Rating the Recruits for 2020

SANFL clubs have been busy securing a host of quality signings ahead of the 2020 Statewide Super League season. With several former AFL stars poised to play in the SANFL next year, find out who will prove to be the difference-making recruits according to ZAC MILBANK.  

Bastinac looms as a difference-making recruit after averaging 31 disposals per game for the Brisbane Lions in the NEAFL last year. A winner of the Lions’ Reserves best-and-fairest for the past two years, the 28-year-old captained the Lions’ undefeated 2019 campaign in the NEAFL. Will be used by Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton in the centre square where he will be given every chance to shine.

Plenty of anticipation building at Elizabeth as Daniel Menzel prepares to make his Statewide Super League debut alongside younger brother Troy in 2020. The 28-year-old should cause plenty of headaches for the opposition coaches inside 50m, with his sharpshooting and ability to create scoring opportunities a feature of his game.

Returns to South Adelaide where he is set to make a major impact in 2020. Looms as the best ruckman in the competition after winning West Coast’s WAFL best-and-fairest award in 2019. Will also provide valuable leadership given he was co-captain with the Panthers in 2018, the same year he was named captain of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year.

His resume says it all which is why Norwood was delighted the Crows best-and-fairest winner opted to extend his career with the Redlegs in 2020. The 32-year-old will be dangerous around the goals while playing across half-forward while also having spurts in the midfield for coach Jarrod Cotton. Douglas will be determined to steer clear of the medical room after managing 13 games (9 AFL and 4 SANFL) in 2019.

Broadbent’s close relationship with South coach Jarrad Wright saw him choose the Panthers over a return to Woodville-West Torrens upon his delisting by Port Adelaide. Expect Wright to use Broadbent through the midfield more than he experienced at Alberton while he will also be a composed head across half-back. Uses the ball well by foot in constructing the play from defence.

North Adelaide has added an abundance of speed this off-season and it’s fair to say Hartung tops the list. Loves to run and carry with ball in hand before using his neat foot skills to hit up targets inside 50m. Will be looking to rekindle his AFL career with strong performances for the Roosters in 2020.

Returns to the Bays after spending the past five seasons with AFL club Melbourne. A polished user of the football, Stretch is ultra fit and will be set to use his aerobic capacity to advantage while playing through the midfield and off a wing. Quality character who will also become a natural leader for the Tigers on and off the field.

Set to don the treasured No.1 guernsey for the Magpies in the club’s 150th year, Goldsack is understanding of his important role on the field as he embarks on his coaching career off it. The 32-year-old will control the flow of play across half-back whilst using his exceptional intercept marking skills.

Returns to South Australia after spending the past three seasons having an impact in the VFL with the Box Hill Hawks. Captained Hawthorn’s affiliate to the 2018 VFL premiership and will bring similar leadership qualities to the Roosters, who have lost premiership skipper Max Thring to retirement. Expect Moore to use his sizeable frame to advantage inside the centre square.

Drafted as a key forward type by West Coast in 2015, Allen transformed himself into a big-bodied midfielder during the past 18 months. Won East Perth’s best-and-fairest award in 2018 and went on to average more than 20 disposals per game this year. Could also be used at either end of the ground, giving premiership coach Mark Stone plenty of flexibility with one of his key recruits.