10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

A former champion playing-coach kicked six in a starring display as his D1 Adelaide Footy League side moved to 2-0 in its quest for a return to finals. See the 10 things we learned in country and suburban local SA footy this weekend.

Local SA footy season is in full swing and a number of clubs have produced brilliant displays to highlight this year’s Anzac Round.

Star players were at their best as epic clashes were played out across the state.

Here are the 10 things we learned from the weekend’s action.

PRINCE ALFRED, PITT ON FIRE

Prince Alfred OC champion Craig Pitt. Picture: @sports.by.amoc

Craig Pitt was originally going to take a break from playing after stepping down as PAOC playing-coach last season but his decision to remain on the field after his club’s acquisition of new coach Ned McHenry has paid off for the Old Reds so far.

The versatile star was at his best during Anzac Round, booting six goals as a makeshift forward as his side defeated Broadview 14.8 (92) to 7.9 (51) away from home to move to 2-0 on the season.

The Old Reds took a narrow lead into the first break but were unstoppable from then-on as McHenry, Pitt, Will Schmidt and Oliver Clarke all had an impact in the contest and around the ground.

The visitors booted 13 goals to six for the remainder of the game to seal the impressive win and continue their strong start to the season as they aim for a return to finals.

SHOC SURPRISE AFTER RED CARD

Sacred Heart OC proved it will be one of the teams to beat in division one of the AdFL this season by hanging on to defeat reigning premier Port District despite losing star playing-coach Alex Cailotto to a red card early in the fourth term.

Cailotto was given his marching orders by the umpire after a late spoil collected Port District player Sam McKay high but the hosts still managed to kick two goals to three and hold off a late charge by the visitors to win 8.9 (57) to 7.12 (54).

SHOC had a number of standouts throughout the day, including Tom McDermott and Brad Noble in the contest and captain Clayton Symonds in a number of roles around the ground.

The side has now moved to 2-0 to start the season.

RAMS SHOW METTLE IN FIRST WIN

Abe Davis starred as Glenunga recorded its first win this year. Picture: Dean Martin

Glenunga has opened up its 2025 account with a nail biting 10.11 (71) t0 9.16 (70) away win over reigning D2 premier Rostrevor OC, with host utility Finn Wakelin hitting the post after the siren to seal the loss for ROCS.

Both sides proved they could play top level footy throughout the contest, with a number of passages of fast ball movement resulting in clean finishes in front of goal being produced by ROCS and the Rams through four terms.

Rams captain Abe Davis was influential for the visitors on his return while Zac Smith was also a positive at the back.

For the hosts, Wakelin, onballer James Warton and Xavier Tranfa were all standouts.

Both sides now sit 1-1 after two games but showed they have what it takes to perform at the top level and compete with the best.

BOMBERS NOT A WRITE-OFF

Brighton Bumbers pulled off an epic bounce back performance on Saturday, defeating Modbury 11.8 (74) to 9.7 (61) at home to win its first division two game after losing to Athelstone by 115 points in round one.

Forward Tom Welsby (three goals), former Strathalbyn champion Marc Elliott (two goals) and new midfielder Sam Kennedy were important as the hosts booted six goals to one in a big third term to set up the victory.

Many may have thought about writing off the Bombers after their round one performance but a much more aggressive and high-pressure display this weekend showed that they can compete in the division.

EAGLES SOARING IN D7

Elizabeth co-captain Aaron Stephenson. Picture: Castleforge Photography

Elizabeth continued its remarkable turnaround with another huge win to start the division seven season, the Eagles topping Mawson Lakes 19.16 (130) to 5.5 (35).

Captain Aaron Stephenson was again a standout around the ground as his visiting side stormed to a 45-0 quarter-time lead and never looked back, adding 13 goals to five for the remainder of the game.

Returning club champion and new coach Darryl Cotter has brought a new energy along with new players to the club after its struggles in division six last season and looks to have started a major push towards premiership contention.

His side’s performance was characterised by hard attack at the footy, slick ball movement and efficiency in front of goal.

DIXON DEBUT SPARKS TIGERS

Former Power star Charlie Dixon. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Lobethal bounced back from its round one loss to Mt Lofty by topping Onkaparinga Valley 15.9 (99) to 7.6 (48) at home, the Tigers inspired by Charlie Dixon on debut.

The former Power gun was influential up front and around the ground with his ability to hit the scoreboard, take strong marks and set up teammates.

The Tigers booted four goals to one in the second quarter to open up a 41-17 halftime lead and never looked back as best on ground Jake Dominish had his way in the contest, winning plenty of the footy and providing his forwards with clean looks at goal.

SCHILLER A WELCOME BOOST FOR NURI

Former Central District star Jarrod Schiller. Picture: Ben Clark

Former Central District star Jarrod Schiller has so far been a major positive for his hometown club Nuriootpa this season, turning in two quality performances after his return to the Tigers.

The versatile gun was at his best during Anzac Round as the Tigers topped 2024 runner-up Angaston 12.6 (78) to 4.7 (31) at home, racking up the most disposals on the ground and also booting two goals.

The hosts drew with potential 2025 contender Barossa District in round one but responded well to grind to a strong five-goal lead at three-quarter time and eventually run away with the result.

SAINTS CONTINUE TO MARCH IN KNTFL

Former North Adelaide gun Alex Barns has coached Kingston to a 3-0 start. Picture: Sarah Reed

A rejuvenated Kingston has remained at the top of the KNTFL ladder after defeating Border Districts 9.15 (69) to 7.8 (50) away from home to move to 3-0.

The Saints, led by new playing-coach Alex Barns, only led by eight points at the main break but kicked three goals to none in the third term to open up a commanding lead.

New recruit Ben Kennedy was at his brilliant best around the ground, while captain Tom Rogers and forward James Siviour (four goals) were also important in the win with their ability to find the footy and create chances.

The Saints missed finals last season but will be one of the early favourites for the flag this year if they continue their early hot form.

PORTS MAKE SGFL STATEMENT

Reigning back-to-back SGFL premier Prop/Risdon was knocked off its perch to start the season this weekend, with a seemingly improved Port side opening up a huge 42-1 quarter-time lead and never looking back to win 16.12 (108) to 9.11 (65) away from home.

Sam Clarke and dominant utility Tom Faulkner were at their best in the air and at ground level for the visitors as they blitzed the hosts.

The visitors never really faced a challenge from the Lions as they won a countless number of contested possessions and tallied a number of early clearances and forward 50 entries to put the result beyond doubt relatively quickly.

Captain Darcy Puddy was also a standout for the Bulldogs with five goals.

PORT LINCOLN BRAGGING RIGHTS AS TIGHT AS EVER

Back-to-back Port Lincoln FL premier Lincoln South will have its hands full with contender Marble Range again this season and both sides produced another epic this weekend to draw 9.5 (59) to 7.17 (59) in the season’s opening round.

Marble Range, behind onballer Josh Slade, started the faster of the two sides but would regret poor goalkicking, the visitors winning plenty of the contest but falling in front of goal to lead 6.14 to 5.5 at the final break.

The Eagles then came back hard in the final term in front of their home crowd, booting four goals to one to tie up the affair and leave with one point.

Zane Montgomerie was best on ground for the hosts after his tireless work around the ground and great defensive pressure, while Slade stole the show for the visitors in the contest.