10 things we learned in local SA footy finals this weekend

A huge performance by Michael McMahon and Glenunga headlined the weekend of local SA footy finals action as the Rams booked a spot in the div one big dance. See the 10 things we learned across country and suburban competitions.

Another thrilling weekend of local SA footy finals is done and dusted, as some teams celebrated flags and others booked spots for next week’s preliminary and grand finals.

Here are the 10 things we learned from Saturday’s country and suburban action.

RAMPAGING RAMS MAKE STATEMENT

Glenunga’s Michael McMahon was on fire against Port District. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

Glenunga saved its top performance of the season for the div one qualifying final, completely dominating against Port District at home to run away 16.10 (106) to 4.8 (32) winners and book a spot in this year’s grand final, their second straight D1 grand final appearance.

Versatile forward Michael McMahon was at his best for the Rams, taking a number of strong marks upfront and booting seven goals while also creating a number of opportunities for teammates through his distribution.

Captain Abe Davis was influential on the ball, while ruck Jordan West and utility Jack Matchett were also important in the contest against Scott Lycett.

Sam Gray produced an early highlight for Ditters with a clever snap goal but it was all Glenunga from thereon, the hosts applying strong tackle pressure in the middle to win plenty of the contested footy and create goalkicking opportunities through their ball movement, while also remaining resilient at the back with impressive intercept marking.

Captain Sean Davidson was the standout for the visitors who will need to bounce back for their prelim final against Payneham Norwood Union next weekend.

FALCONS FLY TO UPSET

Matt Nunn in action for PNU. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

Payneham Norwood Union produced an inspired second half comeback to upset Sacred Heart OC away from home and book a spot in the div one preliminary final against Port District next weekend.

The Falcons trailed 26-6 at quarter-time and 45-24 at the main break but came out firing in the third and fourth quarters, booting nine goals to two in the second half to claim the win.

Matt Nunn and Jed Spence were strong in the contest and upfront, while Tom Wagner continued his hot form with five important goals, including an impressive snap in the final term.

Alex Cailotto and Seb Kerrish were solid for the hosts through the first half but the Falcons proved too hot to handle through the final two terms with their run and ball movement overwhelming SHOC.

The result sees Hearts crash out of finals in straight sets after finishing second on the ladder with a 13-5 record.

ROC OUT FOR REVENGE

Rostrevor OC will be eager to right their wrongs against Salisbury North in next weekend’s grand final after losing to the Hawks in the qualifying final two weeks ago.

The side was impressive against Athelstone in the preliminary final on Saturday at X Convenience Oval, edging the Raggies out 8.12 (60) to 6.8 (44) in a tough contest.

Both sides had their moments throughout the game, with a number of big names including Charles Kemp, Cam Ball, Mitch Grigg and Luke Rander all standing up in the middle and upfront.

ROCS gained the ascendancy in the third term through tough attack on the ball by Charles Kemp and Ryan Lymn, while Ferghus Kernahan was also important with three majors.

Rander and Grigg were inspirational for the Raggies but could not lead their team over a classy Rostrevor outfit.

DEMONS DELIVER AGAIN

Lockleys gun Ben Haren. Picture: Lockleys Football Club

Lockleys produced a strong finals performance which typified its 2024 season in division three, hitting the contest hard and taking advantage upfront to defeat Unley 8.7 (55) to 5.11 (41) and make the grand final against Henley.

The Demons, led by Josh Fazzalari and Bowen Hosking in the contest, were tough around the footy and efficient with ball in hand, winning the midfield battle and giving star forward Ben Haren a number of opportunities upfront.

Haren was strong again for the side, covering ground well for a big man, taking big marks and kicking three important goals to help his team to the big dance.

The win also guarantees promotion to division two, while Scott Thompson’s Unley side has missed the chance at promotion for a second consecutive year.

The Demons will like their chances of another upset on the big stage next week after defeating the Sharks heading into finals.

DRAGONS A DIV FOUR THREAT

Westminster OS upset Plympton to win its second final in a row and make the div four grand final, topping the Bulldogs 12.13 (85) to 8.6 (54) with an impressive display.

Star ruck Kurtis Phillips dictated the play in the contest through clever tap work as the Dragons built a 45-32 halftime lead and then booted 5.10 to 3.4 in the second half to seal the win.

