10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend

A division one Adelaide Footy League side achieved a major upset to pull off a remarkable survival act and avoid relegation to div two next season. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend.

The final round of the local SA footy Home And Away season has been played out and finals are now upon us across the state.

The weekend’s action saw a number of thrilling results and strong individual displays as sides booked their spots in the 2023 finals series and fought to avoid relegation.

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

SPOC SURVIVES RELEGATION

Jonnie Read starred for SPOC on Saturday. Picture: Matt Loxton

St Peter’s OC pulled off the unthinkable to remain in division one and avoid relegation in the final round of the season, defeating Port District 14.5 (89) to 12.10 (82) away from home and moving a point above Goodwood on the ladder.

The Saints trailed by a goal over halfway through the final term but managed to boot two majors in quick succession with just minutes remaining to seal the result.

Star goalkicker Jonnie Read was at his best for the visitors, dominating contests up front and taking strong grabs to set himself up for five goals on the day.

Lachie De Cesare was also important, snapping home the game-sealing goal after a clean pick-up.

SAINTS GO DOWN

Goodwood's Nick Favretto in action. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

Goodwood was relegated from division one for the first time since entering it in 1991, finishing a point below SPOC on the ladder after a narrow 11.12 (78) to 10.9 (69) loss to Broadview away from home.

The Saints had the upper hand through the first two terms, winning plenty of the footy in the contest through Nick Favretto and Angus Rana, but could not hold on as the Tigers mounted a comeback in the second half.

Broadview captain Jay O’Leary was at his best for the hosts, dominating through the middle and also hitting the scoreboard for two majors.

GULLIES SCRAPE THROUGH

Tea Tree Gully has made division one finals by the skin of its teeth after losing to Prince Alfred OC but being saved by percentage.

While sixth place Broadview achieved the win it needed to leapfrog Gullies in to fifth position and finals, the club’s 15.15 (105) to 8.8 (56) loss to Princes was not enough to see the Tigers through, with TTG finishing on top by 0.3 per cent.

The club will face Port District away from home in next week’s elimination final.

ROC A FINALS THREAT

Rostrevor OC sent a major message to Athelstone on Saturday, winning 19.16 (130) to 7.11 (53) at Cambelltown Memorial Oval to set up a home elimination final against the Raggies in division two next weekend.

The hosts were on fire from start to finish, building an ultimately insurmountable 51-13 quarter time lead and never looking back.

Tom McCormack produced his best performance this season up front, taking a number of big contested marks and finishing well in front of goal to boot 10 majors for the day.

KINGS COULD UPSET

Pembroke’s Alex Forster.Picture: Tom Huntley

Pembroke OS won a must-win affair against fourth spot Hope Valley in division three, topping the Demons 15.10 (100) to 11.14 (80) to finish in fifth and finals, one point above Scotch OC.

The Kings trailed by a goal at the final break but stormed home by booting seven goals to three in the final quarter and securing the result.

Star forwards Alex Forster and Mark Evans were strong for the visitors, booting eight goals between them, while Darcy McRostie and Anthony Wilson were also impressive around the ground.

The side will meet Hope Valley away from home again next weekend in the elimination final as it aims to upset by winning the flag from fifth.

BULLS FLAG FAVOURITES

Pooraka will enter division four finals as flag favourite this season after defeating Plympton handily away from home with a 16.14 (110) to 11.9 (75) result.

Leading by just a goal at the main break, the Bulls flicked a switch in the final two terms to storm home by booting eight goals to four.

Logan Mulady was dominant in the ruck, feeding his midfielders with brilliant tap work, while Luke McCormack-Smith kicked four goals up front.

DEMONS SECURE HOME FINAL

Former Norwood star Dean Terlich was at his best for Uraidla Districts. Picture: Sarah Reed

Uraidla Districts secured a home final against Mt Lofty in the Hills FL on Saturday, defeating Onkaparinga Valley 14.9 (93) to 13.2 (80) to finish above the Devils on percentage.

The Demons burst through the gate in the first quarter, dominating through the middle to build a 39-13 lead and never looking back as the Bulldogs struggled to create enough chances to catch up.

Star veteran Dean Terlich was at his best up front and through the middle, winning plenty of the contested footy and dealing to teammates efficiently.

MINERS KINGS OF THE NORTH

Miners capped off a brilliant season in the Far North FL, defeating Hornridge 10.5 (65) to 5.10 (40) to win this the 2023 premiership.

The side trailed 21-6 at quarter-time but slowly managed to edge their way back in to the game through tough work from Jack Sires, Jake Cole and Jeremy Sezun in the contest.

Up by two points at three-quarter-time, Miners held Hornridge to just a point in the final term while adding four goals to their tally to seal the win.

Adam Jackson led the way up front for the side with three majors.

BARMERA MONASH UPSETS TO MAKE BIG DANCE

Barmera Monash pulled off an upset to defeat Loxton North in the Riverland FL preliminary final, winning 6.13 (49) to 4.3 (27) away from home.

The visitors trailed at quarter-time but gained the ascendancy from then onwards, Jack Sullivan impressing in the contest and behind the ball to lead his team to the win.

Ben Drogemuller was also important up front, leading well and winning the footy to create for teammates and also add two goals.

The side will face Renmark in next weekend’s big dance.

FALCONS MAKE STATEMENT

Flagstaff Hill’s Sam Jacobs and Port Noarlunga’s Andrew Jarman. Picture: Matt Loxton

Southern Football League flag favourite Flagstaff Hill made a big statement against second spot Noarlunga, defeating the Shoes 15.11 (101) to 4.7 (31) to remain undefeated heading into finals.

The Falcons flew out of the gate to build a 44-9 lead over the visitors by halftime, with Naathan Beenham and David Kearsley controlling the game through the middle and Brad Kirk remaining strong at the back.

Star ruck/forward utility Sam Jacobs was at his best yet again for his side, dominating in the contest and booting three goals up front despite being tagged.