Woodville-West Torrens will welcome back former premiership midfielder Kobe Mutch for the 2025 season as the Eagles add to their midfield stocks.
Mutch played 31 games for the Eagles across 2021-22 including the 2021 flag triumph after being delisted by Essendon at the end of 2020.
Originally from the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, Mutch was drafted by Essendon with pick 42 in 2016 National Draft, going on to play five games across four seasons with the Bombers.
He then made the move to Woodville-West Torrens and was a key member of the Eagles' 2021 premiership team, gathering 26 touches and two goals as one of his team's best against Glenelg.
Emerging as one of the best inside midfielders in the SANFL, Mutch transferred to South Adelaide for the 2023 season, adding a further 30 league games across the past two years.
A valuable member of the Panthers' outfit in 2024, Mutch finished ninth in this year's Magarey Medal count with 14 votes despite playing only 13 games in a struggling side.
The 26-year-old overcame a knee injury that delayed his start to the year, missing the first four games before returning and having an instant impact through the middle.
Averaging 25 disposals, five clearances and seven tackles this season, Mutch will be a crucial addition for the Eagles as they look to move back into premiership contention.
Mutch joins Panthers teammate Ollie Megins and Sturt's Liam Puncher as the Eagles' confirmed recruits so far this off-season, while Luke Thompson, Matthew Goldsworthy, Troy Menzel and Jarrad Redden have all retired.
Meanwhile, South Adelaide have lost Mutch, Megins and rebound defender Jonti Schuback from their 2024 squad, while ruckman Olivier Northam will return for a full season after spending a four-week block with the club this year.
