10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

Last year’s division one AdFL runner-up has proved it is not out of the finals hunt yet this season after a huge home win. See the 10 things we learned across local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.

This weekend’s round of local SA footy action is done and dusted and the state’s top players and clubs produced yet another exciting slate of footy.

Here are the 10 things we learned from country and suburban action.

RAMS RAMPAGE ON REBOUND

Glenunga captain Abe Davis. Picture: Max Stapleton

Glenunga is back on track in division one of the Adelaide Footy League after an impressive 17.10 (112) to 10.8 (68) win over Golden Grove at home.

Last season’s runner-up has struggled to start its 2025 campaign but rebounded well from its round six loss to Port District to storm past the visiting Kookaburras.

The hosts were dominant from the first bounce, with star captain Abe Davis and former Adelaide Uni gun Ryan Marini controlling the game on the ball to give their forwards clean looks at goal.

The Rams’ defence was also at its sturdy best, holding the visitors to just six scoring shots in the first half to all but seal the win.

The club has struggled with consistency to start the season under new coach Alex Guy but should see more continuity with player availability improving.

While the Rams still sit six points outside of the top five, a second half of the season resurgence could be on the cards.

ROCS MAKE RIVAL STATEMENT

Rostrevor OC has handed collegiate rival Sacred Heart OC its first loss of the division one season, topping the visitors 11.9 (75) to 6.12 (48) at home.

The contest was hard-fought and tight throughout the first two terms as neither side gave an inch in the contest, but Damian Boots’ side would put the foot down in the third term, with star players James Warton, Darci Best and Xavier Tranfa having a major impact on the ball and up front.

ROCS held SHOC to just four behinds in that term while booting five straight to set up a big result.

The side now sits two games clear in fifth.

HAWKS FLY AT THE DEATH

Matthew Sharpe was the hero for Salisbury North, kicking an epic winner to seal a dramatic Hawks comeback against St Peter’s OC at home.

The hosts trailed by 20 points at the main break and 10 at three-quarter time but could not be denied despite SPOC holding a two-goal lead with just three minutes remaining.

Hard work by Jordan O’Brien and Jacob Russo through the midfield ensured the Hawks created just enough chances at the death and a late contested mark and 30-metre set-shot goal after the siren by Sharpe would earn his side two huge premiership points.

St Peter’s OC would have gone equal top with a win but instead the Hawks have moved into fourth spot, just below Saints and blown the race for a second chance in finals wide open.

BOMBERS A FINALS THREAT

Brighton Bombers have been a strong D2 outfit this season. Picture: Brighton Bombers Football Club

Brighton Bombers have surprised some to start the 2025 season and the club’s first away win of the year on Saturday should send a major message to the rest of the division.

New coach Clint Godwin had his team firing on all cylinders against Lockleys, the Bombers flying to a 14.15 (99) to 6.13 (49) win.

Former Great Southern FL guns Marc Elliott and Jake Tarca were at their best for the visitors, booting nine goals combined and also creating chances for teammates with slick disposal.

The visitors trailed by four points at half time but a huge seven to one goal surge in the third term behind the play of Elliott, Tarca and star onballer Sam Kennedy ensured the side would come away with a big win and remain level on points with fifth spot Henley.

RAGGIES TOP DOG

Athelstone's Luke Rander. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

Undefeated Athelstone has made another statement in division two, defeating top three side Goodwood Saints 16.11 (107) to 15.8 (98) away from home to remain on top of the ladder.

Star onballer Mitch Grigg as well as gun recruits Aaron Stewart and Daniel Cluse were all at their best through the contest, while Luke Rander and Caleb Barton were typically dangerous up front.

The visitors led by just six points at the final break of what was a tough affair with the Saints putting up a strong fight through the play of utility Jade Cleeland and Kaine and Reed Stevens, but would match the intensity of the hosts in the final quarter to seal the win.

DEMONS A GSFL CONTENDER

Willunga has caused an upset in the Great Southern Football League, knocking off previously undefeated Victor Harbor 9.11 (65) to 8.14 (62) behind a thrilling fourth quarter comeback.

The Demons trailed by 16 points at three-quarter time but held the Roos to just three behinds in the fourth term while adding 3.4 and grabbing a huge win late in the game.

Jake Shirvington and Tyson Schmid were standouts for the visitors around the ground while Dylan Draper booted three important goals.

The result now sees Willunga move equal on points with the Roos – Victor Harbor still leading on percentage.

FALCONS A FORCE

Falcons star Brad Kirk. Picture: Dean Martin

Flagstaff Hill has placed itself firmly among the top contenders for the Southern FL flag this season, beating Noarlunga convincingly 20.10 (130) to 3.8 (26) at home to move to 7-1.

Key position player D’Arcy Mitchell, forward Nathan Beenham and gun utility Brad Kirk were all at their best for the hosts as they flew to a convincing 64-18 half time lead and never looked back.

Runner-up last season, Flagstaff Hill has been an exceptional side so far this year under coach Sam Tharaldsen, winning plenty of the footy in the contest and spreading quickly to damage opponents and catch defences out.

Port Noarlunga remains undefeated after an impressive win over Christies Beach and Flagstaff Hill might be the Cockledivers’ only true contender this season.

SAINTS UNSTOPPABLE IN SOUTH EAST

Kingston has continued its terrific start to the 2025 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL season with a huge 30.25 (205) to 2.1 (13) win over a struggling Naracoorte side.

The now 7-0 Saints completely dominated every aspect of the clash from start to finish with playing-coach Alex Barns starring in the ruck to give his midfielders first use and Tyler Baker (eight goals) and Todd Lockwood (seven goals) wreaking havoc up front.

Kingston’s quick and efficient ball movement as well as aerial dominance and accuracy in front of goal.

The club has become the early favourite for the premiership this season.

PANTHERS ON THE PROWL

Angaston moved to third on the Barossa, Light and Gawler FA ladder on Saturday after a convincing 19.12 (126) to 7.10 (52) win over reigning premier Willaston at home.

An inspired Panthers outfit had 10 separate goalkickers as they produced one of the best quarters of the local footy season so far, holding the Donnybrooks scoreless in the second term and booting nine goals to lead 83-21 at the main break.

Archie Hadden and Tom Corcoran had their fingerprints all over the result, the two stars producing standout moments on the ball and also applying strong pressure to win plenty of key possessions.

The win sees the side move level with Willaston on points but above on percentage.

WESTERN UNITED EYEING THIRD STRAIGHT

Harlee Chandler takes a hanger. Picture: Supplied

Western United looks a huge chance to win its third consecutive Western Eyre FL premiership this season, moving to 6-0 on the top of the ladder after a major 29.19 (193) to 2.7 (19) win over second spot Wirrulla at home.

The Tigers were boosted by the return of young superstar Harlee Chandler to the club this season and haven’t looked back, the young gun consistently dominating in the middle and up front for the EP powerhouse.

He was at his best again on Saturday, while Zane Scripps and Byron Pickett, each with eight goals, were also standouts.

No side has come close to topping the Tigers this season and something drastic would need to happen for them to miss out on a third straight flag.