10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
An SA country footy juggernaut has been flawless to start the 2024 season, notching another big win on Saturday to remain undefeated. See the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Another round of entertaining local SA footy action has been played out as league leaders continue to stamp their authority in their respective competitions and star players shine bright.
Here are the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions during the round.
MAGPIES OFF TO HILLS FLYER AGAIN
Hahndorf has reached the halfway mark of yet another Hills Football League season with an undefeated record, defeating Onkaparinga Valley 13.10 (88) to 3.4 (22) away from home in convincing fashion.
The Magpies held the Bulldogs scoreless through the first quarter as they poured on 6.4 (40) to build an insurmountable lead early.
Star vice-captain Adam Trenorden was dominant through the midfield while Zabien Parker-Boers, Riley Clamp and Noah Prenzler did the job up front to combine for eight goals.
The club has moved to 8-0 this year and sits on top of the HFL ladder by six points as it aims to bounce back from its 2023 grand final loss to Nairne Bremer.
CATS KEEP CLICKING
The Coorong Cats remained undefeated in the River Murray Football League with yet another impressive win as they defeated the Southern Mallee Suns 10.11 (71) to 8.7 (55) at Coonaplyn Oval.
The hosts took a 23-1 lead into the first break and managed to maintain the advantage through the next three terms as Daniel Menzel, reigning Mail Medallist Alex Stidiford and key forward Albert Dunstan all standing out for the side.
The Suns had key contributions from former West Adelaide captain Tom Keough as well as Rory O’Driscoll, Ben Moroney and Josh Smithson but would regret their slow first quarter.
The Cats sit top at 8-0 while the Suns remain third.
ROOSTERS SEND BIG APFL MESSAGE
Two Wells has sent a major message to the rest of the Adelaide Plains Football League by defeating third spot Mallala 16.14 (110) to 4.4 (28) away from home.
The undefeated Roosters were unstoppable from start to finish, building a 52-8 halftime lead through brilliant defensive work by Jamie Humphrys and Harrison Devlin.
Captain Dylan Wise was also influential in the middle for the visitors, while superstar ruck/forward utility Jakob Thomson dominated to win a high number of tapouts and also kick three majors.
The club now boasts an 8-0 record and looks highly unlikely to let a game slip.
TANUNDA GOES TOP
Tanunda has moved to top spot on the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association ladder with a big 9.16 (70) to 4.10 (34) win over reigning premier South Gawler at South Gawler Oval.
The Magpies, led by superstar playing-coach Sam Colquhoun, held the Lions goalless in the second term to open up a four-goal lead in the first half which it would eventually extend in the final two terms.
Former Sturt gun Rune Gilfoy was a standout at the back and in the ruck, while Jarrod Traynor did the damage on the scoreboard with three goals.
The win marks a major turnaround for the side this year after it finished seventh last season.
EAGLES SOARING IN YPFL
Southern Eagles moved to top spot on the Yorke Peninsula FL ladder behind a starring display by midfielder Nathan Allen in an 11.21 (87) to 6.4 (40) win over Wallaroo.
The star leader won plenty of the contested footy throughout the affair and fed his forwards efficiently for goalscoring opportunities as the Eagles flew to a 58-28 three-quarter time lead.
Key target Ryan Weidenhofer improved his league-leading goal tally to 27 with three goals against the Bulldogs, his side moving above CMS Crows on percentage.
SAINTS MARCH TO UPSET
St Peter’s OC produced one of the major upsets so far this Adelaide Footy League season, defeating Port District 10.9 (69) to 9.8 (62) at home.
SPOC created separation in the second term of what was a tug of war affair to lead by 22 points at the main break but Port District would begin to storm back in the second half with Scott Lycett dominating in the ruck and Joey Haines and Sam Gray taking control through the midfield.
Port started the fourth term in an inspired fashion but could not capitalise on the scoreboard as the Saints showed their mettle at the back, with Ted Newman taking a number of big marks and making important spoils to keep his side in front.
The result sees Port District drop five points behind second spot Sacred Heart OC.
RAMS STILL TOP DOG
Glenunga further stamped its authority on the division one competition with a huge 14.12 (96) to 6.8 (44) win over Payneham Norwood Union at Payneham Oval.
The Rams held the Falcons goalless through the third quarter and most of the fourth, its number one rated defence laying the foundation for another impressive win away from home under Nathan Grima.
Captain Abe Davis was dominant throughout the four quarters, while Charlie Pridham also had key contributions around the ground during the game.
The win sees the division one leader keep its undefeated record intact, while the Falcons drop to fifth with a 4-5 record.
KOOKABURRAS GET LAST LAUGH
Golden Grove got back to winning ways this weekend as Wyatt Patterson booted five against Tea Tree Gully including a last-minute set shot winner to give his side a 12.7 (79) to 11.11 (77) win away from home.
It was a close game through all four quarters with both sides trading punches but class off of the backline through Lewis Johnston and efficiency up front behind Patterson and star midfielder Josh Glenn gave the Kookaburras the win.
The result is the club’s third win this division one season and sees it move to level on points with St Peter’s OC and out of the relegation zone.
RAMPANT RAGGIES CONTINUE HOT START
Athelstone moved to equal third on the division two ladder with a strong 13.11 (89) to 5.13 (43) win over PGOS Camden at Camden Oval on Saturday.
The Raggies burst out of the gate in the opening term to build a 29-8 lead which they would then extend to 42-19 at the main break, with Mitch Grigg, who had three goals from the midfield, dominating in the contest.
Jay Randle was also a standout for the visitors in the middle and up front, while Chris Lodovici earned best on ground honours.
Althestone now sits below Modbury on percentage and a game ahead of Goodwood.
ANOTHER NINE FOR WEETRA
Para Hills star Daniel Weetra looks set for one of the fastest tonnes in local SA footy history after booting another nine goals on Saturday as the Big Reds topped Brahma Lodge 22.15 (147) to 2.1 (13).
Weetra, who kicked over 100 goals for the club last season, has booted 81 in nine division seven games so far this year.
If he keeps up his current pace, he could make the 100-mark by round 12.
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