10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
A division two Adelaide Footy League contender moved one step closer to top spot after handing a previously undefeated favourite its first defeat of the season. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend.
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Another round of entertaining local SA footy action packed with big results and starring individual displays is done and dusted.
Here are the 10 things we learned from the state’s country and suburban competitions.
MODBURY WINS CLASH OF THE HAWKS
Modbury handed Salisbury North its first loss of the 2024 division two season on Saturday, topping its visitor through straight kicking to grab a 13.1 (79) to 9.13 (67) upset win.
The Hawks kicked just one goal to trail Salisbury North 21-6 at quarter-time but soon turned the tables, booting eight goals straight to 2.4 to build a 54-37 lead by the final break.
The straight kicking continued in the final term as Modbury booted 4.1 to 4.6 to see out the result, the host’s first behind coming with just minutes left.
Captain Darcy Pisani and star defender Ryan Llewellyn were standouts for the hosts, while vice-captain Nathan Hearing caused a number of issues for Salisbury North up front to boot five.
The win sees Modbury move just two points below the 7-1 league leader.
BOMBERS MUCH IMPROVED IN 2024
Brighton produced another dramatic result in division one of the AdFL by booting two goals in the final three minutes to secure an upset 13.13 (91) to 13.13 (91) draw against Port District away from home.
The Bombers led early but would eventually fall behind the hosts as Scott Lycett gained the advantage in the ruck, but captain Otis Carthy, star veteran Will Rivers and forward Tom Welsby ensured the visitors stayed in the game and made a late push.
Jack Francis was the hero for the visitors, crumbing a loose ball in the forward 50 at the 27-minute mark and dummying a defender to slot home the leveller from point blank range.
The Bombers now sit outside the relegation zone, just outside of the finals frame and could make a realistic charge based on recent form.
PRINCES PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Reigning div one premier Prince Alfred OC has experienced an inconsistent start to the 2024 season after losing a number of key players but has put together what could be the start of a strong run under star playing-coach Craig Pitt.
Returning forward Tyson Brazel (four goals) and versatile captain Lachy McNamara were the standouts for Princes as they stormed to a 13.15 (93) to 10.5 (65) win over PNU at home, the side’s second victory in a row.
The hosts won the affair behind a six to three goal first term and five to two goal fourth as the Falcons were unable to resist pressure in the middle and at the back when the game was up for grabs.
PAOC now sits level on points with fourth spot Tea Tree Gully and PNU in fifth.
HOUNDS ON THE BOARD
Blackfriars OS claimed its first win of the 2024 season on Saturday, defeating West Croydon, also winless heading into round eight, 16.21 (117) to 3.7 (25) at home.
The hosts led 24-10 at the first break and would boot five majors to one in the second term to open up a 58-17 lead and never look back.
Warren Haines was a star for the Hounds up front with five goals, while Ben Sanders (three) and Loui Loprete (four) had seven majors between them.
The side moved to two points below eighth spot Portland as it looks to avoid relegation to division six.
SALISBURY THE SIDE TO BEAT
It was the clash of the undefeated during round eight of the div six season, with Salisbury topping Eastern Park 10.8 (68) to 7.12 (54) at home to move to the top of the ladder with an 8-0 record.
It was a neck-and-neck affair through four terms but the Magpies showed more toughness inside to win the important clearances and give their forwards first use.
Midfielder Brad Prior and forward Josh Mann, who had four goals, were the standouts for the hosts as they built a 55-40 three-quarter-time lead and secured the important win over the Demons.
WEETRA ON A ROLL
Para Hills goal sneak Daniel Weetra has made headlines again this weekend by booting another big bag, this time an eight-goal display against Flinders Uni.
Weetra has now tallied a huge 72 goals in just eight games to lead all goalkickers across the state.
His current average of nine goals a game could see him reach the 100-mark within the next four rounds in what would be an astounding achievement.
MAGPIES FLYING IN THE HILLS
Gumeracha improved to a 6-1 record at the top of the Hills FL Country Division ladder with an emphatic 21.18 (144) to 1.3 (9) win over Kersbrook at home.
Reigning back-to-back premiers, the Magpies have been on a roll again this season, losing just one game so far to rival Meadows at Stringybark Park.
The hosts raced to a big lead in the first term and never looked back as superstar Mail Medallist Sam Hanna dominated through the middle and also had a major impact up front with four majors.
While Meadows will also be touted to go far, Gumeracha remains the favourite to win a third consecutive Country Division flag.
DEMON DEMOLITION IN THE SOUTH
Willunga notched its first win of the Great Southern Football League season in convincing fashion, defeating Mt Compass 18.8 (116) to 1.4 (10) at home.
The Demons dominated in the middle through all four quarters and chopped off a number of Bulldogs attacked to hold their visitors to one behind in the second term and no score in the third term as they raced to the big win.
Captain Cam Hutchens was the standout for the hosts with brilliant work in the contest and effective distribution around the ground.
Ryan Sherry lead all goalkickers with five majors and Dylan Draper added four.
CATS IN CONTROL
Coorong moved to an undefeated 7-0 start in the River Murray Football League by defeating reigning premier Jervois 16.14 (110) to 9.3 (57) away from home.
The Cats, led by former Geelong and Woodville-West Torrens star Daniel Menzel, trailed 31-17 at the first break but would then pour on 14 goals to four to claim the win.
Alex Stidiford, Brad Thompson and Brodie Martin were highly effective through the middle for the visitors, while Menzel was a terror in the midfield and up front, booting three goals and creating a number of opportunities for Albert Dunstan and Angus Weir.
HATHERLEIGH TOP DOG IN MSEFL
Hatherleigh sent a message to the rest of the Mid South Eastern Football League that it was still the team to beat in 2024 with an 11.14 (80) to 10.7 (67) away win over fellow competition power Robe.
The Eagles stayed undefeated through a terrific midfield display, winning countless clearances and creating a number of chances for forwards Paddy Chay, Tom Hutchesson and Jack Skeer.
Vice-captain Lewis Walker was also impressive on the ball with his ability to win the contested footy for his side and deal to teammates while under pressure.
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