10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

A reigning local SA footy premier jumped back into the finals frame with a big win after a slow start to the season. See the 10 things we learned from the state’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.

Another round of local SA footy has played out as the top teams across the state start to separate themselves from the pack.

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

PRINCES ON FINALS HUNT

PAOC playing-coach Craig Pitt. Picture: Ann-Marie O'Connor

Reigning division one AdFL premier Prince Alfred OC has entered the top five after a challenging start to the season with a 14.12 (96) to 8.7 (55) win over rival St Peters OC at home.

Playing-coach Craig Pitt was dominant up front and captain Lachlan McNamara influential in the contest as the Old Reds blitzed SPOC in the first term and added another six goals in the second quarter to hold a six-goal lead at the main break.

It was one of the side’s most consistent performances this season and could be a sign of what is to come from the reigning premiers as they continue to gel after experiencing major turnover in the pre-season.

HEARTS CAN’T STOP

Cam Rankin in action for SHOC. Picture: Dean Martin

Sacred Heart OC added yet another impressive win to its record this Adelaide Footy League season with a 15.12 (102) to 5.14 (44) victory over Tea Tree Gully away from home.

Hearts trailed 11-8 at the first brea but would produce one of their best quarters of the year in the second term, booting 6.6 to just one point from Gullies to blow the lead out and ultimately come away with the two points.

Seb Kerrish was dominant along the flanks with his run and carry and ability to hit the scoreboard, while Cam Rankin and captain Clayton Symonds were both impressive in the contest.

The win sees the side remain in second spot with an 8-2 record.

ROC TAKES TOP SPOT

Rostrevor OC improved to 8-2 and took top spot on the division two ladder with a big 15.10 (100) to 6.12 (48) win over Salisbury North.

The hosts produced a dominant first half, booting 10.8 (68) to just 1.1 (7) to blow the game wide open and create an insurmountable advantage.

Young gun utility Finn Wakelin produced another strong display up front with five goals, while James Warton was one of his side’s standouts through the midfield and in front of the big sticks.

The win was Rostrevor’s sixth straight this season and sees the club leapfrog the Hawks into top spot.

ROOS ON A ROLL

Alex Barns in action for North Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

Morphettville Park has won six of its last seven games to move into third spot on the division four ladder, the Roos adding a 17.21 (123) to 2.6 (18) victory over Pooraka to their season tally.

Captain Alex Barns continued his dominant streak of form in the ruck, controlling the contest and winning a number of aerial battles, while Michael Smith was also important inside and in attack.

The club had struggled with player availability in recent seasons but has been on a strong run so far this year and looks to be a contender in the division.

KNAPP, MANSELL ON FIRE

Chris Knapp in action for Eastern Park. Picture: Supplied

Eastern Park stars Chris Knapp and Shawn Mansell have continued their goalkicking hot streaks with huge performances against Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Demons beat the struggling Eagles 36.27 (243) to 0.1 (1) away from home, with Knapp booting 10 goals and Mansell kicking a big bag of 16.

The two guns have been on fire in division six and are now the top two goalkickers in the competition, Mansell holding top spot with 76 in nine games and Knapp second with 71.

KENNEDY BROTHERS FIND FORM

Former Melbourne player Ben Kennedy continues to dominate for Myponga-Sellicks. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

Star Myponga-Sellicks brothers Ben and Sam Kennedy are finding top form in the Great Southern Football League and produced one of their top displays on Saturday in a thrilling 10.3 (73) to 10.9 (69) win over reigning back-to-back premier McLaren.

The Mudlarks, who trailed by 12 points at halftime and four points at the final break, fought hard to gain the advantage in the fourth quarter, with the Kennedys dominating in the middle to give their side the upper hand.

Star playing-coach Darren Shillabeer was also a standout for the hosts, booting three goals to add to his impressive tally of 56 so far this year.

The win puts the Mudlarks fifth on the ladder, just two points below the third spot Eagles.

BEARDS LOCKED IN

Kory and Travis Beard have continued to dominate in the Great Flinders FL, with their Lock side claiming a convincing 18.10 (118) to 6.6 (42) win over fourth spot Cummins Rambler on Saturday.

Playing-coach Kory, who has been a standout for the Roos in a number of roles around the ground this season, was one of his side’s best performers yet again, controlling the contest and setting up a number of his players with elite disposal.

Travis also continued his goalkicking form, booting eight majors as his side sent a message to the rest of the competition.

The Roos still sit second, just one win below United Yeelanna.

LIONS TOO GOOD IN SGFL

Prop/Risdon remains undefeated in the Spencer Gulf FL this season, topping Central Augusta 19.20 (134) to 7.8 (50) away from home.

Star young gun Cooper Promnitz was at his best around the ground, while dominant forward Michael Hobbs (four goals) and captain Tyler Eckert continued their standout seasons.

The reigning premier Lions look too tough for anyone in the competition to stop this season, with Solomontown again their main threat.

The Cats have also been in strong form as of late and defeated South Augusta by 112 points on Saturday.

SOUTH GAWLER BOUNCES BACK

South Gawler champion Steve Burton has been dominant for the Lions this season. Picture: South Gawler Football Club

South Gawler bounced back from its tough loss to Tanunda with a strong win over modern rival Nuriootpa in the Barossa Light and Gawler FA, topping the Tigers 14.9 (93) to 11.9 (75) away from home.

Star player and dual Mail Medallist Steve Burton was at his best for the visitors, producing another top performance as an onballer and also moving up front to have a major impact with four goals.

The win keeps the Lions in second, just one win below Tanunda, and sees Nuriootpa drop down to fourth and level with fifth spot Angaston with eight games remaining before finals.

SAINTS MAKE STATEMENT

Millicent sent a message to the rest of the Limestone Coast Football League on Saturday with a convincing 106-52 win over third placed South Gambier at home.

The top spot Saints have been dominant yet again this year after winning their third consecutive flag last season and look set to contend strongly for a fourth straight.

Longtime superstar Jacob Carger was at his best against the Demons through the midfield as his side produced an eight to two goal second half to run away with the win.