10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

A division two Adelaide Footy League power has remained on top of the ladder with another statement win by over 100 points. See the 10 things we learned across SA’s local country and suburban competitions this weekend.

Another exciting round of local SA footy has been played out as teams aim for finals spots in the second half of the season.

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

RAGGIES TOP DOG IN D2

SA footy champion has been in strong form for Athelstone again this year. Picture: Matt Loxton

Athelstone has remained on top of the ladder in division two of the Adelaide Footy League with a big 22.18 (150) to 3.6 (23) win over Old Ignatians at home – the club’s second victory of over 100 points so far this year.

Forwards Luke Rander, Caleb Barton and Jed Russell combined for 15 goals as the Raggies put a 12-point opening quarter behind them to boot 21 majors over the next three terms and run away with the huge win.

Star onballer Mitch Grigg was at his best, winning plenty of the contested footy and also kicking two goals in the win.

The club is now 8-1 and sits ahead of Tea Tree Gully by percentage.

PORT THE PACE-SETTER

Ditters gun Sharrad during his time with the Crows. Picture: David Mariuz

Port District moved to 8-1 on top of the Adelaide Footy League div one ladder with a gritty 9.17 (71) to 8.6 (54) over a red-hot Rostrevor OC at home.

The reigning premier trailed by 18 points at the main break but gradually turned things around in the third and fourth quarters through strong play by star utilities Louis Sharrad and Matt Rose in the contest.

Sam Gray was also instrumental in the second half with three majors as his side held ROCS to just two goals and kicked seven of their own to grab the win despite inaccuracy.

With Ditters seemingly hitting top form, they will undoubtedly be the side to beat in the run home to finals.

SHOC SHOWS RESILIENCE

Sacred Heart OC remained two games clear inside the top three of div one with a scrappy 11.9 (75) to 10.8 (68) home win over an inspired Salisbury North.

The Hawks led early in the fourth quarter but could not hold off a tough SHOC side on their home deck as the hosts kicked five goals to three to grab the win.

Captain Clayton Symonds produced maybe his best performance of the season so far, winning plenty of the footy around the ground, creating chances and also adding four big goals of his own, while playing-coach Alex Cailotto was also a standout in the ruck.

While Luke Habel’s visitors would be disappointed with the result, the performance has not lost the fourth spot Hawks any admirers and proves they can match it with the best on their day.

KOOKABURRAS BACK IN THE FOLD

Lachlan Pascoe during his time with Port Adelaide. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

Golden Grove backed up its impressive round eight win over Rostrevor OC with another strong victory, this time topping Prince Alfred OC 14.17 (101) to 9.16 (70) at home.

The Kookaburras trailed by 10 points at half time but booted five goals in the third term to gain the ascendancy and didn’t let up in the final quarter, registering five majors to one to seal the result.

Star key forward Lachlan Pascoe was the standout for the hosts yet again, kicking eight goals to add to his strong form and take best on ground honours yet again.

The win now sees the club sitting inside the top five and sets it up for a strong run home in the second half of the season.

DRAGONS FLYING IN D3

Westminster OS star Andrew Bradley. Picture: Sarah Reed

Newly promoted div three side Westminster OS has surged to the top of the ladder with an 8-1 record after a strong 9.8 (62) to 3.7 (25) win over Pembroke OS.

The Dragons, led by star recruit and former Bays captain Andrew Bradley, kicked out to a 31-9 quarter-time lead and never looked back, overwhelming the Kings with their contested ball work and efficiency up front.

Key target Nicholas Leck continued his impressive season with another five goals, taking big marks and finishing well to keep his side on top of the ladder.

ROOSTERS ON THE BOARD

Strathalbyn has ended its winless run in the Great Southern FL this season with an upset one-point victory over Yankalilla away from home.

The Roosters led all day in what was an arm wrestle and managed to kick three goals to two in the final term to hold off the Tigers in front of their home fans.

Vice-captain Liam Newton and star midfielder Declan Gladigau were the standouts for the visitors in the contest and around the ground, often winning big possessions and gaining important metres for their side.

Jack Wheaton was also instrumental up front, booting three goals and setting up a number of others.

The result sees move to ninth, on top of bottom spot Goolwa/Pt Elliot by percentage.

CATS ON TRACK FOR HISTORY

Daniel Menzel has been a superstar for Coorong Cats after joining from WWTFC. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

Coorong Cats continued their undefeated season in the River Murray FL with a huge 17.13 (115) to 3.3 (21) win over 2024 runner-up Mypolonga away from home.

The reigning premier has still not lost since the 2023 season and star playing-coach Daniel Menzel was at his best yet again with four goals and a number of important contested possessions as his side held the Tigers scoreless in the third quarter and added six majors of their own.

Captain Sam Sanders (five goals) and dominant halfback signing Seb Kerrish were also highly impactful with their ability to find the ball, distribute accurately and also hit the scoreboard with efficiency.

The Cats are now 9-0 and comfortably on top of the ladder as they aim for a second consecutive undefeated campaign.

MAGPIES MAKE STATEMENT IN THE HILLS

Hahndorf has bounced back from recent inconsistent form to defeat top HFL side Nairne Bremer 13.7 (85) to 7.8 (50) at home and move to within one win of top spot on the ladder.

The reigning premier Magpies were led by in-form forward/midfield utility Zabien Parker-Boers, who had five goals for the game and was instrumental in a number of others.

The hosts raced to a 45-7 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, dominating in the middle to rack up clearances and lock the Rams in up front.

If Hahndorf can continue that play for the remainder of the season, it will be tough for anyone to stop the club going back-to-back.

BRADLEY UNSTOPPABLE IN MSEFL

Frazer Bradley kicked 18 goals on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Hatherleigh has sent a message to the rest of the Mid South Eastern Football League with a 32.21 (213) to 4.2 (26) demolition job against a struggling Kongorong to move to 9-0 at the top of the ladder.

The Eagles were led by superstar signing Frazer Bradley, who joined from Millicent this year as a dominant forward.

Bradley was simply too athletic and efficient for the Kongorong defence, booting a huge 18 goals to lead the Eagles to the huge win, taking a number of high-flying marks and finishing from anywhere in and around the forward 50.

He has now booted an impressive 66 goals in nine games.

SOLOMONTOWN, DAVEY ON FIRE IN SGFL

Solomontown has continued its dominant Spencer Gulf FL season so far with its best performance of the year, thrashing reigning premier PropRisdon 22.21 (153) to 11.5 (71) away from home.

The Cats, led by former Crows SANFL player and dual SGFL medallist Corey Davey, kicked away in the first two terms to lead 72-33 at the main break and never looked back.

Davey has been in dominant form again this year and continued his dominance over the competition with an impressive all-round display, filling a number of roles for his side and also booting five majors.

With the SGFL superstar in this form, the Cats should continue to rack up wins and head into finals as the favourite for the flag.