OFF-SEASONS can often be the catalyst for in-season success, and several state league clubs will hope that is the case in 2026. In a new series on Rookie Me Central, we highlight some of the most exciting recruitment drives from around the country, starting with SANFL club South Adelaide.

The Panthers have an exciting crop of juniors and some gun recruits to help nurture them in Noarlunga. Having finished in the bottom five since their last finals appearance in 2021, South will be keen to turn things around for their 150th year with a focus on competitive under-25 talent.

We profile the club’s recruits; from ex-AFL talent, to returning juniors and state league coups.

>> Spotlight: South’s star midfielders

ALL RECRUITS

Riley Baldi (Casey Demons), Koby Cockshell (returned/Mount Barker), Jack Delean (returned/Fremantle), Arlo Draper (returned), Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn), Phillip Moimoi (Richmond VFL), Arie Schoenmaker (St Kilda), Harley Sparks (West Coast WAFL), Will Verrall (returned/Melbourne)

EX-AFL

Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn)
Defender | 181cm | 03/07/2002

A young player with 28 games of AFL experience, Mitchell had a tough time with injuries at the elite level. Ankle and shoulder setbacks saw the forward-turned-defender delisted at the end of 2022, only to earn a rookie lifeline. Mitchell went on to debut in 2023, fittingly in South Australia, and won a Rising Star nomination that year. He arrives at South as their latest signing, offering plenty of speed and dare out of defence. If he can stay on the park, he’ll be a huge playmaking asset.

Arie Schoenmaker (St Kilda)
Tall Defender | 194cm | 07/01/2005

Another youngster fresh out of the AFL, many thought Schoenmaker to be unlucky as news of his axing broke. He slid to pick 62 in the 2023 National Draft and went on to play seven games for St Kilda after debuting in 2024. While he stands at 194cm, the Tasmanian native is quick and possesses genuine rebounding weapons – most notably a booming left-foot kick. His size and power will immediately strengthen South’s backline, and he could even play himself into Tasmania’s new AFL team.

STATE LEAGUE COUPS

Riley Baldi (Casey Demons)
Midfielder | 180cm | 20/02/2001

A recruit which has perhaps gone under the radar amid South’s ex-AFL coups, Baldi is a hardened state league player with valuable experience. He was vice-captain of Casey in 2025 and lands at Magain Stadium thanks largely to close ties with Panthers skipper Sam Skinner. The midfielder, a product of the Gippsland Power region, is a true competitor renowned for his work ethic and ball winning acumen.

Phillip Moi Moi (Richmond VFL)
Forward | 182cm | 18/06/2000

Another recruit renowned for his competitiveness, Moi Moi also offers a touch of X-factor to the young South side. He comes with 13 games of VFL experience over the past two seasons, split between the Sydney and Richmond-aligned reserves. Moi Moi’s speed and scoreboard impact make him an exciting player to watch in the front half, though he can also ply his trade down back if needed.

Harley Sparks (West Coast WAFL)
Defender/Midfielder | 187cm | 24/09/2001

Landing in South Australia from out west, Sparks also hails from an AFL-aligned club. He won West Coast’s WAFL best and fairest award in 2024 having originally been an East Perth junior. Sparks comes with 50 games of WAFL experience and is another strong standard-setter. He is a rebound defender who not only wins his own ball one-on-one, but also makes good decisions in possession.

RETURNING JUNIORS

Jack Delean (Fremantle)
Small Forward | 182cm | 15/04/2005

There was plenty of excitement surrounding Delean in his draft year, tagged as a mercurial small forward who could make things happen out of nothing. He played three senior games for South before being drafted to Fremantle in 2023, and returns with 28 WAFL League games under his belt. Delean was Peel Thunder’s leading goalkicker last year with 21 majors, which wasn’t quite enough to break through for an AFL debut. Still, he’s sure to wow fans with his ability to take speccies or kick goals from anywhere.

Arlo Draper
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 30/01/2003

Returning home for a second time, Draper originally did so back in 2024 having been delisted from Collingwood. Among his 12 games that year, he got to play alongside younger brother Sid who was later drafted to Adelaide. Draper is a smooth operator with eye-catching agility and the ability to kick goals from midfield. He has oodles of talent and class, so should have no trouble making an impact upon his second second-coming for South. At his best, he’s a potential match-winner.

Will Verrall (Melbourne)
Ruck | 199cm | 11/03/2004

Verrall is another South junior who heads back to Noarlunga via an AFL list. While he didn’t get a look-in at Melbourne, the 199cm rookie played 45 VFL games at Casey and was able to develop his craft alongside the likes of Max Gawn. The Panthers will be eager to see how those skills translate back in the SANFL, where his ability to provide a marking option around the ground will be invaluable. His added professionalism is another asset the Panthers will hope can lift the young group.

Koby Cockshell (Mt Barker)
Tall Forward | 192cm | 06/12/2004

While many of his junior teammates have returned on the back of AFL experience, Cockshell has established himself at senior level in the Hills Football League. He will hope to add to his one SANFL League appearance having amassed consecutive 44-goal seasons for Mt Barker, and never being held goalless in 2025. He played 17 Reserves games across two seasons for South, so with size and a keen eye for goal, adds some firepower to the lineup.