Nick Leck was also big for WOS, making his presence felt upfront with big marks and five majors.

The Dragons will play Kilburn in the grand final and will like their chances after only just losing to the Chics in extra time during the opening week of finals, while Plympton has missed the opportunity for promotion after a strong minor round for the third straight season.

REID THE GF HERO FOR PARA HILLS

Para Hills captain Connor Reid produced a starring display and a strong mark at the back on the siren as the Big Reds claimed the 2024 division seven premiership over OSB Lonsdale with a 11.9 (75) to 10.9 (69).

The league leaders came back from three goals down in the third quarter to lead by two kicks at the final break and then held firm at the back to hold off an inspired Lions outfit through the fourth quarter with strong aerial contests.

Reid stepped up in the final seconds to quell one last Lions attack, going back with the flight to take a strong mark on the siren to keep his side’s one-goal lead intact and send fans into a frenzy.

Captain Karim Hrynkiw was also influential in the contest, while Daniel Weetra was important with his attack on the footy and delivery upfront.

CLAMP THE DIFFERENCE FOR HAHNDORF

Riley Clamp during his time with the Crows. Picture: David Mariuz

Riley Clamp’s arrival at Hahndorf bore fruit for the Magpies again this year, the gun forward booting two important goals and making his presence felt around the ground as his side topped Nairne Bremer 7.13 (55) to 7.9 (51) to make the 2024 grand final.

The Magpies had the jump early and eventually led 49-32 at three-quarter time but had to withstand an inspired Rams outfit in the final term at Blackwood.

Matt Jaensch was influential across half back and through the middle, cutting off a number of attacks and delivering to teammates efficiently, while Clamp’s presence upfront ensured the Magpies could win enough contests and lock the ball in.

The game could act as a teaser for the grand final, with both sides proving to be the best two all year after their clash in the 2023 big dance.

The Rams will play either Mt Lofty or Mt Barker in the prelim.

ROOS HOT FAVOURITES IN GSFL

Heaslip has starred for Victor Harbor. Picture: David Mariuz

Victor Harbor has made the Great Southern Football League grand final in style by booting eight goals to three in the second half against McLaren and topping the Eagles 14.13 (97) to 7.12 (54) in the second semi final.

The reigning premier could not withstand the onslaught by the hosts, who were led by star on-ballers Ben Heaslip and Jesse McKinnon.

Harry Vincent was also on fire in the contest, winning plenty of his own ball and hitting the scoreboard for six big goals, while Bryce Gibbs provided class with his accurate disposal.

McLaren showed some positive signs in the first two quarters with Brett Ellis and Luke Mitton influencing the game but ultimately succumbed to Victor Harbor’s intent and ball movement.

The Roos have been the benchmark all year and will be the hot favourite in the big dance.

EAGLES FLYING IN GREAT FLINDERS

United Yeelanna has booked a place in the Great Flinders Football League big dance aith an 11.9 (75) to 10.8 (68) win over Lock at Poochera Oval.

The two clubs have been neck-and-neck all year and were locked up at 66 points each at the final break, but the reigning premier would not lie down, booting 1.3 to two behinds in the fourth to claim a dramatic win.

Club champion Xavier Watson was at his best around the ground for United Yeelanna, winning contested possessions and clearances for his side, while Bryce Breed (three goals) and Stephen Crettenden (two goals) were important upfront.

Lock playing-coach Kory Beard was typically strong for the Roos, producing top drawer footy around the ground and also kicking three goals.

ALL TIGER AFFAIR IN SOUTH EAST

Mundulla's James Hinge. Picture: Mundulla Football Club

Mundulla exacted revenge for its first qualifying final loss to Keith, topping the Crows 17.4 (106) to 11.7 (73) in Saturday’s KNTFL preliminary final to book a spot with Kybybolite in the grand final.

The Tigers produced a six to two goal second term to gain a stranglehold on the game through a dominant goalkicking display by forward James Hinge and tough work by Nathan Studham in the contest.

Aaron Young (two goals) and Cam Craig were strong for the Crows but the side could not overcome an inspired Mundulla outfit in the middle and upfront.

Hinge finished the game with eight big goals and will be important again next weekend against Jack Trengove, Andrew Bradley and Kybybolite.