2026 Hostplus Pocket Profile – Adelaide

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Crows heading into the 2026 Hostplus SANFL League season.

COMING
Joseph Haines (Port District/South Adelaide), James Richards (Uraidla/Sturt), Tom Bell (South Fremantle), Mitchell Marsh (West Adelaide), Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons), Reuben Hill (Cummins-Kappinie)

GOING
Jack Madgen (Richmond VFL Coach), Harry Schoenberg (delisted/West Coast), Lachlan Murphy (delisted/Port Noarlunga), Brodie Smith (retired/Seaton Ramblers), Matt Crouch (retired), Chris Burgess (delisted/Paskeville), Karl Gallagher (delisted), Dylan Whimpress, Jayden Davis, Steve Burton, Harry Cook, Tommy McCormack, Kyan Smith, Chase Neutze

Saturday March 14
Central District v Adelaide at X Convenience Oval from 3.20pm

Saturday March 21
South Adelaide v Adelaide at Magain Stadium from 2.10pm

South Adelaide club champion Joseph Haines lands at West Lakes to provide invaluable leadership in the wake of captain Jack Madgen’s retirement.

The 33-year-old has kept in shape while playing for Port District in the Adelaide Footy League for the past two seasons and looms as a steadying presence in the back half for the Crows.

At 186cm, Haines – who has played 137 Hostplus SANFL League games – can play on both the talls and smalls in defence while using his booming kick to advantage from the kick-ins.

Originally from Waikerie, the four-time SANFL Team of the Year member was welcomed to the club by Mark Ricciuto, who also hails from the Riverland town.

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.