10 things we learned in local SA footy finals revealed
A revitalised Adelaide Footy League power has topped off a strong season with an upset premiership win. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy’s country and suburban finals action over the weekend.
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Another week of exciting local SA footy action has been played out as teams fought for flags or a spot in their competition’s 2024 grand final.
Here are the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions.
ROSTREVOR SHOCKS HAWKS
Rostrevor OC could be a side to watch in division one next season after it upset Salisbury North to win Saturday’s division two grand final 10.6 (66) to 7.13 (55).
The Hawks had lost just two games previously this season and topped ROCS 83-50 in the second qualifying final but it the underdog would rise to the occasion at Norwood Oval on Saturday.
Salisbury North would gain the ascendancy early through tough play by captain Jordan O’Brien and Jake Russo in the ruck but would regret inaccuracy in front of goal as Rostrevor booted 3.2 to 0.3 in the third quarter to build a 58-35 lead heading into the final term.
James Warton and Cam Ball were both at their best in the contest for ROCS, winning plenty of the footy to set up their teammates and also hit the scoreboard.
The Hawks would launch a comeback late in the fourth quarter behind Russo and Jake Johansen but the ROCS defence held strong to secure the upset result and send fans into a frenzy.
DITTERS OUT FOR REVENGE
Port District bounced back from its big loss at the hands of Glenunga in the second semi-final to top Payneham Norwood Union 13.14 (92) to 8.8 (56) in the div one prelim and set up another meeting with the Rams in the big dance.
The Falcons started the faster of the two sides with Brad McKenzie controlling the game in the middle and off of halfback but it would not take long for Ditters to swing the momentum, with Scott Lycett and Louis Sharrad lifting their game in the contest and also managing to hit the scoreboard.
Jack Hodges proved hard to handle for the District defence as PNU trailed by just seven points at the final break but Port would find a new gear in the final term, winning the contested ball and stacking up clearances to add 5.7 to just 1.2 and secure the win.
Lycett will need to remain in strong form if his side wants to go close to the Rams at Norwood Oval on Saturday, while big name players Sharrad, Matt Rose, Joey Haines and Sam Gray will also be key.
HENLEY A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Henley looks set to be a major contender in division two next season after it finished its div three campaign with a dominant 15.9 (99) to 7.8 (50) grand final win over Lockleys.
Jack Enright and Jack Pillion were both influential in the contest as the flag favourite built a 24-5 halftime lead and then produced one of its best quarters of the season to kick 10 goals to two in the third and lead 86-17 at the final break.
Aaron Rainey, Angus Poole and Ben Haren produced strong fourth quarters for Lockleys as the Demons booted five goals to two but it was not enough to overcome the Sharks’ slick ball movement and relentless pressure.
Henley lost just two games this year and should be a club to watch again next season.
CHICS A RISING POWER
Kilburn has established itself as one of the fastest rising clubs in the Adelaide Footy League by winning back-to-back premierships with a 15.11 (101) to 3.9 (27) victory over Westminster OS in division four.
The Chics were on it in the contest right from the start, winning a number of important contested possessions through Brayden Lauder and Jayden Davison and giving forwards Anthony Wilson, Michael Howson and Dom Barilla a number of opportunities in front of goal.
The Dragons had no answer for Kilburn’s attack on the footy and efficiency in front of goal and could only muster two more majors after quarter time.
Kilburn’s grand final win marks a huge moment in the club’s history, with the Chics well and truly back to their best after almost shutting its doors a decade ago.
HAWKS FLY BACK UP
Mitcham has moved back up to division four in style, defeating Colonel Light Gardens 18.12 (120) to 8.7 (55) in the division five grand final.
Key forward Max Smyth produced one of his best games for the club to boot eight goals on the day as the Hawks built a 38-1 quarter-time lead and never looked back.
Kurtis Stringer and Nick Collins were also important on and behind the ball as Mitcham blitzed the Lions in the contest and continued to take advantage up front.
The club struggled in 2023 but has bounced back strongly this season and should be better placed to attack division four in 2025.
KNAPP LEADS DEES TO DREAM WIN
Chris Knapp produced a best on ground display to help his Eastern Park side to a major upset grand final win over Salisbury in division six, the Demons topping the Magpies 7.10 (52) to 6.5 (41).
Salisbury went into the game as hot favourite after achieving a previously undefeated season and led by seven points at the main break but Knapp, forward Shawn Mansell and halfback Llewelyn Milera would impose themselves in the third term to win the contest and give their side a 40-29 three-quarter time lead.
The Demons remained on top in the middle through the fourth term with Knapp winning a number of tough possessions for his team and creating goalkicking opportunities as the side held on to a winning two-goal lead.
WEST GAMBIER DOWNS SAINTS
West Gambier won the 2024 Limestone Coast Football League premiership with an impressive 11.7 (73) to 7.5 (47) performance against major favourite Millicent.
The Roos only led by five points at the main break but would hold the Saints to just one goal for the remainder while adding four of their own to secure a famous win.
Brandon Newton was at his best for his side through the middle and up front, finding plenty of the ball and booting four important goals, while Lawrence Bradley-Brown was also integral with his crafty disposal.
Saints veteran Jacob Carger and young gun Harry Tunkin kept their side competitive throughout the game but West Gambier packed too much of a punch in the midfield and across their forwardline.
ROOS LOCKED AND LOADED
Lock has flexed its muscle to book a spot in the Great Flinders FL grand final this weekend, defeating Cummins Rambler 14.12 (96) to 1.8 (14) in the preliminary final.
Star playing-coach Kory Beard booted five goals as the Roos cruised to begin the game and build a 50-5 half time lead.
The Roos dominated the game in the contest and at the back through Tyron George and Macauley Glover, the Magpies unable to prevent the league leader from having their way around the ground.
The big win proved the side is ready to go against GFFL power United Yeelanna this weekend after losing to the Eagles by a kick two weeks ago.
MUDLARKS TO MOUNT GSFL CHALLENGE
Myponga-Sellicks has booked a spot with Victor Harbor in the Great Southern Football League grand final after a dominant 15.14 (104) to 7.15 (57) win over reigning back-to-back premier McLaren.
The Mudlarks, led by superstar utility Ben Kennedy and playing-coach forward Darren Shillabeer, who booted five goals, were on top from the outset, winning plenty of the contested footy in the middle and finding Jake Spinks and Shillabeer up front.
The side led 56-32 at halftime and continued to put the foot down through the final two terms, holding McLaren goalless in the fourth quarter to run away with the win.
Victor Harbor remains the hot favourite for the flag but the Mudlars will be confident after their showing against McLaren and their win over the Roos in round 16.
PANTHERS ON THE PROWL
Top spot Tanunda has crashed out of the Barossa Light and Gawler FA finals in straight sets after Angaston achieved a major upset to top the Magpies 10.14 (74) to 7.6 (48) in the preliminary final.
A big 29-7 second quarter was the difference between the two sides, with vice-captain Steve Summerton and new recruit Ethan Kwaterski in top form for the Panthers through the midfield and up front.
Former Port Adelaide player Tom Corcoran was also influential behind the ball as Angaston held Tanunda relatively quiet through the four quarters.
Matt Whestoff and Sam Colquhoun did all they could for the Magpies but it was not enough to avoid a disappointing finals campaign.
The competition has now been blown wide open as Angaston and Willaston get ready to compete in a grand final which could go either way.
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