Family Ties for South’s Joseph Haines

By ZAC MILBANK

The Haines family bloodlines at South Adelaide are set to strengthen on Saturday when Joseph Haines becomes the third member of his family to reach the 100-game milestone in the Statewide Super League.

A third-generation Panther, Joseph Haines will join his father Peter (151 games from 1969-78) and grandfather Colin (121 games from 1938 to 1947) in reaching triple figures in the Navy Blue.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Haines explained that it was the lure of following in their footsteps which ensured he would play at South despite playing his junior football at Waikerie in the heart of West Adelaide’s country zone.

Making his League debut in Round 11 of 2013, Haines showed great resilience in playing 55 Reserves games before becoming a League regular under coach Garry Hocking in 2017.

Since then, the flame-haired defender has gone on to become one of the competition’s best backmen, regularly sparking the Panthers’ attacking forays while monitoring opposition forwards of varying sizes.

The 28-year-old has also played in the past two wins – in 2019 and 2021 – for the West End State team against the WAFL as he chases down the ultimate prize with South Adelaide.

And this quest will continue for the PE teacher when his side confronts Norwood in the First Semi-Final from 3.15pm on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.