10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

The Adelaide Footy League division one leader remained undefeated so far this season with a gutsy one-goal win over flag contenders. See the 10 things we learned across local SA footy’s country and suburban comps this weekend.

Another entertaining round of local SA footy is done and dusted and Saturday’s action did not disappoint as star players and top teams launch their finals pushes.

Here are the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.

RAMS MAKE STATEMENT

Glenunga has been a force in division one of the AdFL this season. Picture: Max Stapleton @max_stapes

Glenunga tallied one of its toughest wins of the division one season so far on Saturday, ousting Scott Lycett and Port District 12.7 (79) to 11.9 (75) in a Webb Oval thriller to remain undefeated.

The visitors trailed by 25 points heading into the final term but launched an impressive comeback through solid work by Lycett in the ruck and Matt Rose around the ground, with forward James Batty booting a long-range major to cut the lead to four points.

Well-known for their defence, the Rams managed to hold firm for the final two minutes, taking a number of important intercept marks and applying strong tackle pressure.

Harry Prosser was a standout up front for Glenunga early, while Abe Davis was impressive through the midfield.

FALCONS STAY TOP FIVE

Payneham Norwood Union recruitstarBrad McKenzie (right) with Falcons coachJeremy Cini. Picture: Payneham Norwood Union FootballClub

Payneham Norwood Union held firm late to secure an 11.9 (75) to 8.13 (61) win over Tea Tree Gully away from home and remain in the top five of div one.

The Falcons dominated in the early stages behind a strong performance by former AFL player Brad McKenzie and led by 20 points at the final break but would concede three majors to begin the fourth quarter as Gullies launched an inspired comeback.

The visitors would respond however, with young gun forward Jack Hodges taking over in the closing stages by plucking big marks and finishing off important goalkicking opportunities for his side.

KOOKABURRAS A FINALS CHANCE

Golden Grove looks set to make a big finals push to end the minor round. Picture: In Flight Sports

Golden Grove has won three of its last four games to launch a finals bid in the second half of the division one season, the Kookaburras topping Brighton 14.10 (94) to 10.16 (76) at home on Saturday to move up to fifth on the ladder.

The hosts flew out of the gates, booting 5.1 (31) to 0.4 (4) in the first term to set up the important win.

Former AFL and SANFL gun Josh Glenn was at his best, hitting the contest hard through the middle and also imposing himself up front with his athleticism and goalkicking ability to boot five majors.

Golden Grove suffered a slow start to what is its first division one season but has gradually found its mojo and will be a side to watch in the run home.

ROOS ON FIRE

Morphettville Park has announced itself as a legit contender in division four, defeating top side Kilburn 14.8 (92) to 9.6 (60) at home to remain in the top three.

The Roos put together their best first half of the year so far, booting nine goals to just three to take a 60-22 lead in to the main break and place themselves well for the win.

Nick and Dave Hankin were both impressive in the contest and up front for the hosts, while captain Alex Barns was also strong, impressing through the ruck and also adding two goals.

The club has won four straight since its round eight loss to Plympton.

LIONS WIN, WEETRA TWO AWAY

Trevor Rigney (pictured) and Daniel Weetra have put on a goalkicking exhibition in div six this year. Picture: Dean Martin

OSB Lonsdale separated itself from the pack in division seven with its second win over contender Para Hills on Saturday, emerging the 11.3 (69) to 7.12 (54) victor despite a poor second half.

The Lions, led by standout Matt Hodge and veteran forward Trevor Rigney, surged to a 55-17 half time lead behind accurate goalkicking but were quickly pegged back in the third term as the Big Reds put together a five to two goal half.

While his side lost, star goalkicker Daniel Weetra booted five majors for Para Hills and sits on a season total of 98 after just 12 games.

He is expected to reach the 100-mark comfortably against Smithfield at home next Saturday.

EAGLES HAND VICTOR FIRST LOSS

Reigning back-to-back Great Southern FL premier McLaren Districts handed Victor Harbor its first loss of the season, defeating the Kangaroos 15.17 (107) to 9.5 (59) in a dominant display.

The Eagles kicked five goals to two in the second term to build a 35-point half time lead and never looked back as star players Daniel Marr, Sam Lawrie and Luke Mitton all performed through the midfield.

The visitors, who were without star players Bryce Gibbs and Ben Heaslip, will have a good opportunity to bounce back next round against a struggling Goolwa/Pt Elliot side at home.

COUGARS TOP DOG IN YPFL

Luke Trenorden in action for Central Yorke. Picture: SANFL

Central Yorke maintained its four-point lead at the top of the Yorke Peninsula FL ladder with a strong 8.10 (58) to 4.10 (34) win over fourth spot Moonta on Saturday.

The Cougars led by just 11 points at three-quarter time of the affair but dominated the midfield in the final term to kick three goals to just one and seal the win.

Reigning Mail Medallist Luke Trenorden was a force for his side, winning a high number of contested possessions and also hitting the scoreboard for a goal to take his season tally to 20 in 11 games.

MENZEL ON MAIL MEDAL HUNT

Daniel Menzel could be set to add more silverware to his resume this season. Picture: Morgan Sette

Former Geelong and Woodville-West Torrens star and current Coorong Cats playing-coach Daniel Menzel has now led his side to an 11-0 record in the River Murray Football League and should be among the frontrunners for the league medal with six minor round games left.

The star forward has been a standout through the midfield and up front this year and helped the Cats to a big 11.15 (81) to 8.7 (55) win over Mypolonga on Saturday.

Menzel won a number of contested possessions for the Cats and was also dangerous up front, kicking a goal and creating opportunities for his teammates.

BEECH’S BARMERA-MONASH TOO STRONG

Jono Beech has starred for Barmera-Monash this season. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Barmera-Monash held on to a tough 6.4 (40) to 5.4 (34) win over Renmark despite being kept scoreless in the first quarter to move two wins clear at the top of the Riverland Football League.

The Roos trailed by five points at the main break but would produce an impressive midfield display in the third term to boot four goals to one and take an important 14-point lead into the final quarter.

Star leader Fraser Sampson was important for the hosts in the contest, while former Crows and West Adelaide forward Jono Beech had an important day, booting three of his team’s six goals.

KYBY WINS TIGER TUSSLE

Andrew Bradley is chaired off following his 200th game for Glenelg. Picture: David Mariuz

Kybybolite emerged victorious in one of the games of the year in the South East on Saturday, defeating top side Mundulla 9.8 (62) to 7.15 (57) to leapfrog the Tigers into top spot on the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL ladder.

The hosts trailed by three points at three-quarter time but produced a strong fourth term behind the play of former Glenelg captain Andrew Bradley in the middle, winning a number of important clearances and booting three goals to Mundulla’s two to claim the win.

Key forward Stephen Craig was also at his best for the side, booting five goals to take his season total to 40.