10 things we learned in local SA footy round one revealed
A number of new recruits starred in round one of local SA footy this weekend, including a former AFL premiership player. See the 10 things we learned during Saturday’s country and suburban action.
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Round one of the 2024 local SA footy season has been played out and a number of star players and premiership favourites put on a show for fans across the state.
Here are the 10 things we learned from Saturday’s action.
PORT DISTRICT EARLY FLAG FAVOURITE
Much was said about Port District’s premiership chances heading into the season after the club acquired Scott Lycett, Matt Rose and Joey Haines and the new-look Magpies did not disappoint in round one, topping Broadview 16.6 (95) to 6.6 (42) away from home.
Scott Lycett was as dominant as expected in the ruck, dominating the contest and giving his midfielders first use, while recruit Joey Haines was impressive with his intercept marking ability and efficient ball-use.
Touted to be one of the top teams of the division, Broadview was without Xavier Gotch, Nick Liddle and Jesse White for the contest and will be hoping they can get some names back into the side with a clash against Glenunga up next.
RAMS STILL RAMPANT
Glenunga saw a lot of player movement in and out of the club throughout the pre-season after losing the 2023 grand final but still looked as strong as ever against Brighton.
The Rams had a slow start at Brighton Oval but would soon click into gear to topple the Bombers by a score of 10.8 (68) to 4.11 (35).
Reigning division one medallist and new captain Abe Davis was a standout for the visitors through the middle and up front, while new recruit Charlie Pridham impressed off halfback.
Coach Nathan Grima will be hoping for more of the same next week against Broadview as his side aims to launch another premiership bid.
FALCONS SET TO FLY
Key forward Harrison Viney booted five goals as Payneham Norwood Union flew to a big upset win over Golden Grove at home, defeating the Kookaburras 17.10 (112) to 10.10 (70).
Falcons stars Matt Nunn, Tom Wagner, Jed Spence and Brad McKenzie all dominated with their elite disposal around the ground as their side booted nine goals in the final term to seal the win.
The win sends a message to the rest of the competition, with Golden Grove predicted to be one of the contenders in division one.
If Jeremy Cini can continue to get the same output from his side each week, PNU will be tough to beat.
SAINTS SEND MESSAGE TO DIV TWO
Goodwood solidified itself as early favourite in division two with an impressive 10.13 (73) to 7.9 (51) away win over Edwardstown in round one of the Adelaide Footy League.
Former West Adelaide gun Kaine Stevens and captain Nick Favretto were standouts through the middle as the Saints dominated the contested ball and pulled away to a convincing win against a strong side.
The win is an important one for the club which will need the momentum against Rostrevor OC away from home in round two.
NORTH HAVEN, LINDSAY THOMAS ONE TO WATCH
Lindsay Thomas starred for North Haven up front and around the ball as the relegated club pulled off an upset round one win over Hope Valley in division three.
The Magpies put together a brilliant first half, booting 11.7 (73) to 2.4 (16) and never looking back as Nick Sandford, Luke Ridley and Tom Sandercock all impressed around the ground.
Thomas finished with two goals and a high number of contested possessions as his side achieved a major victory.
GAZA RELEGATION-BOUND
Gaza looks set to struggle mightily in division five of the Adelaide Footy League, losing 29.19 (193) to 4.2 (26) against newly-promoted division four side Kilburn in a devastating result at home.
The Eagles suffered a player exodus during the pre-season after being charged with a number of salary cap breaches and will find it a challenge to remain competitive often enough this year to avoid relegation.
Star forward Corey Solly kicked 10 in the Kilburn win, with his side looking well-poised to go far in the division this season.
HAHNDORF SET TO BOUNCE BACK
Hahndorf ensured its 2023 grand final loss to Nairne Bremer was a distant memory in round one of the Hills Football League, defeating the Rams 12.6 (78) to 7.10 (52) at home.
New signing and former Crows SANFL player Riley Clamp starred up front for the Magpies, booting three goals and taking a number of big contested grabs.
Midfield stars Adam Trenorden and Sam Hayden were also at the top of their game for the hosts.
IMPERIAL CONTENDERS AGAIN
Imperial notched a strong win to begin the River Murray Football League season, defeating a strong Southern Mallee Suns side 16.8 (104) to 7.5 (47) at Lameroo.
Stars Luke Harrowfield, Sam De Michele and Louis De Michele were all at the top of their game throughout the affair, while the Suns struggled without dominant leader Tom Keough.
The visitors stormed to a big lead in the first half and held firm from then-on to seal the deal and send a message to the rest of the RMFL competition.
RECRUITS TO BOOST ROOS IN GSFL
Victor Harbor was without Bryce Gibbs against Strathalbyn on Saturday but got a taste of what it could become in the Great Southern Football League with Ben Heaslip and Jesse McKinnon dominating at Strathalbyn in a 20.15 (135) to 7.10 (52) win over the Roosters.
Sam Overall was equally as impressive up front and around the ground as the Roos bounced to an eight goal last quarter.
The team could be the one to beat in the competition this season if they can produce that standard same consistently.
FLAGSTAFF HILL STILL TEAM TO BEAT
Flagstaff Hill will still be a force to be reckoned with in 2024 despite the loss of Sam Jacobs to Woodville-West Torrens in the off-season.
The Falcons flew to a 21.13 (139) to 9.7 (61) win over Morphett Vale at home in the opening round of the Southern Football League behind a strong performance by Reece Milsom in the midfield as well as Mitchell Johnson, Michael shearer and David Kearsley.
The win could be a sign of things to come in the competition, as the last time the club lost a game was during its 2022 campaign.
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