2025 Hostplus SANFL League Fixture Release

By ZAC MILBANK

Blockbuster matches in the early rounds are a significant feature of an exciting 2025 Hostplus SANFL League fixture released on Wednesday.

Glenelg will begin its quest for an historic third premiership against Port Adelaide in a night fixture at Alberton to kick off the season on Friday March 28 before unfurling its 2024 premiership flag in a Round 2 Preliminary Final rematch against Central District at the Bay from 4.40pm.

Norwood will start a new era under incoming coach Jade Sheedy against North Adelaide at The Parade on Saturday March 29 from 7.10pm, with the exciting opening round encounter set to be screened live on Channel 7.

The Woodville-West Torrens premiership mentor will then front up against his old club in a Round 2 twilight fixture at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

With a marquee schedule centred around the Easter Weekend, enticing match-ups will ensure the high-quality competition begins with great anticipation.

Four matches will be played on Good Friday, complemented by a huge Easter Thursday night clash to be played between neighbouring rivals, Norwood and Sturt, at The Parade.

Traditional Good Friday rivals West Adelaide and the Eagles, together with North Adelaide and Central District will go head-to-head in the early afternoon before Glenelg and Adelaide, as well as Port Adelaide and South Adelaide lock horns under lights.

Anzac Day looms as another exciting feature, including the traditional Grand Final rematch between 2024 Grand Finalists – Glenelg and Norwood- at Stratarama Stadium on Friday April 25.

The Tigers and Redlegs attracted a massive crowd of 35,129 in the 2024 title-decider, ensuring similar excitement will surround the first time they collide next season.

”We are really excited about the marquee match-ups, particularly in the opening rounds,” SANFL Head of Football Operations Sean Toohey said.

”It promises to be an intriguing start to the Hostplus SANFL League season while maximising the potential for significant attendances amid the milder weather.

”We are also really excited to be showcasing the competition in South Australia’s regional areas, providing our country followers with a chance to watch their favourite teams up close, in familiar locations.”

Adelaide will make the journey across to the Eyre Peninsula in Round 5 to face Norwood at Port Lincoln, with the Redlegs poised to give their regional fans a treat at the picturesque Centenary Oval.

North Adelaide will host South Adelaide at Memorial Oval in its regional zone of Port Pirie in Round 13 as the centrepiece of the Think! Road Safety SA Country Championships on Saturday July 12.

Port Adelaide fans will have the opportunity to honour club great Russell Ebert in his tribute match against West Adelaide at Alberton in Round 9 while the Neil Kerley Memorial match – between West Adelaide and Adelaide – will again take place at Adelaide Oval, in Round 14.

First Nations Round will again be held across two weekends, Rounds 7 and 8, aligning with National Reconciliation Week and allowing both the men’s and women’s competitions to celebrate together.

This allows each SANFL club the opportunity to host a First Nations-themed match to recognise the enormous contribution First Nations people make to Australian Football in South Australia.

• Four matches on Good Friday, with a blockbuster Easter Thursday clash under lights to be played between Norwood and Sturt at The Parade.
• Two regional matches with Norwood hosting Adelaide in Port Lincoln in Round 5 while North Adelaide will host South Adelaide in Port Pirie in Round 13 as part of the SA Country Championships.
• The traditional Anzac Day Grand Final rematch between 2024 Grand Finalists – Glenelg and Norwood – at Stratarama Stadium on Friday April 25. Central District will also host Port Adelaide at X Convenience Oval on Anzac Day.
• The West End State team to play its 100th KIA State Game against the WAFL in Adelaide on the weekend of Saturday May 17.
• First Nations Round to be held across two weekends (Rounds 7 and 8), allowing each SANFL club the opportunity to host a First Nations-themed match.
• Two blockbuster matches on the King’s Birthday Holiday Weekend, with Glenelg hosting North Adelaide on Sunday June 8 and Sturt confronting Norwood on Monday June 9.
• A four-week finals series to be played at Adelaide Oval, culminating in the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final on Sunday September 21.

The West End State team will have its sights set on retaining the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup on home soil in the 100th KIA State Game against the WAFL on the weekend of Saturday May 17.

A four-week finals series starting on Sunday August 31 will be played at Adelaide Oval, culminating with the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final on Sunday September 21.

Start times and match days for Rounds 11 to 19 will be confirmed later in the year, once the AFL finalises its full minor round fixture.

Channel 7 and 7plus will continue to broadcast a Match of the Round each weekend.

The Hostplus SANFL League and Hostplus SANFLW League will again be showcased live and on demand via its popular streaming platform – SANFL Now.

SANFL is encouraging fans to sign up for a club home match membership in 2025, with this being the most cost-effective way to support their team at games this season.

SANFL club memberships can be purchased via the SANFL website here.

Hard copies of the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League season fixture will be available with the purchase of The Advertiser on Thursday.