2026 Hostplus Pocket Profile – West Adelaide

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Bloods heading into the 2026 Hostplus SANFL League season.

COMING
Ben Ridgway (Glenelg), Brad Rauter (Queanbeyan), Shaun Watson (Bendigo Pioneers)

GOING
Isaac Johnson (retired/Ouyen Kangaroos), Will Patton (Glenelg), Liam Delahunty (Reynella), Logan Austin (Norwood, Victoria), Riley Corbett (Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Lions), Dylan McCormick (Flagstaff Hill), Mitchell Marsh (Adelaide), Charlie Haysman (North Adelaide), Dylan Bramich (Mildura), Sam Davidson (Lockleys)

Friday March 6
Sturt 14.13 (97) d West Adelaide 8.5 (53) at Richmond Oval

Saturday March 14
Port Adelaide 11.12 (78) d West Adelaide 11.6 (72) at X Convenience Oval

Talented Tiger Ben Ridgway will join former Glenelg players Callum Park and Brady Searle in search of great opportunities at West Adelaide.

Ridgway, who won the Bob Lee Medal as best afield in the Reserves Grand Final last year, should add his hard edge alongside Sam Frost, Kobe Ryan and Searle inside the centre square in 2026.

The 21-year-old, who measures in at 182cm, is also a former SA U18 player who gained valuable exposure in his 13 League games for the Bays in 2024 and 2025.

“He’ll win his own footy and bring some clean hands, speed and movement,’’ West Adelaide coach Nathan Bassett told The Advertiser.

“He’s tough and reliable and I think he’ll be a really good SANFL player for us.’’

West Adelaide fans are set to see the best of recruit Jonti Schuback.

Entering his second season at Richmond after crossing from South Adelaide, the 21-year-old is poised to take the next step after featuring in 18 Hostplus SANFL League games for the Bloods in 2025.

”Jonti has had an outstanding preseason,” West Adelaide coach Nathan Bassett said of the 181cm half-back.

”He has good speed and agility and looks ready to perform as a high half-back next to Tom Morrish.”

Schuback, the son of former Crow Jacob, has also been impressing in the weights room where he has been lifting as much as 130kg.

SA U18 coach Tony Bamford profiles Westies’ players in 2026

Charlie Bradford
Charlie is in the SANFL State pathway for the first time after playing six games as a mobile medium forward last year for West, outside of his college games for Westminster. He has very good hands in the marking contest and knows where and when to lead as a forward target. Charlie is working hard to find more ways to win the ball outside of the marking contest, with ground level impact being a strong focus.

Anthony Long
Anthony is in the SANFL State pathway for the first time after playing six games as a deep forward target forward last year for West while also managing his college football commitments. He is also a Crows NGA prospect. Unfortunately, his 2025 season was heavily impacted by injury, so we are hopeful Anthony can stay fit and healthy in 2026. He is highly talented when in possession of the footy and can really hurt the opposition on the scoreboard. Anthony is working hard to improve his training and playing consistency, which will hopefully allow him to showcase his ability more often.

Laurence Andriani
Laurence is one of seven bottom-age players in our U18 State Academy. He played in our 2025 SAU16 State team primarily as an inside midfielder. During the State Academy program, Laurie has trained hard on his ground level craft while also learning more around contest method. Laurie has no problems finding the football as a midfielder and will now be challenged to improve his defensive impact when he or his team does not have the ball.

Dean Hatedakis
Dean is one of seven bottom-age players in our U18 State Academy. He played in our 2025 SAU16 State team primarily as a high defender who had a nice balance of offense and defence. During the State Academy program Dean has really elevated his training standards and skill execution consistently.