Pictured: Darren Chandler, CEO SANFL, outgoing Chair of the SA Football Commission The Hon. Rob Kerin, and incoming Chair Steven Trigg
South Australian football has a new leader at the helm, with Steven Trigg appointed Chair of the SA Football Commission following SANFL’s Annual General Meeting.
The experienced football administrator and business leader was elected by fellow Commissioners at a meeting immediately after the AGM, replacing The Hon. Rob Kerin, who stepped down after completing the maximum two terms in the role.
Trigg brings decades of experience in the game across multiple levels. Currently the Managing Director of South Australian wine company The Randall Wine Group, his involvement with football spans nearly three decades as a player, coach and senior administrator.
Many South Australians will recognise Trigg from his time as CEO of the Adelaide Football Club, where he led the organisation from 2002 to 2014 before moving into the same role at Carlton from 2014 to 2017. His connection to the state league runs even deeper, having played 129 senior games as a dependable defender for Central District and North Adelaide, while also coaching Sturt Football Club’s League and Reserves teams.
Trigg joined the SA Football Commission last year and said stepping into the Chair role was both a personal honour and an opportunity to help shape the future of the game across the state.
“South Australian football has shaped so much of my life, professionally and personally. To be entrusted with the leadership of the Commission is a privilege, and I’m committed to strengthening our game at every level—from community footy to the elite pathways,” he said.
He said the current strength of the SANFL provided a strong platform for continued growth.
“I’m incredibly encouraged by everything that’s going so well in the SANFL right now and committed to a future that positions SANFL as the best development and most inclusive league in the country. This vision goes hand in hand with our commitment to strong, stable clubs and delivering an outstanding, high-quality product on the footy field every week.”
The appointment follows the departure of outgoing Chair Rob Kerin, who was recognised for his significant contribution to football in South Australia during the AGM. Kerin was awarded League Life Membership in acknowledgement of his service to the sport across multiple decades.
A passionate supporter of regional football, Kerin’s ties to the grassroots game were forged through his playing days and leadership at Crystal Brook Football Club in the state’s Mid North. The former Premier of South Australia served as SA Football Commission Chair from 2020 to 2026, having previously been Community Football League Director from 2014 to 2020.
Reflecting on Kerin’s tenure, Trigg praised the outgoing Chair’s steady leadership, particularly during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We thank Rob for his long-standing commitment to football and congratulate him on this much deserved recognition, and becoming a League Life Member,” Trigg said.
“He will always be held in high regard by the SA football community, including SANFL staff, for his commitment and genuine care. Rob’s specific commitment to the continued growth and sustainability of football in South Australia and particularly his impact on football in regional communities is immeasurable.”
The Commission also welcomed two newly elected members, Brad Busch and Teri Hopkins, who were elected unopposed to three-year terms.
Busch previously served as League Director for SANFL Community Football and was a long-time President of the Adelaide Plains Football League. Hopkins is a respected lawyer with experience in both public and private practice, and has served on the Glenelg Football Club board since 2021, including as Vice President.
Nicole Haack was also reappointed to the Commission for another three-year term and will continue in her role as Deputy Chair.
