10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
An emerging Adelaide Footy League power stayed top with an epic win in the game of season 2023 so far. Here’s all the news from SA’s suburban and country leagues.
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Another round of local SA footy has been played out and a number of teams and star players produced their best footy yet with finals right around the corner.
Here are the 10 things we learned from the weekend’s action in suburban and country competitions.
RAMS SHOW METTLE
Glenunga’s Beau Schwarze was the hero on Saturday, kicking the winning goal for the Rams on the siren in an epic affair at Broadview to keep them top of the division one ladder.
The visitors had the upper hand throughout most of the game, with star big man Abe Davis and captain Alex Haren battling hard on the ball, but the Tigers remarkably came back from three kicks down to take the lead through Josh Sheppard with just minutes remaining.
With just seconds remaining, Schwarze won the ball at the bottom of the pack inside his side’s forward 50 and was taken high, stepping up to slot the winning goal home, the Rams winning 8.9 (57) to 8.5 (53).
The tough win could be just the experience Glenunga needs to inspire a premiership push in 2023.
SPOC STAYS ALIVE
St Peter’s OC stayed alive in the div one relegation battle, achieving an upset victory away from home against Goodwood Saints by coming back from 18 points down at the half to win 8.6 (54) to 5.10 (40).
Captain James Duncan was inspirational in the contest and Jonnie Read dominant at the back as SPOC launched a thrilling second half comeback, stunning the Saints with their control in the middle and efficiency with the ball.
The win sees the side move to within just a point of Goodwood and six points clear of bottom spot Old Ignatians.
IGGIES TO GO DOWN
Old Ignatians will slide down to division two of the Adelaide Footy League just two seasons after earning promotion to division one.
The club had its fate sealed by Prince Alfred Old Collegians on Saturday, going down 20.15 (135) to 5.7 (37) away from home and would only avoid relegation if it won all three of its remaining games and St Peter’s OC lost all three.
The side would also need to make up a percentage gap of 13.
It has been a challenging year for Iggies after losing a number of players in pre-season but they should remain competitive in div two next year.
KOOKABURRAS ARE AT THEIR BEST
Golden Grove looks to have reached season-best form with division two finals approaching, defeating fourth spot Athelstone 2.7 (139) to 4.2 (26) at home.
The Kookaburras held the Raggies to a score of just 1.2 (8) in the first half while they piled on 11 goals, with superstar Cam Shenton standing out in the contest, winning his own footy and finding teammates with ease.
Charles Ashcroft was also big with six majors, while star signing Josh Glenn added three of his own.
KENILWORTH STILL IN THE HUNT
Kenilworth moved to within a point of finals positions in division four with an impressive 9.16 (70) to 7.10 (52) win over Morphettville Park away from home.
The visitors brought the pressure in the contest early, leading 24-9 at quarter-time and 55-30 at the final break through consistent clearance work and relentless tackling.
Nick Chesser and Joel Smith were influential in the contest and behind the ball, while Myles Crump and Giuseppe Nirta booted six goals between them against a strong Roos defence led by Brinley Duggan.
GEPPS CROSS STAYS PERFECT
Gepps Cross moved to 15-0 on the division five season, defeating West Croydon 12.10 (82) to 9.11 (65) in an inspired performance.
The Rams maintained a three kick lead throughout most of the clash, winning the ball out of the middle and delivering to star forward Graham Hampton (three goals) with accuracy.
Dom Barry was the standout player for the hosts on the day, dominating at ground level and adding three goals of his own.
MAGPIES FLYING IN THE HILLS
An undefeated Hahndorf side kept its 15-0 Hills FL record intact with its biggest win of the season so far, thrashing Ironbank Bridgewater 37.17 (239) to 6.8 (44) away from home with a flawless performance.
A 13 to one goal third term was the highlight of the day for the Magpies, who were led by captain Sam Williams in the contest, who had three goals, and midfielder Zabien Parker-Boers, who booted five.
The visitors had 14 different goal kickers for the game.
MARBLE RANGE WINS THRILLER
Marble Range got the chocolates over Lincoln South away from home in what could be a Port Lincoln FL grand final preview, defeating the Eagles 11.4 (70) to 10.3 (63).
The Magpies trailed by two goals at three-quarter time but dug deep to boot three majors and hold Lincoln South to just one to grab the win.
Captain Tynan Keeley was influential through the middle and up front for the visitors, booting two goals, while playing-coach Johann Wagner (three goals) was the standout for the Eagles.
The Magpies now sit four points clear at the top.
DEMONS MAKE STATEMENT
Naracoorte jumped above Keith in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL and just a game behind first and second spot after defeating the Crows 19.7 (121) to 14.14 (98) at home.
The Demons put together a huge first team to set up the win, dominating through the middle and converting up front to lead 7.1 (43) to 2.2 (14) at the first break.
Superstar forward and former Melbourne player Rory Taggert was at his best throughout the affair, booting seven goals in a clinic up front.
The side will move closer to top spot next week if it defeats Mundulla.
SHOES KICKING STRONG
Noarlunga recorded one of its biggest wins in recent memory, defeating Aldinga 16.16 (112) to 1.3 (9) to remain in the top two on the Southern Football League ladder,
Star midfielder Bailey Hann was at his best for the Shoes, winning contested footy and booting three goals for the game, while Crows SANFL listed player Jaidan Kappler provided elite run and carry down the flanks.
The result marks the side’s fifth straight win since its 10-point loss to Flagstaff Hill in round nine.
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