The SAFA competition was contested by seven teams with the admission of newly formed club Norwood, after Bankers and Woodville folded at the end of 1877.

Each team played each other twice this season, the first time a standardised fixture was in place.

In its first season, Norwood won their first premiership, going through the year undefeated.

An additional pre season game was played between some South Australian and Victorian residents who live in Adelaide.

Norwood (with a strong team) visited Gawler - Winning 7 goals to 1.