Inaugural State League coach Heath Younie believes Adelaide’s entry into the SANFL competition will benefit the Club and South Australian football as a whole.
The 2014 SANFL season will signal a new era for the Crows, beginning with a Round One clash against Younie’s former side North Adelaide on Sunday, April 6. The move will bring Adelaide in line with the other 17 AFL clubs in having a dedicated State League team.
The SANFL side provides an invaluable development opportunity for Adelaide, but Younie hopes the move will add to the interest and support of the local competition.
“I’m really excited, it’s going to be fantastic for the Club in general to go and be part of the SANFL,” Younie told afc.com.au.
“Having both AFL sides in the Adelaide Football Club and the Port Adelaide Football Club represented in the SANFL creates a lot of excitement, and there’s been a lot of media attention already.”
The two-team model has proved successful across the border.
Reigning AFL premiers Hawthorn also claimed the VFL title last year with affiliate side Box Hill, defeating Geelong by 21 points in the Grand Final. The VFL Cats won the flag the previous season in 2012.
At AFL level, the 2010 season was the only year of the past seven which did not feature either the Hawks or Cats in the final decider.
“We’ve just seen in the Eastern states with Hawthorn and Geelong who have their own VFL teams and the success that they’ve had,” Younie said.
“In the same boat, they’re able to win VFL premierships and AFL premierships.
“Now, we can practice and develop our players during the week and then allow them to execute on game day, and give them feedback around the way the Adelaide Football Club as a whole wants to play. It can only be a benefit to all of our players.”
A past SANFL great of 183 games and a dual-North Adelaide Best and Fairest winner, Younie is eager to see the local league flourish.
“Hopefully we can get some bigger crowd numbers back to the games just through both clubs having great supporter bases,” he said.
“I think it’s a great move by the SANFL and I’m really looking forward to being part of it.”
Crows ticketed members also receive entry into every Adelaide SANFL match in season 2014. Click here to sign up and join the 19th Man today.
