10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

The reigning AdFL div one premier bounced back for an important comeback win on Saturday, remaining on top of the ladder with finals fast approaching. See what we learned from the weekend’s country and suburban footy action.

Another exciting weekend of local SA footy action is done and dusted as clubs battled in tough conditions across the state with precious premiership points up for grabs.

Here are the 10 things we learned from SA’s country and suburban competitions.

DITTERS DELIVER TO STAY TOP

Port District celebrates its win over Glenunga in the division one Adelaide Footy League grand final at Norwood Oval in 2024. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Port District has bounced back from a disappointing loss to Golden Grove in style by defeating Payneham Norwood Union 18.13 (121) to 9.8 (62), rattling off eight goals to just one in the final term to seal the win.

The hosts surprisingly trailed 41-19 to the underdog Falcons at the main break but quickly changed their fortunes through elite work in the contest, impressive intercept marking and efficiency in front of goal.

Captain Scott Lycett was at his best in the ruck and up front, dictating play with his tapwork and aerial ability, while Matt Rose and Cooper Gaffney were influential across the backline and around the ground, cutting off attacks, winning contested footy and distributing efficiently.

The win sees Port District retain its top spot on percentage, sitting just above a red-hot St Peter’s OC side.

SPOC DO IT TOUGH

SPOC star Henry Nelligan during his time with Norwood. Picture: David Mariuz

St Peter’s OC has remained within striking distance of top spot in division one with a tough 5.9 (39) to 1.7 (13) win over Prince Alfred OC at home.

The hosts had to work hard for the victory in difficult wet conditions and produced a strong performance in the contest to gain the ascendancy.

Henry Nelligan and captain Ed Allan were at their best up front and around the ground, finding plenty of the footy and doing damage with their distribution.

Tom Sumner and Craig Pitt were the standouts for the Old Reds but their side could not overcome the high tackle pressure and efficient ball movement of SPOC.

HAWSKS FLY INTO TOP FIVE

Salisbury North won maybe its biggest game of the season so far to move back into the finals picture above Sacred Heart OC, defeating Rostrevor OC 6.14 (50) to 6.7 (43) at home.

The Hawks held ROCS to just one goal in the first two terms, leading by three kicks in tough conditions at half time and never looking back to record the victory.

Captain Jordan O’Brien was a top performer throughout the four quarters, dominating through the middle with his contest work and his accurate distribution, while Tyson Richard was the team’s top goalkicker with two majors.

The club now sits fifth on percentage after a shock Sacred Heart OC loss to Glenunga and has a good chance to solidify that position next weekend against a struggling Broadview.

RAMS MAKE STATEMENT

Marion has remained undefeated in division five of the Adelaide Footy League, moving to 14-0 with a huge 14.22 (106) to 4.1 (25) over third spot Eastern Park at home.

The Rams were rampant from start to finish, completely controlling the contest with relentless attack on the footy and spreading quickly to create a number of goalkicking opportunities for Tim Stewart and Harrison Stanborough.

The visitors had no answer for Stanborough especially, the Marion leader producing a dazzling display around the ground by winning the contested footy and dealing to teammates efficiently while also moving up front to hit the scoreboard.

EAGLES UNSTOPPABLE IN D7

An undefeated season is looking likelier by the week for Elizabeth in division seven, the Eagles making another statement on Saturday with a 19.18 (132) to 7.6 (48) win over third place Central United at home.

Captain Stephen James was at his best again through the middle and up front with three goals, while Brodie Pharaoh and Jordan Campbell booted five majors each in the win.

The Eagles have not been close to losing a game so far this season after a well-documented tough 2024 and the side’s slick ball movement and gritty contest work has them primed for a premiership run.

NO BRADLEY, NO PROBLEM

Tom Hutchesson during his time with GWS. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

Hatherleigh was without star goalkicker Frazer Bradley this weekend but the Eagles still remained undefeated in the Mid South Eastern FL with an impressive 17.17 (119) to 8.7 (55) win over Kalangadoo at home.

The hosts trailed at the first break but would then boot six goals to just two in the second term to take the game by the scruff of the neck and build toward another big win.

Playing-coach and former AFL player Tom Hutchesson was at his best in the contest, tallying over 30 disposals and creating multiple goalkicking opportunities with classy disposal.

The Eagles remain hot favourites for yet another flag in the South East and are close to establishing themselves as one of SA country footy’s top sides.

CATS TROUNCE STORM

Former WWTFC star Daniel Menzel. Picture: Sarah Reed

Coorong Cats have recorded their biggest win of the RMFL season so far, topping a struggling Mallee Districts side 29.12 (186) to 0.2 (2) at home.

The hosts produced a flawless display around the ground, dominating their visitors through the middle to win the clearance battle significantly and hold them in their front half.

Former Geelong star and current Coorong playing-coach Daniel Menzel was at his best for his team, controlling the contest in the middle and also moving up front to take over, booting 10 huge goals.

After one hiccup loss in recent weeks, the Cats now sit firmly on top of the ladder by two points with a percentage of 70.

WILLUNGA STAYS TOP

Former South Adelaide player Daniel Nobes has been dominant for Willunga. Picture: Morgan Sette

Willunga has moved clear on top of the Great Southern Football League ladder with an 11.9 (75) to 5.2 (32) over Goolwa/Pt Elliot away from home.

The Demons have lost just one game this season and now sit on top of early flag favourite Victor Harbor after another impressive display over the weekend.

The return of Daniel Nobes to the line-up in recent weeks has been a significant boost for the club and that was obvious again on Saturday as the star key forward controlled the contest up front and booted five goals.

ROOS WIN BIG TO SEND MESSAGE

Lock has sent a clear message in the Great Flinders Football League with a huge 35.17 (227) to 2.6 (18) win over Eyre United to go clear in second spot and stay in touch with top spot United Yeelanna with finals fast approaching.

The Roos had 12 different goalkickers as they dominated the contested ball, distributed efficiently around the ground and created a number of opportunities in front of the big sticks, with Travis Beard (seven majors) leading the way.

The visitors had no answer for local SA footy star Kory Beard and his side as they stormed to a huge 93-10 halftime lead and never looked back.

The club fell just short to United Yeelanna last season but looks to be a major contender yet again this year and should go close to finally taking the next step against the Eagles.

GREGURKE A MEDAL SHOUT

Barossa, Light and Gawler FA star and Nuriootpa leader Nick Gregurke could be a chance to win another Mail Medal this year, producing another stunning performance in his side’s 14.9 (93) to 4.5 (29) win over Freeling away from home.

The Tigers have been dominant all year in the BLG and while star signing Josh Schiller has also been a big part of the success, Gregurke should still poll very well after a number of impressive displays through the middle and up front.

The tough barometer for his side, Gregurke was at his best against the Redlegs, racking up contested possessions for the hosts, creating a number of opportunities for his teammates and also hitting the scoreboard himself.