10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend including suburban and country competitions

From dominant individual displays to big team wins, local footy delivered another exciting round for fans across SA. Here are 10 things we learned from suburban and country competitions.

Another exciting round of local SA footy has come to an end and there were dazzling individual displays and big results for clubs around the state.

Here are the 10 things we learned from suburban and country competitions during what was a wet weekend of footy.

SHOC STORMING TOWARD TOP

Sacred Heart OC Clayton Symonds is putting together another fantastic year. Picture: SHOC Football Club

Sacred Heart OC added to its recent hot form by beating reigning division one premier Port District 13.3 (81) to 5.8 (38) away.

The win comes after Hearts’ impressive victory against Broadview last week and has cemented the side as a major threat in the division.

Key utility Alex Cailotto was again important in the ruck and up front, while captain Clayton Symonds and midfielder Cam Rankin were also impressive.

SHOC’s backline was also at its best, the visitors holding the Magpies to a behind in the first quarter, scoreless in the third quarter and to just five behinds in the final term with strong work in the contest and in the air.

BRIGHTON BOUNCING BACK

Brighton’s Otis Carthy in action. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Brighton has responded to a round one disappointment against Glenunga in style through the past two weeks, defeating Goodwood 11.6 (72) to 10.10 (70) in a thriller away from home to follow on from last week’s 103-78 defeat of St Peter’s OC.

An inspired Bombers outfit kicked away in the first half but were pegged back by the host side in the third term, leading by just three behinds at the final break.

Led by captain Otis Carthy behind and on the ball, the visitors managed to cling on to a dramatic two-point victory and move into the top five.

PITT LEADING PRINCES TO PERFECTION

PAOC playing-coach Craig Pitt was superb on Saturday. Picture: In Flight Sports.

Prince Alfred OC playing-coach Craig Pitt was at his best on Saturday, dominating in various roles around the ground to lead his side to a convincing 9.14 (68) to 2.11 (23) win over Broadview in trying conditions.

Pitt was impressive on the ball but also moved up front and had a significant impact, battling well in the air and also creating opportunities for his teammates.

His side remains undefeated and sits equal-top of division one with Glenunga.

HAWKS STAY UNTOUCHED

Salisbury North pulled off one of the best wins of the weekend in the Adelaide Footy League, beating Athelstone – an early division two favourite – 11.14 (80) to 10.6 (66) at home to remain undefeated.

Captain Jordan O’Brien was integral through the middle of the park as the Hawks booted eight goals to five in the second half to secure the win over the Mitch Grigg led Raggies.

The victory adds to what has been a surprising start to the season by the side.

BULLS CHARGE IN DIV FOUR

Pooraka has announced itself as a major contender early in the division four season, defeating Walkerville 13.6 (84) to 9.10 (64) at home to go 3-0 in the season and sit clear at the top of the ladder.

Luke Buckby was in top form up front for the Bulls, taking multiple contested grabs and booting five majors as the hosts charged home in the final term, booting six goals to two behinds to snatch victory.

MEADOWS IRRESISTIBLE IN 2023

Matt (right) and Jake Spencely during their time at Waikerie. Picture: Waikerie Football Club

Meadows won its second straight game to start this season, defeating Kangarilla 19.17 (131) to 7.12 (54) to go equal-top of the Hills Football League’s Country Division with Gumeracha.

The Bulldogs have played seamless footy so far this year and have been significantly bolstered in the middle and up front by Matt and Jake Spencely’s arrival from Waikerie.

Matt Spencely – who briefly played with the Crows’ SANFL side – was on fire on Saturday, booting three majors and creating many more for his team in the big win.

TIGERS BACK ON TRACK

Loxton has put its winless start to the 2023 Riverland FL season behind it by defeating reigning premier and league power Renmark 11.8 (74) to 6.6 (42) away from home.

The Tigers – who fell just short of a grand final last season – had lost their first two games this year before holding the Rovers scoreless in the opening term on Saturday and running away with the win.

Captain Jesse Will was a force in the contest while Eastern Park recruit Chris Knapp was also integral as their side got its season back on track.

BULLDOGS PACK BITE IN BLG

Former North Adelaide gun Leigh Ryswyk has been at his best for Barossa District so far this year. Picture: Tom Huntley

Barossa District moved inside the top three of the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association with a huge 16.13 (109) to 9.5 (59) away win over Kapunda.

The club has been revitalised in 2023 with a number of key additions led by star midfielder Jake Mazzone from Hectorville and looks to be a contender this season.

Key forward Darren Shillabeer was at his best with five goals, while Mazzone and former North Adelaide star Leigh Ryswyk also led by example on the ball.

BEARD IS ‘LOCK’ED IN

Kory Beard celebrates a win with Sturt. Picture: Sarah Reed

Former Sturt gun and SA country superstar Kory Beard has continued his successful return to hometown club Lock in the Great Flinders FL with another dominant display as the Roos defeated Eyre United 16.10 (106) to 5.7 (37).

Beard has slotted in seamlessly as captain of the club and has been unstoppable through the middle as well as up front.

The Roos now sit on top of the ladder and are undefeated after three games.

DAVEY DEMOLITION JOB IN SPENCER GULF

Former Adelaide Crows SANFL player and 2022 Spencer Gulf FL Mail Medallist Corey Davey has been at his best for top team Solomontown yet again this season, dominating in all four games so far including this weekend’s 11.11 (77) to 5.2 (32) defeat of Ports.

The star midfielder, who can also play up front or behind the ball, has averaged over 30 possessions this season and booted 10 goals to sit as the clear early favourite for the Mail Medal.

If Davey continues his hot form, the Cats will be almost impossible to stop.