10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

St Peter’s OC has kept its division one future alive with a thrilling upset win over a previously undefeated Glenunga. See the 10 things we learned from this weekend’s exciting local SA footy action.

Another exciting round of local SA footy has been played out as teams fight for survival or finals spots with just one week left in the minor round.

Here are the 10 things we learned from SA’s country and suburban competitions.

SAINTS STAY ALIVE

SPOC's Ben Belperio. Picture: Max Stapleton

St Peter’s OC pulled off the upset of the season to defeat previously unbeaten league leader Glenunga 9.10 (64) to 8.9 (57) at home and move one game clear of the division one relegation zone.

The hosts came from three kicks down at the main break in wet and muddy conditions to take a two-goal lead into the final quarter, with Jonnie Read booting three big goals to give his side the ascendancy.

The Rams would not go down without a fight however and eventually drew the game level halfway through the fourth through reliable play by captain Abe Davis and Hugh De Sira up front, but Saints would eventually respond through a sensational running winner by Fergus Carruthers with five minutes remaining.

David Grant and Ben Belperio then stood tall for the hosts to hold on to the win, while Nick McGill was inspirational on the ball.

PITMAN, GLENN FINDING FORM

Josh Glenn was at his best for Golden Grove on Saturday. Picture: Dwayne Flight/In Flight Sports

Golden Grove stars Jake Pitman and Josh Glenn are clicking into gear at just the right time for the Kookaburras, producing another top display as their side upset Sacred Heart OC 7.10 (52) to 5.10 (40) away from home.

The visitors trailed at the main break but soon picked up the pace, with Pitman dominating inside to win plenty of contested footy and find teammates with precision and Glenn making his presence felt up front and around the ground with his marking ability and strong pressure.

The Kookaburras experienced an inconsistent start to the season but have found some strong form despite a big loss to Glenunga in round 15 and may be a dark horse come finals if both Glenn and Pitman can continue to perform at the best of their abilities.

PRINCES BUILDING AHEAD OF 2025

Prince Alfred OC has proved there is reason for optimism ahead of the 2025 division one season, defeating Payneham Norwood Union 8.13 (61) to 8.12 (60) to ensure safety from relegation.

Princes have experienced a challenging season after a player exodus followed their 2024 premiership win but have still produced strong performances to remain in the AdFL’s top division.

The visitors led all day behind a strong performance in ruck by Jordan Neal and relentless work by Luke McCauley in the contest, but the Falcons would storm back in the fourth quarter to almost snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Matt Nunn and Anthony Giannini were inspirational on the ball in the final term but could not drag their side to the win.

PNU remains in fifth spot while PAOC now sits in sixth.

JETS FLYING INTO FINALS

Mitch Duval has been in strong form for Unley. Picture: Mark Brake

Unley has now won eight straight games heading into division three finals and added a major scalp to its list on Saturday, defeating league leader Henley 14.10 (94) to 8.7 (55) at Kingswood Oval.

Mitch Duval was at his best for the Jets at the back and in the contest, controlling the game in the air and at ground level to cut off a number of Shark attacks and rebound his side the other way.

A six goal to one second quarter behind quick and efficient ball movement set up the win for the hosts, with nine separate goalkickers highlighting what was a dominant display by the side.

The win ensured a double chance for Unley ahead of next weekend’s division three finals.

PULTENEY DIV FIVE DARK HORSE

Pulteney has claimed the fifth finals spot over Woodville South on percentage in division five after a dramatic 8.7 (55) to 7.10 (52) victory over third placed Marion away from home on Saturday.

The side needed a win and a Woodville South loss to make the finals after a painful two-point round 17 defeat at the hands of Colonel Light Gardens and started the game the better of the two sides to take a 26-18 lead into the main break.

Callum Bennett, Josh Giddings and Toby Case then all stood tall behind the footy and in the contest as the visitors clung on to what was a three-goal three-quarter time lead to win by three points.

Pulteney will play Greenacres in next weekend’s elimination final.

BOMBERS FINALLY FLY

Kapunda finally tallied a win for the 2024 season, upsetting Nuriootpa in the Barossa Light and Gawler FA, defeating the fourth spot Tigers 14.5 (89) to 13.10 (88) at home.

The hosts booted six goals to none in the final quarter to produce a remarkable comeback, with Jacob Lochowiak and Harry Wutke dominating around the ground for the side.

Matt Rankine was also dangerous up front, booting two goals and setting up multiple others to help his side to the thrilling win.

The Bombers can now avoid the wooden spoon if they defeat second bottom side Gawler Central next weekend.

WINEFLIES MAKE STATEMENT

Callan Semple in action for Reynella. Picture: Matt Loxton

Top Southern Football League side Reynella has sent a message to the rest of the competition with a big 17.15 (117) to 5.5 (35) win over Noarlunga at home in round 17.

Star veterans Brad Potter, Callan Semple (five goals) and Marc Borholm (three goals) were all at their best as the Wineflies produced a dominant first half display and an even better second half, booting four goals to none in the third quarter and six goals to one in the fourth.

The club remains one win clear of second spot Flagstaff Hill and will play what should be a thrilling game against Port Noarlunga away from home in the round before finals.

ROOS TOO STRONG IN GSFL

It may take a major upset to prevent Victor Harbor from going all the way in the Great Southern Football League this year, with the Roos yet again flexing their muscle to defeat Langhorne Creek 20.16 (136) to 6.14 (50) away from home.

Former South Adelaide player Ben Heaslip was at his best again for the visitors, dominating on the ball to create a number of chances for his side.

Bryce Gibbs (two goals) and Sam Basham (seven goals) were also standouts and should continue their strong form with finals right around the corner.

The side’s only losses remain against reigning premier McLaren and Myponga-Sellicks, games they were without key players for.

MENZEL’S CATS IN TOP FORM

Daniel Menzel’s Coorong side remains undefeated in the RMFL. Picture: Sarah Reed

Coorong has remained undefeated heading into the final week of the River Murray FL minor round by thrashing reigning premier Jervois 18.15 (123) to 1.7 (13) at home.

Playing-coach Daniel Menzel was at his brilliant best for the hosts, dominating around the ground with his clean skills and reliable decision making as well as up front to kick five goals in the win.

The Cats have been the benchmark in the competition all season but this win could be their best yet and should send a clear warning to the rest of the competition.

They will face a tough test away at Southern Mallee next weekend and will be the major favourites for the flag next month.

CROWS A THREAT IN SOUTH EAST

Aaron Young will be one to watch in KNTFL finals this year. Picture: David Mariuz

Aaron Young has hit top gear at the right time for Keith in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL, the superstar onballer booting three goals and setting up a number of others as the Crows topped Padthaway 24.14 (158) to 12.6 (78) away from home in the final minor round clash of the year.

The Crows just missed out on second spot by percentage and finished two wins below top side Kybybolite and will face Mundulla away from home to open their finals campaign.

The additions of Young and Cameron Craig have worked wonders for playing-coach Lewis Hender’s side and has seen them transform from a solid finals team to a genuine contender for this year’s flag.