10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

Another exciting round of local SA footy has been played out across the state. From upset results to star performances, here are the 10 things we learned from the weekend’s action.

Another exciting round of local SA footy action is done and dusted, with upset results and spectacular team performances highlighting the weekend.

Here are the 10 things we learned from the state’s suburban and country competitions.

SHOC EXECUTES DEFENSIVE MASTERCLASS

Former South gun Alex Cailotto. Picture: Sarah Reed

Sacred Heart OC made a statement against reigning Footy League division one premier Port District on Saturday, holding the Magpies to just one major in a 8.5 (53) to 1.5 (11) win.

Ned Brooks was influential up front with three big goals as midfielders Joel Cross and Cam Rankin stood out in the contest, winning plenty of hard footy and providing brilliantly for the forwardline.

Big man Alex Cailotto was also a key factor for SHOC, dominating in the ruck and in the air and helping to prevent the visitors from escaping their defensive 50.

The win sees Hearts move to third on the ladder above Port District.

OLD REDS KEEP ROLLING

Jack Trengove (left) was at his best against Broadview. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Prince Alfred OC added another big win to its division one season, defeating Broadview 21.6 (132) to 10.8 (68) in an entertaining affair.

The Old Reds dominated around the ground, with star players like Jack Trengove, Tyson Brazel and Andrew Bradley all controlling the contest and tallying endless clearances for the hosts.

Hayden Jolly was also a positive for PAOC, the gun utility at his best yet again across the backline and through the middle, winning the footy in the air and at ground level and distributing seamlessly.

The side stayed on top of the div one ladder with the win, one point clear of Glenunga.

GULLIES IN THE HUNT

Alex McKay has been a standout for TTG this season. Picture: AAP Image/ Brenton Edwards

Tea Tree Gully remained well and truly in the finals hunt with a strong 15.13 (103) to 11.10 (76) win over St Peter’s OC at home, responding to last week’s loss to Glenunga in style.

Brodie Latham did the damage for Gullies up front, booting five goals through high work rate and excellent leading.

Captain Chad Schoenmakers was inspirational on the ball for the hosts, while gun midfielder Alex McKay was also a standout.

The result sees TTG remain in fifth spot on the ladder, clear of sixth spot by a game.

HAWKS FLY INTO FINALS FRAME

Salisbury North continued its strong run of form with a convincing 18.10 (118) to 11.7 (73) win over Athelstone away from home in div two.

The Hawks dominated the midfield from the start to finish of what was one of their best performances so far this season, with captain Jordan O’Brien producing an inspirational performance on the ball by applying strong tackle pressure and moving the footy forward for his side.

Jake Johansen was also a big factor up front for Salisbury North, flying high to take multiple big grabs and add to his goal tally of 25 for the season.

The Hawks now sit in fifth position, back in the finals fold.

ROC A CONTENDER

Rostrevor OC pulled off a major upset in division two on Saturday, defeating a heavily favoured Payneham Norwood Union side by five points in a 9.8 (62) to 8.9 (57) thriller.

It was a fast start which set up the win for ROC, the hosts kicking their way to a 26-1 quarter-time lead through impressive work by captain Daniel McCallum on the ball and emerging stars Tom McCormack and Patrick Dawson up front.

While the Falcons booted eight goals to five through the following three terms it was not enough, the hosts holding firm in the final term to seal a significant win in their season.

The result has the side level with Salisbury North on points, sitting in sixth spot by just one percent.

DOLPHINS DELIVERING BIG YEAR

CBCOC moved a game clear of Lockleys in second spot on the division four ladder with an impressive 13.7 (85) to 8.16 (64) win at Lockleys Oval.

The Dolphins got off to a fast start in the first term but were pegged back to trail by four points at the main break.

It was straightforward swimming for the visitors through the final two terms however, with captain midfielder Matt Raymond and forward Brett Simpson producing to get their side over the line.

The win adds to what has been a fantastic year for the club so far, the side now looking a major chance for promotion.

ROVERS ON PREMIERSHIP RADAR

Renmark's Tim Woolford continues to dominate in the Riverland FL. Picture: Renmark Football Club

Renmark was back to its best in the Riverland FL on Saturday, defeating rival Waikerie away from home, emerging 9.13 (66) to 6.4 (40) victors after a brilliant display.

Competition superstars Matt and Tim Woolford were on fire across half-back and through the middle for the Rovers, hitting the contest hard and damaging the Magpies with elite ball-use by foot.

Alex Haynes was also close to his best, booting three majors for the visitors and creating for his forward teammates through the four quarters.

The win sees the Rovers leapfrog Waikerie into second spot below Loxton North, but many will be tipping Renmark to go the distance yet again this year based on current form.

BULLDOGS BULLY DEVILS IN UPSET

Jesse O’Brien (right) has starred for Onkaparinga Valley since arriving from SPOC. Picture: Mark Brake

Onkaparinga Valley ousted an in-form Mt Lofty side at home with ease during another great weekend of Hills footy action.

The Bulldogs ran rampant from start to finish in the affair, holding the Devils goalless in the second term to take a 41-17 lead into the main break and never looking back.

Former Brisbane Lion and St Peter’s OC star Jesse O’Brien was the star for his side yet again, producing some explosive footy from the middle of the park and also getting up the ground to great effect and booting four goals.

The win keeps the fifth-placed side just two games from third spot Nairne Bremer.

MOUNT COMPASS STILL A CHANCE

Mount Compass' Tom Pinyon was a standout on Saturday. Picture: Great Southern Football League

Mount Compass broke a two-game losing streak in the Great Southern FL to remain two games clear in the competition’s top five with a 10.13 (73) to 6.12 (48) win over Yankalilla at home.

The Bulldogs survived a scare by streaming away from the Tigers in the second half but would be looking for an improved effort next week after a scrappy affair against the league’s bottom side.

Tom Pinyon was the star of the day for the hosts, adding four goals to a current season total of 42 – good for best in the league so far.

TIGERS TAKE FIRST WIN

Kybybolite marked its first win of the 2023 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL season on Saturday with a convincing 19.14 (128) to 6.6 (42) upset win over Lucindale at Lucindale Oval.

The Tigers held the Kangaroos goalless through the second, third and fourth quarters in a monumental defensive display, with captain and star onballer Billy Laurie inspiring his troops in the middle and adding two majors.

Angus McKenzie also had a day out with five goals of his own up front.