10 things we learned in local SA footy finals this weekend
A div two Adelaide Footy League contender has secured promotion to the top tier a year after dropping down. Here’s our weekly wrap of SA’s country and suburban competitions.
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Another thrilling weekend of local SA footy finals action has been played out with a number of clubs across the state celebrating grand final berths or season 2023 silverware.
From thrilling grand final wins to major upsets, here are the 10 things which stood out to us from the weekend’s country and suburban footy action.
FALCONS FLY BACK TO DIV ONE
Payneham Norwood Union secured promotion back to division one and a spot in next week’s div two big dance against Golden Grove with an impressive 12.10 (82) to 6.5 (41) win over PHOS Camden.
A number of key players stood up for PNU as the side raced to a 38-7 lead, dominating the game in the middle of the park with tough contested work and efficient finishing in front of goal.
Former Norwood and North Melbourne gun Brad McKenzie was a standout around the ground with his disposal and two goals, while target Liam Davis and, midfielder Jed Spence and the versatile Tom Wagner were also important.
The Falcons will meet division favourite Golden Grove in the grand final.
PRINCES PREVAIL TO GRAND FINAL
Prince Alfred Old Collegians booked a spot in its third consecutive division one grand final with a dominant 16.19 (115) to 5.8 (38) win over Tea Tree Gully in Saturday’s preliminary final.
The Old Reds went in to the quarter-time break down by a kick but would hold the Gullies to just 19 points from the next three terms as they completely cut their opposition up with precise disposal.
Defender Chris Curran was at his best across the backline, while ruckman Jordan Neal, wingman Campbell Wildman and forwards Tyson Brazel (four goals) and Jayden Davis (five goals) were also important.
Princes will now aim to make amends for their qualifying final loss to league leader Glenunga in next weekend’s big game.
HAWKS THROUGH TO DIV TWO
Modbury bounced back from its div three qualifying final loss to Flinders Park to top Unley 14.13 (97) to 7.8 (50) and claim a division two spot for season 2024.
The Hawks produced an impressive defensive display in the first term by dominating the contested footy and locking the ball in their forward 50 to build a 27-3 quarter-time lead.
While Unley fought back in the second term, Modbury would kick away in the third through star target forward Liam Verity, who booted six majors for the game.
The Hawks will take on Flinders Park in next weekend’s grand final.
DOLPHINS DELIVER BULLS BIG BLOW
CBC OC won an upset over division four minor premier Pooraka to send the Bulls out of 2o23 finals, winning 17.10 (112) to 8.18 (66) to earn promotion to division three and a spot in next weekend’s grand final against Lockleys.
The Dolphins produced a big six-goal to three third term to go up by 30 points heading into the final term and added another four majors on their way to one of the club’s great wins.
Captain Matt Raymond was a standout for his side, winning plenty of contested footy and also kicking two goals, while brother Brett Simpson added three of his own.
INGLE FARM IN DIV SEVEN HEAVEN
Ingle Farm completed its fantastic division seven season in the perfect fashion with a huge 21.18 (144) to 7.15 (57) grand final win over Houghton Districts.
The Bulldogs were too strong for the Raiders in the contest from start to finish, with gun players such as Jack Delchau, captain Daniel Tanczos, Jie Martin, Brandon Rigney and Terrel Rigney all standing up throughout the game to either hit the scoreboard or set up their teammates.
Cameron Sandercock was the side’s best however, taking out best on ground honours for his performance up front and in the middle.
EAGLES GROUND THE MAGPIES
Lincoln South took out this season’s Port Lincoln FL premiership over Marble Range, ending the Magpies’ run of two straight flags with a thrilling 8.15 (63) to 10.8 (68) victory.
Both sides were neck-and-neck through all four quarters, with key players for either team producing some of their best footy of the year.
Playing-coach Johann Wagner, Michael Mazey and Zane Montgomerie were all influential early as Lincoln South built a narrow advantage, eventually taking a one-kick lead into the final break.
Magpies captain Tynan Keeley was strong for Marble Range, while ruck Jed Woolford and midfielder Jordan Clements were also influential as the side lifted the pressure in the final term and drew scores level, but a late Waylon Miller goal from a set shot would give the Eagles the win.
Versatile onballer Hayden Carey was best on ground for the Eagles as the club took home its first flag since 2002.
GUMMY GOES BACK-TO-BACK
Gumeracha toughed out a nail biting 6.5 (41) to 5.5 (35) Hills Country Division grand final win over Meadows on Saturday, winning back-to-back premierships for the first time since 1957.
It was a scrappy affair through all four quarters between the division’s two best sides all year, but a single goal from Jeremy Hackett – who had three for the day – would break the three-quarter-time deadlock and give the Magpies a historic win following sturdy last term defensive work.
Co-captain Jack Parker was also influential on the ball for the Magpies, while Daniel Wood was also at his best around the ground.
HAHNDORF MAKES AMENDS
Hahndorf proved it could still perform at its best in September, bouncing back from a disappointing qualifying final loss to Nairne Bremer to defeat Uraidla Districts 8.11 (59) to 6.8 (44) in the Hills FL preliminary final.
The Magpies trailed by 21 points at halftime but would click into gear in the third term, holding the Demons to a single goal while adding five of their own to take a slim lead into the final term, eventually holding their opponent goalless in the quarter and running away with the win.
Matt Jaensch and Sam Hayden were standouts in the contest for Hahndorf, while Luke Roberts and Daniel Zander had an important four goals between them.
DEMONS DELIVER AGAIN
Willunga pulled off another Great Southern FL finals upset to seal a grand final spot from fourth position, defeating Myponga-Sellicks 11.10 (76) to 9.7 (61) off the back of a big third term.
The Mudlarks led by four points at the main break but would find themselves behind by three kicks heading into the final quarter after the Demons piled on five goals in the third, a deficit they would not be able to overcome.
Jack Redden was a standout again for Willunga in the middle, while Brad Haskett and Sam Renney also produced strong displays.
The Demons will face league favourite McLaren in the grand final.
BORDER DISTRICTS TAKE THE FLAG
Border Districts was too good for Kingston in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL grand final, defeating the Saints 10.12 (73) to 8.8 (56) in an entertaining affair.
The side led by just two points heading in to the final term but would produce its best contested footy of the day, winning plenty of the ball inside and giving forward Mark Quinn (three goals) a number of opportunities and booting three goals to one to seal the win.
Dylan Schoenmakers was a standout yet again for the Eagles, presenting up the ground well to link midfielders with the forwards and also hitting the scoreboard.
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