10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

A rejuvenated division one Adelaide Footy League club has continued its positive start to the 2025 season with a big away win and has emerged as a potential finals contender. See the 10 things we learned across the state this weekend.

Another thrilling weekend of local SA footy action is done and dusted as star players and top sides clashed for precious early season premiership points.

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

SAINTS MAKE STATEMENT

SPOC star Ben Belperio. Picture: Dwayne Flight/In Flight Sports

St Peter’s OC has continued its positive start to the D1 season with a 13.20 (98) to 8.3 (51) win over Payneham Norwood Union at Payneham Oval.

Saints were on top from start to finish, blitzing the Falcons out of the middle through strong contested work and taking advantage up front despite inaccurate goalkicking.

Recruits Jesse McKinnon and Henry Nelligan were influential around the ground for the visitors while captain Ed Allan and forward Tye Bedford (four goals) were also standouts.

While SPOC rises to 2-1 to start the year, PNU has dropped to 0-3 and will be hoping it can see the return of star player Matthew Nunn in the near future.

ROCS BOUNCE BACK

ROCS coach Damian Boots. Picture: Ann-Marie O'Connor

Rostrevor OC pulled off a thrilling comeback against PAOC away from home to bounce back from its painful one-point defeat to Glenunga in round two and record a 12.7 (79) to 12.6 (78) win.

The visitors booted five goals to just two in the final quarter to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, with Matt Dnistriansky crumbing the ball from a deep forward 50 contest and snapping the winner with just one minute remaining.

PAOC controlled the contest in the second term to create separation behind the play of Will Schmidt and Hayden Jolly through the middle, but the visitors would soon claw their way back in the game in the third and continue their momentum in the final quarter to eventually gain the ascendancy at the death.

Xavier Tranfa was a standout in the contest and up front with two goals, while Jett Boxer was also at his versatile best.

RAGGIES RUN RAMPANT

Mitch Grigg was at his best against TTG. Picture: Matt Loxton

Athelstone has continued its undefeated start to the division two AdFL season with an impressive away win over a red-hot Tea Tree Gully side.

The Raggies produced a flawless first term to lead 32-4 at the quarter-time break and held firm throughout the remainder to record a 10.9 (69) to 5.15 (45) win.

Recruit Aaron Stewart was at his best through the contest while star player Mitch Grigg produced another top display, winning plenty of the footy inside and exploding from stoppage to set up goalkicking opportunities.

Young gun Caleb Barton led the way with three goals for the visitors, while TTG’s Brodie Latham also had three.

PHANTOMS A FINALS CONTENDER

It’s still early but PHOS Camden has begun to emerge as a surprise finals contender in division three.

The Phantoms produced a strong performance and held the Chics to just one goal in the final quarter to escape with a nail biting 11.15 (81) to 11.11 (71) win.

Star forward Olly Sellen was a difference maker in the contest, booting four goals as the hosts stayed in touch all day and finally eclipsed the Chics in the fourth term through strong contest work and slick ball movement.

Versatile gun Jock van Kempen was also a standout, winning plenty of the footy and releasing teammates with creative disposal.

The side now sits in fifth position after three weeks after having taken big scalps of Kilburn and Unley.

DEMON DEMOLITION CONTINUES

Chris Knapp in action for Eastern Park. Picture: Supplied

Reigning division six premier Eastern Park has continued its perfect start to the 2025 division five season, comfortably beating Portland 24.19 (163) to 10.12 (72).

The Demons’ ability to score high at home continues to overwhelm visitors, with players like Chris Knapp, Sean Hee and Maison Warner dictating the contest and forwards like Robert Kovacic, who had six majors, taking advantage up front.

The hosts were too good with their ability to win the footy and spread fast on their home deck to create opportunities, with Portland unable to find any answer to the onslaught.

CATS TOO GOOD IN RMFL

Menzel during his time with WWTFC. Picture: Sarah Reed

Coorong Cats proved too strong for their toughest competitor Jervois yet again in the River Murray FL, topping the Bluds 14.14 (98) to 9.11 (65) at home.

Mail Medallist Alex Stidiford returned to the line-up and was brilliant through the midfield with his ability to find the ball and use it efficiently, while captain Sam Sanders and playing-coach Daniel Menzel combined for six goals up front.

New signing Seb Kerrish also continued his impressive start to the year with another efficient display off of halfback and along the wing, cutting off multiple attacks and using the ball at a damaging rate.

The club will remain the hot favourite in the competition and still has not lost a game since the end of 2023.

HEASLIP BEST IN GSFL

Heaslip has been a star since arriving from South Adelaide. Picture: David Mariuz

Victor Harbor star Ben Heaslip has made his case as the top player in the GSFL yet again with another starring display, this time in an 11.7 (73) to 8.5 (53) win over contender McLaren at home.

The former South Adelaide gun had his fingerprints all over the win, standing out in the contest with his ability to win the footy and also damaging with his efficient ball use around the ground while adding two goals up front.

Recruit Jaidan Kappler was also dangerous for the hosts, providing valuable run and carry.

McLaren put up a fight behind forward Josh Vandermeer (three goals) but could not overcome the competition’s top side.

SCHILLER THE DIFFERENCE FOR TIGERS

Former Bulldogs star Jarrod Schiller. Picture: Ben Clark

Former Central District star Jarrod Schiller claimed best on ground honours again this week as his hometown club Nuriootpa claimed an impressive 13.9 (87) to 13.3 (81) win over Tanunda away from home.

The onballer was the difference in the contest, courageously winning plenty of the footy and dealing to teammates with ease as the visitors overcame an early 27-point first quarter deficit to grab the win.

The Tigers now sit top of the ladder with two wins and one draw.

VIKINGS MUCH IMPROVED IN SFL

Happy Valley has moved to 3-1 on the SFL season so far with a big upset victory over Flagstaff Hill away from home, the Vikings dominating from start to finish to win 15.9 (99) to 5.7 (37).

The visitors had 10 different goalkickers, led by Luke Edwards with three, and Harry Davenport was at his best in the contest while adding two of his own goals to claim best on ground for his side.

The Falcons trailed 32-8 at the first break and could never get back into the game as Happy Valley’s midfield ran riot for four quarters.

KYBY STILL A CONTENDER

Kybybolite has seemingly brushed off the losses of star players Andrew Bradley and Jack Trengove this season moving to 3-0 and the top of the KNTFL ladder with a 15.19 (109) to 7.6 (48) win over Padthaway.

Captain Billy Laurie produced a dominant performance in the contest and up front to lead his Tigers to an early 53-15 lead and his side never looked back, consistently winning centre clearance and capitalising on the scoreboard.

Former Melbourne and Glenelg player Billy Stretch was also integral, finding plenty of the footy and kicking two majors in the win.

Kyby remains a game clear at the top and should be tough for most sides to stop.