10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
An Adelaide Footy League club achieved an important win away from home to move out of the relegation zone in division one. See the 10 things we learned across local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Another exciting round of local SA footy has been played out as teams fight for survival or finals spots with just two weeks left in the minor round.
Here are the 10 things we learned from SA’s country and suburban competitions.
BOMBERS FLY TO IMPORTANT WIN
Brighton has proved it has what it takes to remain in division one yet again this season with an important 10.8 (68) to 7.11 (53) away win over bottom side Tea Tree Gully.
The Gullies started the faster of the two sides through strong defence and attack on the footy to lead 27-13 at quarter-time and 49-38 at halftime but it was the Bombers who flew out of the gate in the second half.
Some assured play by Jack Loy and Tom Dickson in the contest as well as creativity from Jake Tarca (three goals) up front combined with inaccuracy by the hosts saw Brighton storm back to claim the win.
The victory sees the Bombers move out of the relegation zone above Broadview and TTG.
RAMS MAKE STATEMENT
Glenunga sent a message to the rest of division one with a huge away victory over second spot Sacred Heart OC, winning the much anticipated clash 16.6 (102) to 3.9 (27).
The Rams were on song from the start, with captain Abe Davis and skilled young gun Charlie Pridham controlling the contest and creating a number of opportunities in front of goal.
SHOC, who were without playing-coach Alex Cailotto for a second consecutive week, had positive patches but could not overcome the league leader and saw themselves down 72-26 at the final break before Glenunga booted five goals to none in the fourth.
The Rams remain undefeated at the top of the ladder.
DITTERS DOMINATE
Port District has clicked into gear at just the right time of the season, producing a dominant display to comfortably top Payneham Norwood Union 19.6 (120) to 9.12 (66) away from home.
Sam Gray and Cooper Gaffney were standouts in the contest and on the flanks as the visitors threw the first punch to lead 6.0 (36) to 2.2 (14) at quarter-time and 70-26 at the main break, a lead which was ultimately insurmountable.
Trent Heffernan was dominant up front with five majors for District, while Alex Dienhoff (three goals) and Sam McKay (four goals) were also important.
The win sees the side leapfrog the Falcons into third spot.
SAINTS MARCH TO KEY WIN
St Peter’s OC created much needed separation between themselves and the relegation zone on Saturday with a comeback 14.9 (93) to 12.10 (82) win over second bottom Broadview at home.
The Saints trailed by a kick at the final break and by two goals with 10 minutes left but managed to go on a flurry to end the game, booting four unanswered to claim the victory.
Star leader Ed Allan was important on the footy with his relentless attack on the contest and consistent distribution around the ground, while Jonnie Read produced an excellent display up front to boot five important goals.
DEMONS DELIVER HENLEY’S FIRST BLOW
Lockleys achieved its best win of the season on Saturday, defeating previously undefeated div three leader Henley 9.7 (61) to 7.14 (56) away from home.
The visitors led all day in what was a physical affair, crashing the contest consistently to win contested footy and give their talented forwardline enough chances in front of goal.
The Sharks were without Matthew Broadbent for the clash but would still be disappointed with the result as they just lacked the accuracy to get the job done against a sturdy Lockleys line-up.
Captain Bowen Hosking was a standout for the Demons through the middle.
HAWKS SEAL DOUBLE CHANCE
Hackham handed OSB Lonsdale just its second loss of the season in the final minor round of division seven to secure an important win in what will be the matchup for the first round of finals next week.
The Hawks were mighty away from home, staying in touch with the hosts all day and booting four goals to two in the final term to edge them out 13.10 (88) to 12.14 (86).
Club captain Luke Allan was at his best for the visitors in the contest and up front and will need to repeat that form next Saturday.
If Hackham does defeat OSB Lonsdale again it will be the club’s first A Grade final win since 2006.
NAIRNE BREMER LEGIT CONTENDER
Reigning Hills FL premier Nairne Bremer has emerged as a strong chance to take the flag again after a strong past month.
The Rams defeated Onkaparinga Valley 21.21 (147) to 0.3 (3) on Saturday, completely dominating the contest from start to finish.
Key forward Jamie Drew was at his best for the hosts, booting seven goals and creating plenty more up front, while dominant defender Lachy May and reigning Mail Medallist Brock Knott were both important throughout the game.
The Rams sit three wins below an undefeated Hahndorf but should still stand a solid chance against the Magpies come finals.
TIGERS TAME SAINTS
North Gambier has added to its strong Limestone Coast FL season by defeating top spot Millicent 11.9 (75) to 7.9 (51) away from home, handing the Saints just their second loss of the year.
The two sides were neck and neck through the first three quarters but it was the Tigers who took control in the fourth to boot four goals to one and seal a big win.
Toby de Wit starred for the visitors in the contest and up front during the fourth quarter, winning plenty of the footy and also adding to his goal tally of four for the day.
ROOS TOO STRONG IN WFL
It may take something close to a miracle to stop Roopena winning the Whyalla FL premiership this season, with the Roos adding another big win to their 2024 account by defeating second spot West Whyalla 14.10 (94) to 3.4 (22) at home.
Former Glenelg player Kyle Crompton was at his best for the hosts through the midfield and up front, winning a number of contested possessions and dealing to teammates accurately, while former Mail Medallist Clayton Mesecke was also as damaging as ever around the ball.
The Roos held their visitors to just seven points in the first half and added nine goals to two in the final two terms to seal the win and remain undefeated at the top of the league.
ROOSTERS A THREAT
Birdwood has emerged as a major contender in the Hills Country Division, topping former power Meadows 15.13 (103) to 6.6 (42) to move into second on the ladder under reigning premier Gumeracha.
The Roosters were simply too strong in the middle, winning countless contested possessions and clearances through the first half to build a big 69-21 lead and never look back.
Brett Ancell was important with his fight on the ball, while Sam Green booted a number of big goals up front.
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