10 things we learned in local SA footy Anzac Round revealed
A new-look Adelaide Footy League side has bounced back from a last second defeat to claim an upset win and open its account for 2024. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Anzac Round produced some thrilling action in the early local SA footy season with star players producing top performances and teams claiming important victories.
Here are the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions.
GULLIES SHOW METTLE
Tea Tree Gully bounced back from a devastating last second loss to Port District last week to top Payneham Norwood Union away from home in a convincing 14.16 (100) to 9.10 (64) display.
Justin Maschotta’s men had been competitive through the first two rounds of action this season without anything to show for it but played a strong four quarters at Payneham Oval to claim the upset win.
Star ruckman Blake Penney was at his best throughout the contest, winning plenty of hit-outs and giving his mids first use, while key forward Tyler West was also important with five goals.
The Gullies will face a tough test in Glenunga at home in round four but have proved they can be a threat so far in the early season.
RAMS CONTINUE RAMPAGE
Glenunga again proved it was the team to beat in division one of the Adelaide Footy League, comfortably defeating Scott Lycett and Port District 15.11 (101) to 8.9 (57) at Largs Reserve on Anzac Day.
Nathan Grima’s Rams were at the top of their defensive game yet again, squeezing the ground and holding the Magpies to just a point in the first quarter as they gradually built an insurmountable lead.
Sam Parsons was a threat up front for the visitors with four goals, while reigning div one medallist Abe Davis was a force through the middle and a threat in front of goal with two majors.
BRIGHTON GUTS OUT THRILLER
Brighton registered its first win of the season in division one in a nail biting, injury riddled clash with Golden Grove at home, Will Rivers booting the winning goal for the Bombers with just three minutes left to lead his side to the 9.7 (61) to 7.16 (58) win.
It was a tough slog for all four quarters at Brighton Oval, with key back Jarman Sigal standing out for the home side as he lead his defence in quelling a number of Golden Grove attacks in important stages, and Otis Carthy dominating in the contest to win the ball for his side.
It was a much-needed win for the Bombers who now move up to eighth and out of the relegation zone.
TIGERS TURN FORTUNES AROUND
Broadview claimed its first win of the season with a convincing 14.11 (95) to 7.9 (51) defeat of reigning div one premier Prince Alfred OC at home on Anzac Day.
The Tigers booted five goals to one in the second term to open up the margin and run away with the game, with Tyran Hill and Kane Flanagan dominating in the air and at ground level to keep the Old Reds quiet.
Gibson Turner and Kobi Russell were also standouts for Broadview, wreaking havoc up front to boot five goals each.
HAWKS KEEP FLYING
Salisbury North has remained undefeated in division two of the Adelaide Footy League, defeating an in-form Adelaide University 18.8 (116) to 11.11 (77) at University Oval.
It was a scoring onslaught by the Hawks in the first half, the visitors booting 14.4 (88) to 6.6 (42) in the opening two terms.
Anthony Hellebaut was the standout for his side, winning plenty of the ball in the contest and also doing damage up front with six majors.
GIBBS’ ROOS TOP OF THE POPS
Bryce Gibbs started his Victor Harbor career in style in round three of the Great Southern Football League, producing a strong display next to reigning league medallist Jess McKinnon as the Roos beat Encounter Bay 16.10 (106) to 5.3 (33) at home.
It was a neck-and-neck affair through the first term at Victor Harbor Oval before the Roos booted 10 goals to just one in the second and third to run away with the game.
Gibbs provided a reliable option through the middle and off of halfback, while McKinnon was at his best in the contest, winning a number of contested possessions and also kicking multiple goals.
TRENGOVE’S TIGERS THRASH DEMONS
Kybybolite continued its much improved start to the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL season after signing Andrew Bradley and Jack Trengove, thrashing a depleted Naracoorte 31.18 (204) to 1.5 (11) at home.
Stephen Craig had a day out in the forwardline, booting 10 goals off of consistent service from Trengove and Bradley who were also among Kyby’s best.
The club now sits in the top two on the ladder just under Keith, while Naracoorte remains without a win.
The Demons experienced a player exodus in the pre-season and may be in for a long 2024 campaign.
MAGPIES READY FOR CHALLENGE
Marble Range cast all doubts about its contender credentials aside in the opening round of Port Lincoln Football League action on Anzac Day, defeating reigning premier Lincoln South 8.11 (59) to 5.6 (36) at Centenary Oval.
The Magpies held the Eagles to just a goal in the third term while adding five of their own to build what would eventually be an insurmountable lead, with Josh Slade impressing in the contest and Todd Slade booting three goals up front.
NO MENZEL, NO PROBLEM FOR CATS
Coorong was without star playing-coach Daniel Menzel on Saturday but still produced another brilliant River Murray FL display, beating Mypolonga 20.18 (138) to 11.1 (67).
Albert Dunstan was the standout for the Cats in the middle and up front with four goals as they booted 7.10 (52) to just 3.1 (19) in the opening two terms to set up the win, consistently winning the ball in the middle and locking it inside their forward half.
The win sees the Cats stay top of the league with Mannum close behind.
THUNDERERS AT HOME IN SFL
Ironbank Cherry Gardens made it two wins in three games since joining the Southern Football League, topping Christies Beach 15.15 (105) d 13.23 (101) at home.
The club made the move to the competition after its failed merger with Bridgewater Callington in the Hills Football League and look to be right at home, currently sitting fourth on the ladder.
Nick Marshall kicked five goals for the side, while vice-captain Ben Marsh fought hard in the midfield.
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