10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
A reigning Adelaide Footy League premier bounced back from a big loss to grab its best win of 2023 so far. Here are the 10 things we learned in local footy last weekend.
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Another round of local SA footy is through and the state’s suburban and country competitions saw a number of big results and spectacular individual performances.
Here are the 10 things we learned from the weekend’s action.
MAGPIES FLY TO FIND FORM
Port District bounced back from last week’s tough loss to Sacred Heart OC with an impressive away win over in-form Prince Alfred OC, coming away 12.8 (80) to 6.6 (42) winners.
The Magpies showed their resilience and were impressive all game, applying strong pressure to the Old Reds midfielders and punishing on the counter.
Star halfback Cooper Gaffney was at his brilliant best, cutting off PAOC attacks and setting up his teammates.
Coach Josh Ramsey said he was thrilled with the response from his team after its 81-38 loss to Sacred Heart OC in round three.
“It was a really good response from the boys. We had a bit of a coach meeting early in the week and decided we needed to make some changes to our structure so we’re really glad the guys were able to execute,” he said.
“We were much cleaner with the ball than we were last week and we were able to have some deeper entries inside 50 which then allowed us to hold the ball in.”
While the Magpies improved in their play, the team also welcomed multiple players back from injury, including forward James Batty, and saw the debut of reserves player Preston Cockatoo-Collins.
Ramsey said the returns provided a boost for his players.
“I think once we had some more guys in who know how we like to play, it helped the rest of the side and we were able to get back to the foundation of our footy – high pressure and clean use.
“We’ve been really strong defensively previously but I guess to start this season we were a bit shaky so it was good to see an improvement there.
“We wanted to play more in front of the ball and use an extra behind the footy, just manipulating with our wings a bit. I think the way we did that will be a springboard going forward.”
TIGERS TAME BOMBERS IN RETURN OF GOTCH
Xavier Gotch provided an instant boost in his first game of the season for Broadview, dominating the midfield in a 14.8 (92) to 4.12 (36) win over Brighton at Brighton Oval.
The former South Adelaide star was a bull in the contest, winning plenty of contested footy and laying important tackles.
The Tigers look a different side with Gotch back, while the Bombers will need to pick themselves back up quickly as they prepare for Port District next weekend.
GULLIES GALLANT, GOODWOOD UP AGAINST IT
Tea Tree Gully continued its hot start to the 2023 season and kept itself in early division one finals conversation with a convincing 15.9 (99) to 9.5 (59) win over Goodwood at home.
Blake Penney was a terror in the ruck and provided elite service for his midfielders as the hosts gained the upper hand early and never looked back.
While the win sees TTG remain in the top four, alarm bells would be ringing at Goodwood, with the Saints remaining in a tight battle with bottom sides St Peter’s OC and Old Ignatians.
TOWNS TURN FORM AROUND
Edwardstown showed it could run with the best in division two on Saturday, holding off a late Athelstone run to defeat the Raggies 13.7 (85) to 11.9 (75) at Max Amber Sportsfield.
Towns had lost their previous two games against Rostrevor OC and Adelaide Uni but proved they would not be a pushover this season with a sturdy display at the back and through the middle.
Josh Schiller (two goals) and Matthew Tuck (three goals) were strong in front of goal, while captain Toby Case was also impressive as his side pushed back up the ladder.
REDS MEAN BUSINESS IN DIV 3
Flinders Park has established itself as a major contender in division three of the Adelaide Footy League, defeating fellow top four side and reigning div four premier Pembroke OS 15.16 (106) to 9.12 (66) away.
Vice-captain James Schwarz was too strong in the middle for the Reds as the visitors ran away with the game in the third term, booting four goals to one.
Chad Comitogianni was the standout in front of goal with four majors.
DEMONS DOMINATING IN 2023
Hope Valley remains undefeated to start the division three season, thrashing Westminster OS 27.13 (175) to 13.10 (88) at Glandore Oval to move to 4-0 on the season.
The Demon forwardline put on a show throughout the affair, with key target Daniel Nobes booting five majors, leading goalkicker Matthew Min bagging a huge nine goals, and Ben Carabott slotting six home.
The three are now the top three goalkickers in the division.
DEVIL’S DELIGHT IN THE HILLS
Mount Lofty has consolidated its claim as a premiership contender in 2023, knocking off a hot Nairne Bremer side at home 13.12 (90) to 8.11 (59).
The Devils were completely dominant in the second half of the game, holding the Rams and key forward Darcy Hourigan to just one goal in the final two terms.
Skilled midfielder/forward Tyson Hone starred for the hosts and booted two clutch goals to seal the deal for an improved Devil outfit.
REAL DEAL EAGLES SOAR
Southern Eagles sent a message to the rest of the Yorke Peninsula FL in round six, defeating top two side Moonta 13.5 (83) to 10.13 (73) at Yorketown Oval.
Star recruit Jarrad Redden – who has been dominant as a ruck and forward this season – was a standout yet again for the Eagles, setting his mids up brilliantly with his tap work.
Forward Ryan Weidenhofer was also integral, slotting home six of his side’s 13 goals.
LIONS ROAR AS MAGGIES DROP
Tanunda continued its drop in form this season when it went up against Barossa Light and Gawler FA flag favourite South Gawler at home, the Lions winning 22.10 (142) to 6.12 (48).
Flynn Pisani, Steve Burton and Patrick White were unstoppable on the ball as the visitors got out to a big lead in the third term and breezed home for the victory.
The result added to the drastic difference in direction of the two sides after both finishing in the top three last season.
CAPTAIN CARGER IS BACK TO HIS BEST
Millicent captain Jacob Carger has been back to his best this Western Border Football League season and was a standout yet again on Saturday.
The midfielder has shown his ability to move up the ground and boot goals this year, adding another three to his total of 21 as the Saints topped Casterton Sandford 18.16 (124) to 7.8 (50).
If Carger can continue this form, Millicent should be a major chance at another flag.
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