2026 Hostplus SANFL League Trackburners

As things are heating up on and off the field leading into the 2026 Hostplus SANFL League season, ZAC MILBANK finds out who has been burning up the track from your club.

The former Norwood and Geelong forward managed just one Hostplus SANFL League game for Adelaide in 2025 but has returned to preseason training with a determined approach. 

Booting 39 goals from just 12 games for his local club Ranges in the Eastern Eyre Football League, the 24-year-old will be aiming to emulate that form at State League level for the Crows.

Taheny has lost no less than 8kgs since last season to get his 185cm frame into tip-top shape while not missing a beat at training and completing extras in the gym.

After enjoying a breakout season which resulted in earning his first Norm Russell Medal as best-and-fairest, Beau Thomas is eyeing an equally productive campaign in 2026. 

Working feverishly in the gym to increase his strength, the 21-year-old has stepped up on the training track to display a greater awareness and provide more communication to his teammates during drills.

”He keeps surprising me and I’ve known him for a long time,” Central coach Paul Thomas said about the 193cm key-position utility.

”He’s certainly had a great summer and is keen to help drive the club forward in the right direction by dragging several of his teammates along with him. As a result, they have lifted their standards too.”

Opportunity at Hostplus SANFL League level awaits Remi Brown in 2026 after posting a solid debut season in the Reserves last year. 

A consistent member of Glenelg’s Reserves premiership team, the 19-year-old averaged 14 disposals, seven tackles and three marks as a big-bodied midfielder inside the centre square.

The 185cm Kybybolite product has now added another 5kg to his already sizeable frame, putting himself in a strong position to make his League debut this season.

Coming off an outstanding campaign personally in 2025, North Adelaide’s Dyson Hilder has taken this momentum into his summer schedule. 

The 24-year-old tall utility has continued to impress with his application to training while setting high standards, recording a personal best in the 2km time trial.

Making his West End State team debut last season, Hilder is primed for another big campaign in 2026, leaving new coach Josh Francou with plenty to ponder in terms of where to use the versatile swingman.

This time last year, Nik Rokahr’s future was still very much in limbo. 

The Michael Taylor Medallists was still sweating on whether he would be released by WAFL club Swan Districts to represent Norwood for the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League season.

The 30-year-old earned the all clear on the eve of the Redlegs’ campaign but now with a clear runway this summer, the veteran midfielder is thriving at preseason training.

After averaging more than 25 disposals last year, the 2022 premiership rover is on track to produce similar numbers after slashing his 2km time trial time by 10 seconds after the Christmas break.

Could he add a Magarey Medal to the Sandover he won in the WAFL in 2024?

The dual Fos Williams Medallist is continuing his bid to be placed on an AFL list by again presenting his body in AFL shape.

Entering his second season with the Magpies, the intercepting half-back has impressed at Alberton with his leadership and committment to his craft.

The former Bulldog, 25, has stood out with his commanding presence vocally on the track while also setting a high standard in the gym.

Second-season recruit Tye Gander has been eager to impress during his first full pre-season with the Panthers and he has certainly caught the coach’s eye. 

Originally from St George Dragons in Sydney, the 21-year-old is keen to build on his debut game in Round 17 last year in which he booted three goals from 13 disposals against Woodville-West Torrens.

”Tye’s commitment to training throughout the off-season has ensured he is a standout,” South coach Jarrd Wright said.

”He has consistently pushed himself across all areas — gym work, conditioning, and craft — which is reflected in his testing results, including a personal best of 6:12 in the 2km time trial and PBs across all gym lifts. That work ethic has translated into a noticeable increase in his training intensity on the track.

”While Tye is still a young player and relatively inexperienced at league level, we see a very bright future for him if he continues to maintain these habits.”

Sturt’s Luca Slade has been building steadily, now he’s ready to explode. 

Preparing for his third season of senior footy, the 20-year-old showed promising signs in his seven Hostplus SANFL League games in 2025.

But after being squeezed out of the best 22 for the title-decider, the smooth-moving midfielder is desperate to become a fixture in Marty Mattner’s line-up in 2026.

The son of Central District premiership rover Matthew Slade, Luca has been ”flying” on the training track as he cut his 2km time trial after the Christmas break whilst also adding noticeable bulk to his 182cm frame.

West Adelaide fans are set to see the best of recruit Jonti Schuback. 

Entering his second season at Richmond after crossing from South Adelaide, the 21-year-old is poised to take the next step after featuring in 18 Hostplus SANFL League games for the Bloods in 2025.

”Jonti has had an outstanding preseason,” West Adelaide coach Nathan Bassett said of the 181cm half-back.

”He has good speed and agility and looks ready to perform as a high half-back next to Tom Morrish.”

Schuback, the son of former Crow Jacob, has also been impressing in the weights room where he has been lifting as much as 130kg.

Woodville-West Torrens fans could be forgiven for thinking Matthew Goldsworthy is still sporting the No.29 guernsey.

Instead, it is look-a-like Jett Hasting who is forging his own path after booting 14 goals from 18 games in his first Hostplus SANFL League campaign last year.

Now, the 19-year-old is primed to elevate his game again in 2026 after starring on the training track with a noticeable improvement in his fitness and strength.

Hasting logged a 2km time trial personal best before Christmas and has been displaying more leadership amongst his peers.

Expect the Central Yorke Cougars product to push for midfield minutes after earning the club’s Best First Year Player award as a small forward in 2025.