10 things we learned from local SA footy this weekend revealed
A shock draw saw two teams at opposite ends of the Adelaide Footy League div one ladder share important points. Here’s the weekend’s big news from suburban and country footy.
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Thrilling results and star performances marked another exciting round of local SA footy across the state, with the 2023 SA Country Football Championships and big Adelaide Footy League clashes headlining the weekend.
From season-defining results to top individual displays, here are the 10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend.
SAINTS SNAG DRAMATIC DRAW
Goodwood escaped with a valuable premiership point at home against top division one side Prince Alfred OC in a dramatic upset result on Saturday, both teams playing out a scrappy 4.3 (27) to 2.15 (27) draw.
Princes led by two points heading into the final term in wet and muddy conditions but the Saints hit the front early with a quick goal out of the ruck deep in their forward 50.
The visitors still had momentum for most of the final term however, but could not hit the scoreboard for a goal, registering five behinds in the quarter including one rushed with just a minute remaining to seal the draw.
Nick Burgess was important up front for Goodwood, booting two of his side’s four goals, while Jack Trengove was at his best for PAOC, winning a number of contested possessions in the scrap.
Princes stay in top spot by a point, while Goodwood has moved three points clear of the relegation zone.
SPOC STORMS HOME
St Peter’s OC booted three goals in the final 10 minutes of its home game against Brighton to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at home, defeating the Bombers 8.11 (59) to 8.9 (57).
The hosts failed to register a single goal in the first term, trailing 3-25 at quarter-time, 26-40 at the main break and 40-48 at three-quarter time.
Brighton kicked the first goal of the final quarter but SPOC would then storm home, scrapping in the contest and booting the ball forward at all costs to set up a frantic finish, with Henry Stewart-Rattray intercepting a wayward ball in his forward 50 and slotting the winning goal.
The win sees Saints move two points clear of bottom side Old Ignatians.
RAMS CELEBRATE IN STYLE
Glenunga celebrated its inaugural Indigenous Round in style in division one, defeating finals contender Tea Tree Gully 8.21 (69) to 3.9 (27) at home in tough conditions.
The Rams donned their Indigenous jumpers and moved the ball seamlessly from defence to attack throughout the four quarters, with Nick Wundke and Alex Haren both working hard in the contest and delivering to teammates with precision.
Abe Davis was also dominant in the ruck and through the middle, opening up a number of opportunities for his side.
The club has now moved to within just a point of Prince Alfred OC.
HAWKS BACK TO THEIR BEST
Salisbury North moved up to sixth on the division two ladder with a resounding 21.16 (142) to 5.7 (37) win over Adelaide Uni at home, the Hawks sending a message to the rest of the competition that they were not out of finals contention.
The hosts blitzed the Blacks in a big second term to set-up the win, booting eight goals and seven behinds to just a single point and opening up an 88-16 halftime lead.
Captain and star midfielder Jordan O’Brien was at his best for the Hawks, while former South Cairns star Jake Johansen was also a major factor, booting six goals up front.
MODBURY FLEXES MUSCLE
Modbury toughed out an impressive win over Pembroke OS away from home on Saturday, defeating the Kings 13.13 (91) to 11.10 (76) to move within just a point of Unley on the division three ladder.
The Hawks trailed by two goals at the main break but went on a run in the fourth term, kicking five goals to just one to seal the important result.
Darcy and Wyatt Pisani were both influential in the contest and behind the ball, while star key forward Liam Verity booted four goals to take his tally to 39 for the season, just two behind division leader Daniel Nobes (Hope Valley).
GUMMY EXTENDS GAP AT THE TOP
Gumeracha further announced itself as the best side in the Hills Country Division with a big win over rival and second spot Meadows at home.
The Magpies flew in the second term to set-up the result, holding the Bulldogs scoreless and kicking 3.4, the host’s dominance in the middle and execution inside 50 proving too strong in the 10.12 (72) to 3.4 (22) win.
Star brothers Sam and Ben Hanna were at their best for Gumeracha, both impacting the game through the middle with elite contested ball work and also either hitting the scoreboard or setting up teammates up front.
The Magpies now sit four points clear at the top of the ladder.
EATS EXCELLENT AGAIN
South East star Jacob Eats was back to his best for yet another SA Country Championships as his region took on Eyre Peninsula and Southern on Saturday.
The Bordertown star was dominant through the middle as his side defeated Southern 5.2 (32) to 4.2 (32) and against the EP in a 7.7 (49) to 2.4 (16) victory.
Eats was a ball magnet throughout the day, taking control of each contest, and also booted five goals over the two games.
EASTERN BIG IMPROVERS AT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Eastern District has made the grand final of the Country Championships a year after finishing fourth, impressing in defeats of Eyre Peninsula and Northern District on Saturday.
Made up of players from the River Murray FL, Riverland FL and the Hills FL, Eastern topped Eyre Peninsula 5.7 (37) to 3.3 (21) and handily defeated Northern 6.9 (45) to 2.3 (15).
Mount Barker star and reigning Hills Mail Medallist Sam Callins was a major standout for Eastern in its win over the EP, hitting the contest hard and winning plenty of his own footy and also setting up a number of teammates with elite distribution.
If Callins can fire, his district will be a major chance on Sunday.
PARKER-BOERS BROTHERS FIRE
Hahndorf brothers Joel and Troy Parker-Boers put together another standout SA Country Championships on Saturday, picking back up from their strong efforts for Eastern in 2022.
The star midfielders, who also played alongside brother and Hahndorf gun Zabien Parker-Boers, were among their district’s best in both games against the EP and Northern District, providing damaging run and carry as well as accurate disposal.
The performance of the brothers would have Hahndorf excited by what they could bring the Magpies during the business end of the season.
CENTRAL HEATING UP
Central looks a strong chance at taking out the Country Championships silverware this season after two strong displays against the Northern and Southern districts.
The side – made up of star players from the Adelaide Plains FL, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA, And the Yorke Peninsula FL – won both games by a combined 50 points, led by the strong performances of Tanunda playing-coach and former Sturt and Port Adelaide Power midfielder Sam Colquhoun.
Central will take on Eastern District in Sunday’s grand final a year after falling to South East in the big dance by a single point.
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