryan McInerney and reigning D3 Medallist Mark Rowe look set to lead their North Haven side back to flag contention.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Ramblers ramp it up to win premiership<\/p>\n
Seaton Ramblers have produced a big year so far after a busy off-season in recruitment and should be primed to go all the way in September.<\/p>\n
Brodie Smith has been head and shoulders above his opponents when available and former Sturt premiership forward Jake Sutcliffe has also been big for his new club.<\/p>\n
The side seems built for finals with their hard approach, fast movement and versatility.<\/p>\n
Magpies make grand final<\/p>\n
North Haven looks a completely different side to recent years in 2026 and could be set for a promotion push come September.<\/p>\n
Led by McInerney and Rowe, the Magpies have been overwhelming for a number of sides through the midfield and have shown defensive stability through their pressure in the contest and ability behind the ball, something which translates to finals wins.<\/p>\n
DIVISION FOUR<\/p>\n
Current ladder: <\/p>\n
Hectorville \u2013 21 ptsScotch OC \u2013 18 ptsCBC OC \u2013 18 ptsMarion \u2013 16 ptsHope Valley \u2013 15 ptsMitcham \u2013 12 ptsMorphettville Park \u2013 6 ptsGepps Cross \u2013 6 ptsColonel Light Gardens \u2013 4 ptsPulteney \u2013 4 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder:\u00a0<\/p>\n
HectorvilleCBC OCScotch OCMarionHope ValleyMitchamMorphettville ParkGepps CrossColonel Light GardensPulteney<\/p>\n
Division four has been as entertaining as ever this year as a number of teams aim to secure a top five spot with six minor round games remaining.<\/p>\n
Hectorville has produced one of its best seasons in recent memory so far but have been chased closely by Scotch OC and CBC OC so far, while the relegation battle is heating up at the other end of the ladder with Colonel Light Gardens, Gepps Cross and Pulteney all set to face each other to close out the season.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Dolphins go all the way<\/p>\n
Experience goes a long way in finals and the finals experience of CBC OC could be telling in division four this September.<\/p>\n
One of the division\u2019s most even teams in terms of talent spread, the Dolphins have had an even contribution each week and their ability to execute a defensive or aggressive game plan bodes well for finals.<\/p>\n
The side has handed Hectorville its only loss of the season so far and will draw confidence from that result later in the year.<\/p>\n
Max boots 100 goals<\/p>\n
Former West Adelaide big man Max Marslen has been completely dominant up front for Scotch OC this year, consistently taking big grabs and booting bags of goals.<\/p>\n
A strong, smart and athletic player with a reliable set-shot, Marslen has already kicked 73 in 12 games and should go close to the tonne this year.<\/p>\n
DIVISION FIVE<\/p>\n
Current ladder: <\/p>\n
Greenacres \u2013 22 ptsPooraka \u2013 22 ptsSalisbury \u2013 16 ptsSMOSH West Lakes \u2013 14 ptsWoodville South \u2013 14 ptsKenilworth \u2013 10 ptsEastern Park \u2013 10 ptsFitzroy \u2013 8 ptsSt Paul\u2019s OS \u2013 4 ptsPortland \u2013 0 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder: <\/p>\n
GreenacresPoorakaSalisburyWoodville SouthKenilworthSMOSH West LakesEastern ParkFitzroySt Paul\u2019s OSPortland<\/p>\n
Division five seems like a two-horse race but Salisbury can\u2019t be discounted with players like Sean Lemmens at the Magpies\u2019 disposal once finals arrive.<\/p>\n
The race for top five spots is expected to heat up and Kenilworth looks to have hit some strong form at the right time, while both SMOSH West Lakes and Woodville South will face some tough fixtures on the run home.<\/p>\n
St Paul\u2019s OS remains an outside chance at avoiding relegation but will need to beat a number of tough sides to survive.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Dragons fly to flag<\/p>\n
Greenacres has been on a tear as a club in recent seasons, earning promotion twice and playing strong finals footy in the process.<\/p>\n
The Dragons have been led well by the likes of Izaac Allard and Chris Draper around the ground but the forward tandem of Steven and Ryan Clark is what makes them truly dangerous.<\/p>\n
