10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

A new div one Adelaide Footy League side has emerged as a strong finals contender after winning out in a thriller on Saturday. See the 10 things we learned across local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions last weekend.

Another round of exciting local SA footy action is done and dusted as teams across the state fight for finals spots or to avoid relegation.

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

KOOKABURRAS ON A ROLL

Golden Grove stars Cam Shenton (left) and Lewis Johnston (right). Picture: Golden Grove Football Club

Golden Grove won its third straight division one game to create breathing room in fifth spot on the ladder, the Kookaburras defeating Broadview 8.12 (60) to 8.5 (53) away from home in tough conditions.

The visitors flexed their muscle and ability in the contest in both the second and fourth quarters to earn the win, holding Broadview to just one behind in each of those terms.

Jake Pitman was a standout on the ball for the Kookaburras in the final term as they overran the Tigers to come back from a 12-point three-quarter-time deficit, while former Crow and Norwood gun Lewis Johnston was influential behind the footy with his marking ability and distribution.

RAMS STILL UNDEFEATED

Former Sturt star Abe Davis continues to captain Glenunga to a remarkable season. Picture: David Mariuz

Glenunga stormed to yet another win in convincing fashion on Saturday, topping Tea Tree Gully 16.10 (106) to 11.5 (71) at home.

The Rams dominated from the outset, with captain Abe Davis taking control through his work in winning contested possessions and delivering efficiently to forwards as his side built an ultimately insurmountable 71-22 halftime lead.

The Gullies kicked four goals to one in the final quarter but it was too little too late for the visitors, who were ultimately outmatched by the Rams and their ball movement around the ground.

The league leaders now boast an impressive 13-0 record in div one.

LYCETT STARS FOR DITTERS

Scott Lycett has been a star for Port District this year. Picture: Sarah Reed

Scott Lycett was at his best as Port District recorded an important win over Prince Alfred OC to remain clear of PNU in third spot, defeating Princes 12.18 (90) to 8.3 (51).

The former Port Adelaide and West Coast star dictated play with his consistent tap work and marking presence around the ground and also had a major influence upfront, booting a goal and helping to set up a number of others.

The result was an important one for the hosts, who only just fell to Glenunga by four points in round 12.

SHARKS MAKE STATEMENT

Henley blitzed third spot North Haven to improve to a 14-0 record in division three, defeating the Magpies 18.14 (122) to 9.7 (61) away from home.

The Sharks executed a near flawless first term, winning plenty of the ball in the middle through Matt Broadbent and Kane Sherlock and giving their forwards a number of shots on goal.

Cody Egel and Bailey Chamberlain were also influential on the ball and upfront, while Brett Harland booted six.

The win was one of Henley’s most impressive this season, with North Haven entering the game on a six-game winning streak.

MANSELL MAKES THE TONNE

Eastern Park Shawn Mansell booted eight goals on Saturday. Picture: Eastern Park Football Club

Eastern Park star Shawn Mansell has become the second local SA footy forward to boot 100 goals this year following Para Hills gun Daniel Weetra, who reached the milestone last weekend.

The Demons forward has dominated for the club through a number of years and has been at his best this season, reaching 100 majors in just 13 appearances.

Mansell needed eight goals against Rosewater on Saturday and booted exactly that to spark celebrations from teammates and the home crowd.

The Demons defeated the Bulldogs 178-14.

VIKINGS GRIND OUT UPSET

Happy Valley has emerged as a dark horse in the Southern Football League after winning a major upset over Flagstaff Hill 10.9 (69) to 9.10 (64) away from home.

Star players Tate Coleman, Matt Lillis and Joel Beeche were all at their best in the contest and behind the footy as the Vikings surged to a surprise 47-15 lead in the first two quarters.

The hosts came back at their visitors in the final term however, booting four goals to one to fall just short, the Vikings showing enough resilience at the back to grab the premiership points and remain in the finals frame.

DEMONS CLAIM FIRST WIN IN THRILLER

Berri claimed its first win of the season in the Riverland FL with a thrilling 8.4 (52) to 7.9 (51) victory over Loxton North at home.

The Demons impressed in the first quarter to build a 20-3 lead and managed to maintain the advantage through to three-quarter time through strong work by Jordan Marr and Shay Hawkins, but the Panthers would come back strong in the final term.

The visitors booted three goals to one in the fourth term but that one goal by the Demons was enough to claim the win, the side withstanding a number of late Panther attacks to emerge victorious.

MENZEL, CATS UNTOUCHABLE

Daniel Menzel has been at his best in the RMFL. Picture: Sarah Reed

Coorong playing-coach Daniel Menzel was again at his brilliant best in the River Murray FL as the Cats topped Mannum 15.23 (113) to 6.3 (39) and moved to a 12-0 record at the top of the ladder.

The former Geelong and Woodville-West Torrens star booted five goals and was influential around the ground as his side held the Roos to just one point in the first term and also closed the game in style with a six to two goal final quarter.

The Cats will now have a bye in round 14 and face contender Imperials in round 15.

ROOS BOUNCE BACK

Ben Heaslip returned to star for Victor Harbor this weekend. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Victor Harbor bounced back from its round 12 loss to McLaren with a big 124-23 victory over Goolwa/Port Elliot at home in the Great Southern FL.

The Roos raced to a 57-1 lead through the first term and saw the win out comfortably from thereon, with the return of star players Bryce Gibbs and Ben Heaslip proving to be a major boost through the midfield next to Jesse McKinnon.

Sam Basham was also a standout for the hosts, booting 10 goals in a sensational performance to take his season total to 65.

BEARDS ON FIRE IN GREAT FLINDERS

Lock stars Kory and Travis Beard were at their best on Saturday as the Roos tallied a convincing 17.14 (116) to 9.4 (58) win over Tumby Bay at home in the Great Flinders FL.

Former Sturt star Kory, playing-coach for the Roos, was dominant upfront and around the ground, booting six majors and creating a number of others, while Travis continued his hot streak with five majors to take his season total to 45 so far.

While United Yeelanna remains favourite to win yet another flag this year, Lock has proved it has what it takes to go close and should be a big chance if the side remains fit.