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.
4. Sam Conforti (Sturt)
After falling short in last year's grand final against Glenelg, the Sturt hierarchy identified the need for a polished, damaging ball user to help them go one step better in 2024.
Former Essendon VFL-listed half-forward Sam Conforti is shaping as that player, adding a new dynamic to the Sturt outfit that could be the missing piece that lifts them to premiership glory.
Conforti has had an instant impact upon arriving at Unley Oval, with his speed, creativity and sharp ball use creating serious headaches for the opposition.
The 21-year-old has stood out with his ability to either find the goals himself or set up scoring opportunities for others, ensuring Sturt's good work goes on the scoreboard.
He is a classic maximum-impact player and only needs a handful of disposals to break a game open.ย
This was on full display in Sturt's Round 9 win over Norwood, kicking two quick goals early in the last quarter, including a miraculous snap from deep in the pocket, that squashed the Redlegs' hopes of victory.
Conforti has also shown his versatility in playing numerous positions across the season whenever the circumstances have required it, spending time as a small forward, wingman and midfielder at different stages.
Averaging 14 disposals, four marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and a goal per game, Conforti has a well-rounded game that makes him hard to stop.
With his infectious energy and ability to turn a game on its head in an instant, Conforti looks made for September and could be the spark for a premiership assault.
