10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
A newly promoted AdFL division one club has soared into the top three with a gritty win over tough opposition. See the 10 things we learned across local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Another round of spectacular local SA footy action has played out as clubs across the state fight for finals spots in the final weeks of the minor round.
Here are the 10 things we learned across country and suburban competitions.
FALCONS SOAR TO TOP THREE
Payneham Norwood Union has proved it has what it takes to compete in div one, winning its third game in a row to move inside the top three, defeating Brighton 9.10 (64) to 6.13 (49) at Payneham Oval.
Star players Matt Nunn and Brad McKenzie were inspirational through the middle and at the back for the Falcons as they dominated against the Bombers in the contest and created a number of opportunities for Jack Hodges, Harry Viney, Taj Rahui and Joseph Cristancig up front.
The visitors edged their way back in to the game after trailing by 24 points at the main break but could not get close enough to Cini’s sturdy PNU side.
The Falcons will take on Broadview next week as they aim to finish in the top three ahead of finals.
KOOKABURRAS CLICKING INTO GEAR
Golden Grove maintained its strong momentum in division one, defeating Port District 13.8 (86) to 9.5 (59) in a convincing showing to claim its fourth straight victory.
Josh Habel and Jake Pitman were influential in the middle early as the Kookaburras built a 30-15 quarter-time lead, but Scott Lycett and Port would get right back in it in the second quarter to cut the lead to four at the main break and stay within six points heading in to the fourth term.
The hosts pulled out all the stops defensively however, holding their visitors to just one behind as they booted three goals to seal the win.
Defender Aidan Thatcher was at his best, shutting down a number of forwards and taking big intercept marks in the final term to help his side to the points.
HAWKS SHOW METTLE, FLY PAST SAINTS
Salisbury North completed an impressive fourth quarter comeback at Goodwood on Saturday to defeat the Saints 11.12 (78) to 8.6 (54).
The hosts started the faster of the two sides, eventually building a 56-27 half time lead behind strong play from Jakob Heitmann, Ryan Dijksman and Kaine Stevens, but the Hawks would charge back in the third term.
Midfielder Joey Brown and playing-coach Luke Habel were inspirational in the contest as the Hawks gradually cut Goodwood’s lead to two kicks at three-quarter time and then kept the Saints scoreless in the final term through strong pressure in the middle and up front.
The visitors booted a huge 5.6 in the fourth quarter to claim the win, with Brad Johansen kicking the sealer.
ROSENTHAL BOOTS 100
Fitzroy star Josh Rosenthal became the third local SA footballer to reach the 100-mark in as many weeks this season, following Para Hills forward Daniel Weetra and Eastern Park gun Shawn Mansell.
Rosenthal needed just one goal during his side’s division six clash with Salisbury on Saturday and achieved the feat early in the second term to spark major celebrations from the home crowd and his teammates.
The Lions could not get over the line however, with the visiting Magpies winning 12.16 (88) to 7.6 (48) to remain undefeated at the top of the ladder.
EAGLES FINALLY FLY
Elizabeth achieved its first win of the 2024 season in round 15 of what has been a challenging year, defeating Central United 14.7 (91) to 9.5 (59) away from home.
The Eagles flew out of the gates to lead 20-8 at quarter time and 46-26 at the main break before captain Stephen James took over up front in the final two terms, booting five goals for the game and helping his side to extend the lead to 32 points.
Coach Matt Switala said the win was “reward for effort for everyone at the club who has been involved in getting us back on track.”
The win came 11 rounds after the Eagles suffered the biggest loss in SA footy history, going down 516-0 against Fitzroy.
TIGERS ON A TEAR
Kybybolite has emerged as a favourite in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL in recent weeks and further solidified their credentials on Saturday when it defeated Padthaway 24.19 (153) to 12.12 (84) at home.
Jack Trengove was a machine for the Tigers through the midfield and up front in star teammate Andrew Bradley’s absence, winning plenty of the contested footy and also booting three goals.
Oscar Clark, a former teammate of Trengove’s at Prince Alfred OC, was also strong for the hosts, making his presence felt inside and behind the footy.
The Tigers remain at the top of the KNTFL ladder with three minor round games remaining.
DEMONS TURNING THE CORNER
Willunga recorded its second win in three games in the Great Southern Football League, topping Langhorne Creek 8.12 (60) to 8.9 (57) away from home in a big upset.
The Demons had won just two of their first 11 games before defeating Strathalbyn by two points in round 12 and backed up their strong effort against McLaren in round 13 with a gritty win over the Hawks this weekend.
The visitors held the hosts scoreless in what was an impressive first term and never looked back, with Harrison Mills and Job Colwell each dominating on and behind the footy.
Creeks trailed by 20 at the final break and came back strong in the fourth but could not overcome a resilient Demons midfield and backline to snatch the win.
MARBLE RANGE READY FOR REVENGE
Marble Range again proved it had all the tools to take out the Port Lincoln FL flag this season with its second victory over contender Lincoln South on Saturday, winning the affair 9.12 (66) to 4.7 (31).
While each side was without players ahead of the SA Country v WA Country game on Sunday, including playing-coach Johann Wagner and captain Zane Montgomerie for the Eagles, the Magpies were still convincing, building a 35-15 lead at half time and also holding the Eagles to just one goal in a dominant fourth quarter.
Josh Slade and Daniel Minney were influential through the midfield for the visitors, while Todd Slade was important up front with three goals.
RAMS BACK IN FORM
Reigning Hills FL premier Nairne Bremer has now won three consecutive games after its loss to league leader Hahndorf in round 10, defeating Lobethal 14.13 (97) to 7.8 (50) in a convincing display at home on Saturday.
Star forwards Jamie Drew (three goals) and Dylan Whimpress (four goals) were at their best for the Rams as they kicked away in the second half, booting nine goals to just four to seal the win.
Key leader and standout defender Lachie May was dominant at the back, while returning ruck Brock Knott got important minutes into his legs after his recent return from injury.
LIONS CLING ON TO UNDEFEATED RECORD
Prop/Risdon secured a tough 10-point win over Ports away from home in the Spencer Gulf Football League, withstanding an inspired comeback by the hosts to win 7.14 (56) to 6.10 (46).
The Lions were dominant through the first three terms, with captain Tyler Eckert taking over the game on the ball by winning a high number of contested possessions and dealing to teammates impressively under pressure, but the Bulldogs would storm back in the final term.
The hosts booted 5.4 to 1.3 in the fourth quarter but it was not to be as the 13-0 league leader held firm at the back.
The Lions remain the hot favourite in the SGFL.
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