10 things we learned from local SA footy this weekend revealed
An Adelaide Footy League outfit has emerged as a premiership contender after an upset win away from home. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy’s country and suburban comps this weekend.
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Another exciting round of local SA footy has been played out, with a number of big wins and close finishes shaking up league ladders across the state.
From dazzling individual displays to key team results, here are the 10 things we learned from SA’s suburban and country competitions.
SAINTS MARCH AGAINST IGGIES
Goodwood showed it could just be too strong for a relegation battle this year, achieving its first division one win since round one in April with a 13.10 (88) to 6.9 (45) victory over Old Ignatians.
The win places the Saints a game clear of the relegation zone after seven rounds of play as they gear up to face Port District away from home next round.
Key forward Jade Cleeland was impressive for the hosts, booting three goals and setting up multiple others as he helped Luke Donaldson and his side to a much-needed two points.
Captain Nick Favretto was also integral in the contest, winning a significant amount of clearances for his team.
DISTRICT DOWNS RESILIENT RAMS
Port District proved Glenunga can be beaten in season 2023 with a dramatic 7.12 (54) to 6.6 (42) win over the Rams at home, with Louis Sharrad kicking an impressive sealer on the siren.
Both sides played an elite level of defence all day in windy conditions but it was the Magpies who flew the highest, with targets like Sharrad, Heffernan and James Batty winning their contests and hitting the scoreboard.
Star halfback/midfielder Cooper Gaffney was also impressive for the hosts, picking off a number of Glenunga attacks and applying strong tackle pressure through four quarters.
The win marks District’s third in a row and places them firmly in the finals frame, while Glenunga now sits just above Prince Alfred OC in top spot on percentage.
HEARTS HAVING A BLINDER
Sacred Heart has emerged as a genuine premiership contender in division one, dominating Tea Tree Gully in a 18.12 (120) to 3.5 (23) win at home and sending a message to the rest of the competition.
The hosts were without star mid Joel Cross but proved far too strong in the contest regardless, with captain Clayton Symonds and Cam Rankin combining well.
Key target Alex Cailotto was dominant up front and in the ruck, feeding his midfielders with ease and also hitting the scoreboard throughout the second half.
The win sees SHOC move into the top three and bolster their percentage as they aim for top spot on the ladder.
SHARKS STILL HAVE BITE
Henley proved it still had what it takes to contend with the best in division two on its day, defeating finals contender Athelstone 10.14 (74) to 10.11 (71) in a thriller at Henley Memorial Oval.
The Sharks, led by forward Tom Pillion, swam to a 66-36 three-quarter-time lead but had to hold off an inspired Athelstone side in the fourth term, the Raggies booting five goals to just one to almost snatch a win.
The win takes Henley closer to escaping the bottom two and relegation, but it may need to register a result at home next round against Salisbury North, a club also battling relegation after being stripped of premiership points.
MODBURY MAKES DIV THREE STATEMENT
Modbury handed Hope Volley its first loss of the 2023 season and sent shockwaves through division three, comfortably defeating the Demons 17.10 (112) to 8.12 (60) away from home.
Darcy Pisani and Aaron Stewart were influential in the contest while Jayden Watson also proved handy up front, booting four goals.
Key forward Liam Verity was at his brilliant best throughout the day, dominating in the air and kicking six goals as his side stormed past one of its main rivals for a flag.
The Hawks now sit top of the division on percentage.
RUNNING OF BAKER AND THE BULLS
Pooraka’s Michael Baker has further staked his claim as favourite for the division four medal, booting eight goals from the midfield against Morphettville Park as the Bulls dominated the Roos to win 29.19 (193) to 9.13 (67) away from home.
The Bulls piled on 11 goals to just one in the first term to all but seal the victory and remain equal top of the division with Lockleys.
Baker’s goals total now sits at 15, good for top 10 in the division – an impressive feat for a midfielder after just seven games.
MAGPIES FLAG CONTENDERS
Waikerie looks to be a major premiership contender yet again in the Riverland, defeating another likely finals side in Loxton 14.11 (95) to 3.11 (29) a week after falling to reigning premier Renmark.
The Magpies took a 46-14 lead into halftime after putting on a clinic through the middle and defensively, and soon extended the lead to 48 points in the third term to seal the deal.
Tyrell Hocking was a standout in the contest for the hosts, while Mitch Hahn was exceptional up front, winning a number of one-on-ones and creating for his side.
SAUCE GETS FIRST LAUGH
Sam Jacobs and Flagstaff Hill proved much too strong for Andrew Jarman’s Port Noarlunga side, defeating the Cockledivers 22.10 (142) to 11.9 (75) at home to move to an undefeated 7-0 record so far this season.
The Falcons flew out of the gate, with star onballer Reece Milsom dictating the play in the middle by winning the contested footy and distributing to teammates efficiently.
Sauce was influential in the ruck, winning the majority of hit-outs and tapping to his mids with ease, and also contributed up front next to fellow goalkicking gun Samuel Smith.
BLUDS TOO GOOD IN 2023
Jervois has continued its unbeatable form in the River Murray FL this season, extending its record to 7-0 with an impressive 15.7 (97) to 9.13 (67) win over Imperial.
The Bluds were without star forward Josh Scott, who has been battling injury, but still managed to score nearly 100 with Peter Zarantonello and Dylan Barry combining for seven majors.
Gun midfielder Zane Barry was also at his best, fighting hard in the contest and adding two goals of his own.
FINALS ON ‘LOCK’ FOR ROOS
Great Flinders FL club Lock recorded one of the biggest wins in local SA footy so far this season, thrashing a struggling Eyre United side 31.23 (209) to 1.1 (7) away from home.
The Roos kept the Saints completely scoreless in the first, third and fourth quarters as they booted 31 majors, with 10 players kicking multiple goals.
Star onballer Aaron Beard was at his brilliant best for the visitors, kicking five from the middle.
The win all but cements a spot in the top three for the Roos, who have emerged as a legit contender for the flag alongside United Yeelanna and Tumby Bay.
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