10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
An Adelaide Footy League club kept itself in finals contention with an impressive upset win over the reigning premiers on Saturday. Here’s our weekly local footy wrap.
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Another exciting round of local SA footy is done and dusted, with a number of upsets headlining the weekend’s action.
Division one of the Adelaide Footy League saw its most entertaining round yet as a number of sides recorded unlikely wins with finals fast approaching, while the state’s country competitions served up more top drawer footy.
Here are the 10 things we learned.
BOMBERS FLYING FOR FINALS
Brighton kept itself in the division one finals hunt with a major upset win over Port District at home on Saturday, topping the Magpies 13.14 (92) to 11.8 (74).
The hosts raced out of the gate to gain a two-goal quarter-time and halftime lead and showed great poise in the final quarter to stave off a motivated Port District side and seal the win.
Star forward Jake Tarca was again important for the Bombers with four goals, while onballer Nigel Osborn was at his best in the contest, winning important possessions and setting his teammates up.
The club now sits level on points with fifth place Tea Tree Gully and seventh spot Broadview.
TIGERS TALLY TWO STRAIGHT
Broadview made it two wins on the trot by upsetting Tea Tree Gully away from home, defeating the Gullies 18.7 (115) to 14.9 (93) and remaining in the finals frame with four rounds to go.
Tigers captain Jay O’Leary was highly influential through the middle as his side overcame a 33-18 quarter-time deficit to boot 15 goals to nine through the next three terms.
Logan McKinnon-Collins and Nick Liddle were also standouts, battling through all four quarters and using the ball efficiently.
The Tigers will face Glenunga at home next week in what will be their most important game of the season so far.
HEARTS UP FOR THE FIGHT
Sacred Heart OC achieved its best win of the season so far, defeating division one leader Prince Alfred OC 11.11 (77) to 6.7 (43) away from home.
SHOC was on top in the contest from the start, with Ethan Moore and Oscar Lovelock standing out t as their side steadily built an insurmountable lead.
Captain Clayton Symonds was also at his best in the contest and across the forwardline, booting three majors to lead his team to a significant win.
The side now moves just one point below the Old Reds and two points below new leader Glenunga.
RAMS BACK ON TOP
Glenunga took advantage of Prince Alfred’s loss to catapult itself back to top spot, defeating Goodwood 17.9 (111) to 7.6 (48).
The Rams built an impressive 33-1 lead in the first term but had to respond after being pegged back to a 46-32 scoreline at the main break.
Jack Matchett continued his fantastic form after booting seven against St Peter’s OC last week, kicking six goals in a dominant display up front.
PHANTOMS MAKE STATEMENT
PHOS Camden moved to equal on points with second spot Payneham Norwood Union yesterday, defeating Salisbury North 14.11 (95) to 11.17 (83) in an impressive home win.
The win continued the club’s strong form through the last two months, with star players Henry Papatolis and Finn Betterman continuing to standout through their hard work and decisive disposal in the midfield.
Declan Grant and Sam Williams were also strong for the Phantoms with four goals each.
If the side can continue its recent run of form into finals, promotion to division one could be on the cards.
JAKE’S JETS BOUNCE BACK
Unley responded to its disappointing loss against Modbury last week with a resounding win over Pembroke OS on Saturday, defeating the Kings 20.12 (132) to 10.9 (69) away from home.
A starring performance from former Sturt premiership forward Jake Sutcliffe was the catalyst for the win, the strong key target taking multiple big marks and booting six goals as his side put together a big second half.
The win sees the Jets stay one point clear of third spot Hope Valley and one point below Modbury.
MUDLARKS MAKE STATEMENT
After going nearly two years undefeated, McLaren has now lost two games in the last four weeks, falling to Myponga-Sellicks 11.8 (74) to 4.3 (27).
The Mudlarks moved to within four points of the Eagles with the win, holding the visitors scoreless through the first quarter and gradually extending their lead through tough contest work and efficiency in front of goal.
Star midfielder/forward utility Sam Kennedy was the best for Myponga-Sellicks, running hard all day and booting four majors.
BLUDS REMAIN UNDEFEATED IN THRILLER
Jervois kept its undefeated River Murray FL record intact in a thrilling contest against Coorong away from home, stealing a nailbiting 11.2 (68) to 9.11 (65) win over the Cats.
The Bluds led by 10 points at three-quarter time but quickly faced a battle as the hosts charged back to start the final term, but held strong behind the performance of captain and star forward Josh Scott, who kicked six goals for the day.
The side will face Tailem Bend, Imperials and Rambler as it aims to round out an undefeated season before finals.
JACOBS A LOCK FOR MEDAL
Former Crows champion and current Flagstaff Hill ruck/forward utility Sam Jacobs has all but sewn up this season’s Southern FL Mail Medal, tallying another five-goal performance on Saturday.
The Falcons defeated Aldinga 19.11 (125) to 5.7 (37) at home, Jacobs dominating in the ruck and up front as a tall and strong-marking target to keep his side’s undefeated record intact.
Jacobs currently leads the league with 43 goals in 11 games.
NAIRNE BREMER SEALS FINALS
Nairne Bremer will play finals in the Hills Football League’s top division for the first time in club history, sealing the achievement with a 11.17 (83) to 2.2 (14) win over Mount Lofty.
The Rams held the Devils to their lowest score since 2013 with defender Lachie May putting on a show at the back by locking down the visiting forwardline in the air and at ground level.
The club has looked as strong as ever this season, with a fantastic defensive line being supported by a strong midfield and an exciting forwardline led by the league’s top goalkicker Darcy Hourigan.
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