The SANFL has made four changes to its list rules for Adelaide and Port Adelaide ahead of the 2023 season.

The main change will allow the two clubs to increase their base and match payments to SANFL-contracted players, including the nominated marquee player.

The marquee players will also no longer need to be at least 26 years old and contract lengths have also been increased from one season to two.

The changes, which have been approved by the South Australian Football Commission, were made after an annual review of the conditions which govern the Crows and Port Adelaide’s involvement in the State League.

Adelaide SANFL Football Manager Jarrod Meers said the changes would help the Club continue to be competitive and retain talent.

“The Club values being involved in the SANFL competition and we put a huge amount of importance on it, and that was reflected in our results,” Meers said.

“We really appreciate working with the SANFL to ensure that not only are we competitive, but that the whole competition is, to ensure we are the best competition outside of the AFL.

“The changes allow us to give players who might have historically been lost to the SANFL to country and suburban leagues an opportunity to play at the highest state league level.”

A SANFL rookie program will also be introduced next season, allowing the two clubs to select one 19 or 20-year-old player, which must be chosen in their League team each week, immediately after AFL-listed players and marquee player.

Father-son and Next Generation Academy players can opt into the SANFL Rookie Program without approval from their SANFL club.

Adelaide is coming off its best campaign in the SANFL this past season, since entering the competition in 2014.

The Crows recorded 13 wins to end the season in second spot and culminated the year with a Preliminary Final appearance.