10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

This weekend’s round of local SA footy saw a number of star performances as well as surprise and statement wins as clubs across the state kept their finals hopes alive. Here are the 10 things we learned.

Another round of local SA footy is done and dusted and fans were treated to yet another exciting weekend of action as the 2023 season reaches the business end.

From upset wins to statement performances, here are the 10 things we learned from the latest round of play.

PAOC FLAG FAVOURITE

Former Glenelg captain Chris Curran has been dominant for PAOC this season. Picture: Sarah Reed

Prince Alfred OC has established itself as the premiership favourite in division one after handling reigning premier Port District away from home 11.11 (77) to 6.7 (43).

The Old Reds locked down defensively in what was an impressive second half performance, holding the Magpies to just one goal as they piled seven on to get the win.

Chris Curran was at his best across the backline, cutting off multiple attacks and distributing seamlessly, while Tyson Brazel was also a standout with three majors.

The result sets the league leader up for a genuine top two shot with a month remaining before finals.

SAINTS ARE SAFE

Saints coach Luke Donaldson has his team clicking. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Goodwood has continued its strong form in the second half of the 2023 division one season, defeating Tea Tree Gully at home 9.13 (67) to 7.9 (51) and moving five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Saints took a four-goal lead into halftime but Gullies managed to peg it back to just four points at the final break.

The hosts held firm however, keeping their opposition scoreless in the last quarter through brilliant defensive pressure around the ground.

Nick Favretto was a standout in the contest, while a three-goal performance by James Ridgwell proved integral.

BROADVIEW STILL IN TOUCH

Jay O'Leary (right) continues to lead by example for Broadview. Picture: Tom Huntley

Broadview stayed in touch in the fight for finals with a key division one win over Brighton at home, defeating the Bombers 11.8 (74) to 8.11 (59) in a tough affair.

Captain Jay O’Leary was at his best through the middle as his Tigers held on to a three-point three-quarter-time lead and extended it in the final term, fighting for the ball and dealing to his mids and forwards with precision.

The Tigers now sit just two points from fifth spot Tea Tree Gully and could have a potential finals run on their minds as they gear up to face Gullies next week.

REDS CREATE BREATHING ROOM

Brothers Nic, James and Tom Schwarz have all been impressive for Finders Park this season. Picture: Flinders ParkFootball Club

Flinders Park went two games clear in the division three finals frame on Saturday, defeating fellow finals contender Pembroke OS 8.10 (58) to 4.7 (31) with an impressive display.

The Reds held the Kings to just eight points through the first two terms as they booted 7.7 (49), all but sealing the big win.

Tom Schwarz was at his best in the contest for the hosts, scrapping to win oplenty of the ball and create goalscoring opportunities, while Clay Muirhead was also influential.

The win sets the side up for a strong run home heading into finals.

HOUNDS SET TO STORM HOME

Hectorville recorded its best win of this season and set up what could be a major finals bid to end the 2023 season with a 7.13 (55) to 4.4 (28) victory over division four leader Pooraka.

The Hounds trailed by 16 points at the first break but dominated from the second quarter onward, booting seven majors to just one to end the game.

Luke Broadbent was a standout for the side and arguably its most important player on the day, playing efficiently up front and kicking four goals.

The win puts the side just two per cent below fifth place Morphettville Park with five rounds remaining.

TIGERS WON’T DIE WONDERING

Loxton moved to level on points with third and fourth place Barmera Monash and Waikerie in the Riverland FL, defeating the latter 8.5 (53) to 5.7 (37) in an important matchup at home.

The Tigers led 39-15 at the main break and never looked back as star midfielder Lachy Evans put on a show and key forward Nathan Flight dominated up front, booting five goals.

The side has now won three straight since losing to Barmera Monash by a point in round nine, even defeating league leader and local rival Loxton North by three points last week.

EAGLES FLY INTO FLAG CONTENTION

Johann Wagner during his time with Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

Second spot Lincoln South made a statement in the Port Lincoln FL, defeating third placed Tasman 9.8 (62) to 3.9 (27) at home and moving closer to league leader Marble Range in the process.

The Eagles, led by star forward/midfield utility and playing-coach Johann Wagner, put on a show in the second half of the affair, kicking five goals to just one to seal the victory.

Wagner was at his best around the ground, while Camden Madden and Brodie Drewett had four important goals between them.

HAHNDORF NEARING HISTORIC SEASON

Matt Jaensch (right) has been a major boost for Hahndorf. Picture: Mark Brake

Hahndorf has moved one step closer to achieving an undefeated season the Hills FL, taking its record to 13-0 for the year after an impressive win over top three side Mt Lofty away from home.

The Magpies never looked like losing the matchup, holding the Devils to just one goal in the third quarter and scoreless in the fourth to win 9.9 (63) to 3.10 (28).

Former Adelaide Crow Matt Jaensch put on a dazzling display off of the backline, hitting targets around the ground with efficiency and beginning dangerous rebound attacks.

FALCONS CAN’T BE STOPPED

Sam Jacobs continues to impress for Flagstaff Hill. Picture: Matt Loxton

Flagstaff Hill also kept its undefeated season intact in the Southern FL with a big victory over Happy Valley at Happy Valley Oval, winning out 8.12 (60) to 1.9 (15).

The flag favourites locked the Vikings down completely through the first two terms, holding the hosts to just a point while kicking an inaccurate 4.11 (35).

Sam Jacobs was at his best in the ruck and up front for the Falcons, setting his mids up with skilful taps and also kicking two majors.

ROOS UP FOR THE FIGHT

West Gambier has continued proving it has what it takes to go all the way in the Western Border FL this season, defeating third spot North Gambier 7.8 (50) to 7.5 (47) away from home.

The Roos led most of the day in what was an arm wrestle and recorded a remarkable seven separate goalkickers including gun midfielders Andrew Stone and Brandon Newton.

The win sees the side stay level on points with league force Millicent, with a potential grand final rivalry continuing to brew.