Nick Sadler wins 2025 Powerade Breakthrough Player

By ZAC MILBANK

Ultra-consistent Sturt midfielder Nick Sadler has had his persistence rewarded with the 2025 Powerade Breakthrough Player Award.

Playing in just three Hostplus SANFL League matches last season, the 21-year-old featured in all but one minor round game for the Double Blues while becoming an important contributor to his team by providing vital outside run and neat disposal by foot.

Measuring in at 182cm, Sadler quickly became a fixture in Marty Mattner’s line-up this season while averaging 16.4 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency to go with four marks, two tackles and two clearances per match.

Originally from the Glenunga Football Club, the smooth-moving wingman displayed his persistence by lining up in 40 Reserves matches before establishing himself in Sturt’s best 22 this year.

Nominated for his standout performance in Round 3 this season, Sadler chalked up 20 disposals, four marks, six inside 50s and five tackles in his team’s win against Norwood.

Earning a $1000 cash prize and a trophy courtesy of SANFL Premier Partner Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia, Sturt’s No.21 is just the third player from Unley to win the Powerade Breakthrough Player award, joining Tom Lewis (2021) and Jarrod Lienert (2016).

Introduced in 2007, the Powerade Breakthrough Player is designed to recognise and reward the best emerging young talent in the Hostplus SANFL League.

To be eligible, players must be aged 23 and under as well as having played 10 Hostplus SANFL League games or less at the start of the year.

Round 1 – Alex Van Wyk (North Adelaide)
Round 2 – Will Francou (North Adelaide)
Round 3 – Nick Sadler (Sturt)
Round 4 – Lukas Cooke (Woodville-West Torrens)
Round 5 – Jett Hasting (Woodville-West Torrens)
Round 6 – Jacob Newton (Norwood)
Round 7 – Alex Holt (Sturt)
Round 8 – Daniel Sladojevic (Woodville-West Torrens)
Round 9 – Bailey Pilmore (South Adelaide)
Round 10 – Caleb May (West Adelaide)
Round 11 – Dakota Sterzl (South Adelaide)
Round 12 – Ned Atkinson (Adelaide)
Round 13 – Sam Cumming (North Adelaide)
Round 14 – Max Hodges (Norwood)
Round 15 – Not awarded
Round 16 – Dougie Cochrane (Central District)
Round 17 – Luca Slade (Sturt)
Round 18 – Ryan Borlace (South Adelaide)
Round 19 – Darcy Scott (Glenelg)