Both players have been at the top of their game up front so far this season, booting a combined 111 goals and counting.<\/p>\n
Kookaburras make finals<\/p>\n
Kenilworth faces a tough test against Pooraka at home this weekend but if the Kookaburras can get through that test after defeating Woodville South away from home, the club then gets a run of Eastern Park, Fitzroy, St Paul\u2019s OS and Portland as it aims to make a last ditch push for finals.<\/p>\n
A gritty side in the midfield and at the back which has won four of its past six games, the club might just have built the momentum it needs to snag fifth spot.<\/p>\n
DIVISION SIX<\/p>\n
Current ladder: <\/p>\n
Gaza \u2013 20 ptsElizabeth \u2013 14 ptsPara Hills \u2013 14 ptsBlackfriars OS \u2013 12 ptsHoughton Districts \u2013 10 ptsRosewater \u2013 10 ptsOSB Lonsdale \u2013 8 ptsTrinity OS \u2013 8 ptsIngle Farm \u2013 0 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder: <\/p>\n
GazaElizabethPara HillsHoughton DistrictsBlackfriars OSOSB LonsdaleRosewaterTrinity OSIngle Farm<\/p>\n
Gaza has continued its remarkable season in division six, having lost just one game to Elizabeth at home in round eight.<\/p>\n
Elizabeth should be the biggest threat to Gaza\u2019s premiership hopes if Josh Glenn can remain available for finals, with the dominant Eagles utility continuing to impress after moving to his junior club from Golden Grove.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Glenn\u2019s medal to lose<\/p>\n
Josh Glenn made a shock move back to Elizabeth after a number of standout years with Golden Grove in division one and the former Gold Coast Suns and Norwood player has been the best player in the division this year.<\/p>\n
A highly skilled and athletic midfielder\/forward utility, he currently has nine best player nods and 36 goals in 10 games and should lead the medal count.<\/p>\n
Elizabeth wins Eagle-off in grand final<\/p>\n
Both Gaza and Elizabeth have managed to change their fortunes in recent years and the Eagles look like they\u2019re on a collision course this September.<\/p>\n
While Gaza has been the best side throughout the minor round so far, Elizabeth\u2019s potency up front, combined with the top drawer experience of Glenn, could prove too much for the league leader in a potential big dance.<\/p>\n
DIVISION SEVEN<\/p>\n
Current ladder: <\/p>\n
Adelaide Lutheran \u2013 22 ptsCentral United \u2013 18 ptsMitchell Park \u2013 14 ptsBrahma Lodge \u2013 14 ptsHackham \u2013 12 ptsWest Croydon \u2013 8 ptsFlinders Uni \u2013 6 ptsSmithfield \u2013 2 pts<\/p>\n
Predicted ladder: <\/p>\n
Adelaide LutheranCentral UnitedBrahma LodgeMitchell ParkHackhamWest CroydonFlinders Uni Smithfield<\/p>\n
A lot could become clear after this weekend of division seven action, with Adelaide Lutheran and Central United going head-to-head, while Hackham and West Croydon also face-off with just two rounds left.<\/p>\n
While it looks like Adelaide Lutheran\u2019s div to lose, Units should pose a threat in September.<\/p>\n
PREDICTIONS<\/p>\n
Payne leads Tigers to double chance<\/p>\n
Brahma Lodge forward Trent Payne has been at his best this year so far, booting 56 goals in just 12 games.<\/p>\n
The key target will be as important as anyone for his side during the run home and could lead the Tigers to a top three finish if he continues his form.<\/p>\n
Lutheran tops Central United in big dance<\/p>\n
Adelaide Lutheran has lost just one game this year so far, going down to Brahma Lodge in round seven.<\/p>\n
The club has been dominant against other top sides so far, including Central United, and looks to pose much too big a threat in the middle of the park for the Bulldogs to overcome in finals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 Adelaide Footy League finals are closing in and a number of teams look set for strong…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":51604,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[395,30587],"class_list":["post-51603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-adelaide","tag-adelaide","tag-tiserpremium"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51603"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51603\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}