10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
An early season straggler opened its account in the Adelaide Footy League with a gutsy win in division one. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Another entertaining round of local SA footy full of brilliant individual performances and close finishes has been played out this weekend.
Here are the 10 things we learned across country and suburban competitions.
SAINTS MARCH TO FIRST WIN
St Peter’s OC finally opened its account in division one of the Adelaide Footy League for season 2024 with a solid 9.14 (68) to 8.4 (52) win over Brighton at home.
The Saints got off to a brilliant start defensively, holding the Bombers scoreless to build a 21-point quarter-time lead.
They were then led by stars Ed Allan and Jonnie Read in the contest as they generated plenty of looks for forwards through the next three quarters.
Nic Michaels kicked two for the side, while seven other individuals hit the scoreboard.
The result takes SPOC to second bottom, above Brighton.
RAMS STORM HOME IN THRILLER
Glenunga young gun Charlie Pridham was the star of the show as the Rams came from a goal down at the final break to defeat Golden Grove 13.10 (88) to 12.10 (82) away from home.
The talented halfback/wing was everywhere throughout the contest as the visitors booted three goals to one in the final term to grab the win and remain the only undefeated side in div one.
Wyatt Patterson missed a chance to put Golden Grove up from a tight angle with just three minutes left in the game and the Rams rebounded to find Harry Prosser one-on-one inside 50.
Prosser took a strong mark and finished off his side’s good work with the game-winning goal, his fourth of the day.
UNITS OPEN ACCOUNT, EAGLES ON THE UP
Elizabeth was in high spirits for its division six game against second bottom side Central United on Saturday, and while the Eagles did not get a result, a 12.8 (80) to 10.9 (69) loss marked a significant improvement for the club.
Four-time SANFL premiership player Andrew Hayes suited up for the hosts and booted a goal as the Eagles kept it close for two quarters but eventually fell just short of their visitors despite a late comeback.
Jack Hanson was important for Central United with four goals, while Cooper Burt and Jarrod Upton had six between them for Elizabeth.
The Eagles saw a big turnout and also fielded a B Grade side for the first time this season, a positive sign for the future of the club.
HAWKS SOARING IN DIVISION TWO
Salisbury North nearly dropped an early 44-point lead against Goodwood on Saturday but held firm to claim a thrilling 11.13 (79) to 11.9 (75) win and remain undefeated in division two this season.
The Hawks were dominant early behind the performances of captain Jordan O’Brien and Dom Costanzo and built a 46-2 quarter-time lead, but the Saints charged back in the second term behind the play of Kaine Stevens to trail by just 12 at the main break.
Diehard fans then witnessed a kick-for-kick affair in the final two terms, with the Hawks doing just enough defensively in the fourth to hold off an inspired visitor.
Anthony Hellebaut had four goals to lead the hosts, while Ryan Dijksman was impressive for the Saints with three.
SOLLY, CHICS ON FIRE
Corey Solly was the main man for Kilburn again on Saturday as the Chics claimed a dramatic 11.7 (73) to 11.5 (71) win over Hectorville away from home to remain undefeated and move to the top of the division four ladder.
The gun key forward was too good for the Hounds, booting five goals and taking a number of important marks throughout the four quarters.
The Chics trailed by four points at the final break but managed a three goal to two final quarter to seal the deal and leave with the two points.
TRENORDEN MAKING CASE FOR MEDAL
Adam Trenorden continued his brilliant season for Hahndorf with a three goal performance from the middle in a convincing 18.14 (122) to 6.10 (46) win over Lobethal at home.
The Hills FL star was a terror in the contest, winning plenty of the footy and dealing to teammates with ease, while also moving up the ground to have an impact on the scoreboard.
He has now tallied five best player nods and six goals in six games for Hahndorf and should be a favourite for the Mail Medal so far this year.
MENZEL RETURNS AS CATS DOMINATE
Coorong playing-coach Daniel Menzel returned to the Cats line-up for the first time in a month on Saturday as his side achieved a convincing 11.14 (80) to 7.5 (47) win over Imperials at Johnstone Park.
The former Geelong, Sydney and Woodville-West Torrens star booted two goals and was influential through the middle as the visitors dominated proceedings and ran away with the game in the final term.
Jack Holliday and Henry Turner were also at their best for the side across the ground.
The Cats remain at the top of the River Murray FL ladder with a 5-0 record.
DONNYBROOKS DOMINATING THE BLG
Willaston has emerged as a major contender in the Barossa, Light and Gawler FA, defeating reigning premier South Gawler 17.12 (114) to 8.3 (51) away from home.
Captain Tyson Irlam was dominant through the muddle while Nick Lehman (five goals) and Justin Hoskin (four goals) did the damage in front of the big sticks as the Donnybrooks built a huge lead in the third quarter and never looked back.
The visitors booted eight goals to just two in the third and six goals to one in the fourth to overrun the Lions, handing them their first loss of the season.
ROOSTERS A FORCE IN THE SOUTH EAST
Robe continued its impressive start to the Mid South Eastern FL season with an 18.13 (121) to 6.8 (44) win over Port MacDonnell.
The Roosters remain undefeated at 5-0 this year and showed why they have been so tough to beat with strong work in the contest and seamless ball movement around the ground.
Captain Henry Lawrie was again impressive for his side through the middle, while Tom Wachtel and Zac Deane were also important in the contest.
Hamish Smith and Sam Bates were strong up front with nine goals between them.
ROOS ROMPING WHYALLA FL
Roopena has again established itself as the team to beat in the Whyalla Football League with a 17.13 (115) 3.2 (20) thrashing of South Whyalla.
The Roos were led by former Mail Medallist Clayton Mesecke, who was a standout through the middle and during his time up front with three goals.
The club remains undefeated at the top of the ladder with a 4-0 record and a percentage of 84.87 and should be every supporter’s flag favourite in the early season after beating second spot Central Whyalla by 141 points in round two.
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