As the SANFL home and away season nears a close, we're taking a look at the 10 best recruits who have joined the SANFL this season and the impact they have had on their new club.
A number of ex-AFL players, and one current one, feature in our list, as does an Eagles big man and a Tiger defender who were pulled out of retirement.
In no particular order, here are our 10 best SANFL recruits of the year.
10. Chris Curran (Glenelg)
After losing key defender Toby Pink to North Melbourne and premiership skipper Max Proud to retirement (albeit briefly) following last year's flag triumph, the Tigers went about shoring up their backline ahead of the premiership defence.
In the process, Glenelg enticed 2019 premiership captain Chris Curran out of retirement, having hung up the boots at the end of 2021.
The 33-year-old has not missed a beat upon his return, playing 14 of 15 games and looking as energetic and determined as ever.
Starting the year in his usual defensive post, Curran has moved onto the wing in recent weeks and thrived in his new role, using all his experience to out-point his opponent.
Averaging 19 disposals, seven marks and three rebound 50s across the season, Curran has excellently combined his composed ball use and defensive intent.
Above all else, he has provided another experienced head and crucial versatility that allows him to shift roles whenever the team needs him to.
Standing at 189cm, Curran is well-suited to playing on small and tall opponents, making him a difficult matchup with his aerial strength and agility at ground level.
Having stood tall on the biggest stage of all in years gone by, Curran will be a valuable commodity for the Tigers come September as they look to defend their crown.
