Pictured: 2025 SANFL Premiers Sturt by James Elsby
Footy season is officially back, and in South Australia, that means one thing: the return of the Hostplus SANFL and SANFLW Leagues and all the fun that comes along with it. In 2026, SANFL is kicking things off in a way fans haven’t seen before, with a full day of city celebrations, giving supporters the chance to get up close with their favourite clubs and players before the first bounce of the season.
For the first time, the SANFL is bringing its season launch to the CBD, turning the Gawler Place Intersection into a footy-festival style fan zone on Wednesday, March 25th. Running from 10am to 5pm, the event will celebrate everything that makes SANFL unique, from its proud traditions to the passionate community that surrounds it.
Glenelg’s Liam McBean and Sturt’s Daniel Fahey by Cory Sutton
Official proceedings will kick off at 11am, when all SANFL and SANFLW club captains, along with club coaches, take the stage for interviews, quick-fire questions and a look ahead at what is looking to be a very exciting season. Plus, with some of your favourite players in attendance, this is a rare chance for fans to see some of the biggest names in SANFL and SANFLW all in one place.
Throughout the day, SANFL will fill the Mall with activities, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. A Super Match hangout area will feature beanbags, lounges, umbrellas and giant lawn games, creating a relaxed spot for footy fans to kick their feet up and enjoy the atmosphere. Fresh DJ Haz will be on the decks on the back of the KIA Tasman, bringing the energy, and interactive SANFL digital games, and the AFL 2026 video game will let fans test their skills.
For those feeling lucky, the SANFL Lucky Dip will be running, with prizes ranging from Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final packages to double season passes, Super Match tickets, Sherrin match-day footballs and footy-themed merch. Plus, the AAMI Lucky Zone will be on display to give fans a taste of what to expect at Super Matches.
Fresh 92.7 presenter Steph will host a Live Workday Outside Broadcast from the launch between 12pm to 3pm, giving out free coffees and Hostplus SANFL Men’s and Women’s League match day tickets. The FiveAA Sports Show will also be around, broadcasting live with Rowey and Timmy G from 4pm to 6pm.
Sturt captain Tom Lewis with supporters, SANFL
The launch also coincides with the start of SANFL’s new advertising campaign, celebrating everything that makes the competition special. From the history and rivalries to the loyal supporters who fill the stands every winter, “A League of Our Own” is a celebration of all this and more. For those with a keen eye, you’ll be able to spot the campaign everywhere from your television at home to public transport and billboards around the city.
With the countdown to the first game underway, the 2026 Hostplus SANFL season kicks off with a blockbuster Friday night clash between Norwood and Sturt at Coopers Stadium from 7:40pm.
The action continues on Saturday, with South Adelaide hosting Woodville-West Torrens at Magain Stadium from 2:10pm, and West Adelaide taking on Adelaide at Richmond Oval at 2:10pm.
Port Adelaide host Glenelg at Alberton Oval, and you can catch all the action live and free on 7Mate and 7Plus from 4pm.
Elsewhere, Central District tackle North Adelaide at X Convenience Oval at 4:10pm, which will be broadcast on 1629 SEN SA and the SEN App.
Throughout the year, you can watch every game of the Hostplus SANFL season on the official SANFL Now App.
So, if you’ve been missing all the fun that comes with SANFL, this is the perfect way to get back into the spirit of the season. Grab the family, rally your mates and head into Rundle Mall for Wednesday’s Season Launch, because footy is back, and the 2026 SANFL season is ready to launch in style.
SANFL 2026 Season Launch
Where: Rundle Mall
Where: Wednesday, March 25th, 10am to 5pm
For more information, click here.
