Captain’s Call: We catch up with JK ahead of the 2025 season

Norwood gets its SANFL season underway at Coopers Stadium this Saturday night, taking on North Adelaide in a huge Round 1 clash.

The Redlegs are hoping to start the season strongly, as they did last season on the way to a Grand Final berth, while the Roosters will be looking to rebound from a seventh-placed finish in 2024.

The Round 1 match is scheduled for 7:10pm on Saturday, March 29 at Norwood’s Coopers Stadium.

“Every year we get that first night game, North always have a strong crowd, so we hope Norwood fans come out because Saturday night at The Parade doesn’t get much better,” Norwood captain Jacob Kennerley said at Tuesday’s SANFL Season Launch

“North Adelaide is a strong side and we have had some great contests with them over the years.

“I’m excited to see what we can do.”

Kennerley said his side was ready to get into the season, after a big pre-season with new coach Jade Sheedy.

“We are really excited and we have a really positive mindset for the season ahead,” he said.

“There is a buzz in the air with footy season upon us. I am really looking forward to Saturday night against North Adelaide, we have been working towards this for months now and I’m feeling really confident about how the boys have prepared.

“It’s been a great pre-season under Sheeds, it’s been great getting to know him, he’s added some new elements and theories to the team. Sheeds has handled it really well and the group has too.”

Kennerley said it was a huge boost for the playing group on Monday night when it was announced that Nik Rokahr’s clearance from Swan Districts had gone through.

“It’s great, it’s been a long process and credit to the football club for getting that over the line,” he said.

“For Roks, I’m so happy and relieved for him that its got over the line.

“Roks is looking fit, we know how he competes, he works so hard and will be great for us. It’s super for our group and I’m excited to play with him again.

“We lose Boydy but we add Roks, so that’s a new dynamic to the midfield. I’m looking forward to seeing the mix, sometimes we might spend time forward which which will be dangerous, but we have been working all pre-season on setups and contested play.

“We really value defence and contest, and I’m looking forward to seeing that Saturday night.”

Kennerley had been impressed with his senior players during the pre-season.

“Jack Heard’s had a really strong pre-season, Billy Cootee’s been energetic as always and is looking as fit as anyone,” he said.

“The Senior players have been really good, but some of the new guys like the Ling brothers from Tasmania have been really good, Izaak Twelftree has gone to another level and looks ready to explode.”

Kennerley said Luke Surman was ready to step into the ruck spot.

“Surmo’s been really good, he’s had a strong, fit pre-season and looks ready to explode,” Kennerley said.

“He’s a competitor, he’s played through injury at times, but this number one ruck spot that he’s looking to nail is suited for him.

“He has a strong midfield group that will support him.”