10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

A former SANFL gun produced a huge half to earn his Adelaide Footy League club what could be a season defining win in 2024. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.

Another round of entertaining local SA footy action is done and dusted as the state’s community clubs continue to battle for finals spots with the end of the minor round drawing closer.

Here are the 10 things we learned from country and suburban competitions on Saturday.

SHARRAD TO THE RESCUE

Port District star Louis Sharrad. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

Sacred Heart OC led almost all day against Port District at Largs Bay but could not overcome a Louis Sharrad onslaught in the second half as Ditters stormed home to claim a thrilling 9.7 (61) to 7.14 (56) win.

The former Woodville-West Torrens and Adelaide utility was everywhere through the final two terms, winning plenty of the footy and distributing efficiently to teammates while also booting the winning goal from just inside 50 with five minutes remaining.

Second spot SHOC, who were without playing-coach Alex Cailotto for the clash, fought hard throughout the four quarters at what is one of the tougher venues to travel to in div one, but could not halt the hosts’ momentum as they booted three goals to two behinds in the final term.

GLENUNGA STAMPS ITS AUTHORITY

Glenunga’s Declan Fahey in action against Golden Grove. Picture: Dean Martin

Glenunga all but sealed the minor premiership in division one with an impressive 18.12 (120 to 10.8 (68) win over Golden Grove at home.

The Rams were led by an inspired Sam Parsons up front and a dominant captain Abe Davis who was a standout in the middle and also added five goals as they blew the game open in the second quarter, kicking eight goals to three to lead 71-34 at the main break.

Charlie Pridham and Jordan West were also influential around the ground, while Mitch Slater was the standout for the Kookaburras with five majors.

Glenunga can now only be beaten to top spot on percentage by Sacred Heart OC and would claim the minor premiership with a win in a major clash away to Hearts next weekend.

HAWKS FINISH STRONG AGAIN

Salisbury North has again shown its ability to finish games strong, storming home for the second consecutive week to defeat Athelstone 14.7 (91) to 10.10 (70) in division two while erasing a three-goal halftime deficit.

The Hawks booted 10 goals to four in the final two terms at home as superstar player Jake Wagner dominated in the contest and up front to kick five majors for the game.

The Raggies were able to enjoy a strong first half off the back of Mitch Grigg and captain Luke Rander but could not handle Salisbury North’s star power when the game was in the balance.

HAREN HAS DAY OUT

Lockleys star Ben Haren. Picture: Lockleys Football Club

Ben Haren has hit season best form for Lockleys in division three and should have a major say come finals this year, the former South Adelaide and Sydney player booting 11 goals in a 13.5 (83) to 10.15 (75) win away from home.

The agile big man remains one of the top forwards in the league and put his ability on full display on Saturday, impacting the game around the ground, taking big marks and finishing goals from a range of positions and situations.

If he can continue to fire come September, the Demons could be a threat to a seemingly unstoppable Henley side.

HOUNDS CREATE SEPARATION

Hectorville achieved an important win to create separation in fifth spot on the division for ladder, defeating an in-form Morphettville Park 8.13 (61) to 6.5 (41) at home.

The Hounds were kept relatively quiet through the first two quarters as the Roos worked well in the contest behind Jesse Martin and Nick Hankin, but the hosts would come back strong in the third term, booting 3.4 to 1.1 to gain a handy lead.

Daniel Fairbrother and Seth Powell were at their best around the ground for the Hounds, while Jak Goudman-Glasson was again influential up front.

NAIRNE BREMER SHOWING POSITIVE SIGNS

Reigning premier Nairne Bremer is starting to click into gear in the Hills Football League, this week defeating Mt Barker away from home by a score of 12.12 (84) to 9.11 (65).

The return of 2023 Mail Medallist Brock Knott has been a significant boost in the ruck and around the ground, while star leader Lachlan May continues to dominate at the back with his ability to win aerial and ground level contests against the league’s top forwards.

Nairne Bremer put on a big run in the second half of last season to ultimately claim the flag in an upset over Hahndorf, and while the Magpies are still undefeated, the Rams have shown they should not be counted out.

TRENGOVE TURNING IT UP WITHOUT BRADLEY

Jack Trengove has been in dominant form in the KNTFL. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

Jack Trengove has stepped his game up a gear in the latter part of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL to guide Kybybolite to another win in a second week without star teammate Andrew Bradley.

The former Prince Alfred OC duo had been dominant together so far this year but Trengove has had to make up for the absence of Bradley, who would have been a favourite to claim the league medal so far.

Trengove was dominant in the middle during Kyby’s impressive 18.1 (109) to 4.6 (30) win over Penola and had great help from Oscar Clark, who was everywhere through four quarters.

MAGPIES SHOW METTLE IN BLG

Tanunda’s Sam Colquhoun. Picture: Sarah Reed

Tanunda claimed a thrilling 7.10 (52) to 7.7 (49) win over Nuriootpa at home in the Barossa Light and Gawler FA on Saturday, with star playing-coach Sam Colquhoun turning in a dominant display.

The former Sturt and Port Adelaide gun was at his best through the midfield with his ability to find the footy and create space for his side and also had an impact up front to lead his team with three goals.

The hosts led all day and managed to stave off an inspired Tigers outfit in the final term, with Lewis Cowham and big man Rune Gilfoy standing tall.

The win was a huge one for the Magpies who remain in the league’s top two with finals just three games away.

HEASLIP ON TRACK FOR MEDAL

Former South Adelaide gun Ben Heaslip. Picture: David Mariuz

Ben Heaslip turned in yet another terrific display for Victor Harbor on Saturday as the Roos topped Willunga 21.14 (140) to 12.14 (86) and should be leading the way for the GSFL Mail Medal up to this point.

The former South Adelaide star has been a machine for his hometown club alongside Bryce Gibbs, who also joined this year, and has tallied 10 best player performances and 12 goals in his 11 games.

If Heaslip can finish the season strong, he should poll very well.

COUGARS ON FIRE IN YPFL

Yorke Peninsula FL leader Central Yorke has achieved another big win, topping Bute 14.14 (98) to 5.7 (37) at home on Saturday.

The Cougars were dominant from start to finish behind the performance of star brothers Luke and Henry Trenorden in the contest while former Geelong player Zac Bates booted five goals in a standout display.

The win made 10 victories in a row for the club after its round three loss to Moonta and has it sitting comfortably on top of the ladder.