10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend
A division one Adelaide Footy League side gave its coach a perfect send-off by avoiding relegation with a big win in the final round of the season. See the 10 things we learned across local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions.
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An action-packed weekend of local SA footy is done and dusted as finals started for some competitions, while others clashed for ladder positioning in the final game of the minor round.
Here are the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions.
TIGERS SURVIVE
Broadview sent off departing premiership coach Matt Burgess in style on Saturday by defeating Brighton 15.15 (105) to 10.9 (69) at home, ultimately sending the Bombers down to division two.
The Tigers were at the top of their game from the start of the must-win clash with star players Cooper O’Leary, key forward Johnny Boras and former AFL gun Jesse White at their best through the middle and up front.
The Bombers, who were riddled with injuries heading into the fixture, could not quell an on-fire home outfit as Broadview built a 66-29 half time lead and never looked back.
The win saw the Tigers finish in seventh spot above St Peter’s OC, Brighton and Tea Tree Gully.
GULLIES GO DOWN
Tea Tree Gully failed to overcome an in-form Golden Grove away from home, going down 16.10 (106) to 9.11 (65) and suffering relegation to division two.
The Gullies started well but were soon playing catch-up as the Kookaburras flew to a 61-33 lead behind elite ball movement and goalkicking from Lewis Johnston as well as strong defensive pressure by Aidan Thatcher.
The hosts showed why they should be taken seriously in the upcoming div one finals series as they rebounded from defence seamlessly through the remainder of the game to create good looks at goal in the forwardline.
REDS FIND NEW GEAR IN FINALS
Flinders Park has showed it could be capable of finding a new level in finals this year by defeating Modbury 14.10 (94) to 10.7 (67) away from home in the division two elimination final.
The Reds, who beat the Hawks in last season’s division three big dance, flicked a switch to start the game, with James Schwarz, Walter Wilson and Dakota Nixon all dominating around the ground to help the visitors to a 39-6 lead at the first break.
This was then extended to a 65-16 half time lead as the hosts failed to stop an inspired Reds outfit in the middle.
Flinders Park will now meet Athelstone at Max Amber Sportsfield in next weekend’s semi final.
JETS FLY TO SECOND QUALIFYING FINAL
Unley made a statement in division three by topping a strong Lockleys outfit 13.11 (89) to 10.11 (71) away from home in the first qualifying final.
Scott Thompsons Jets trailed by nine points in what was a tug of war affair at Lockleys Oval but would gradually turn things around in the final two terms behind a starring performance by former Woodville-West Torrens gun Mitch Duval at the back and on the ball.
The visitors kicked seven goals to three in the second half off the back of smooth ball movement and forward creativity, with Josh Miller booting five goals on the day.
Unley will now meet division favourite Henley for a spot in the grand final, while Lockleys will clash with Pembroke OS in the semi final.
DEMONS ON A MISSION
Eastern Park has bounced back from its disappointing loss to Salisbury with a huge 21.15 (141) to 10.15 (75) win over Fitzroy at home in the division six qualifying final.
Wing/midfield star Luke McCormick-Smith was at his best for the hosts, booting four goals and providing damaging run and carry as his side tore the Lions apart in the second half, kicking 12 majors to seven through the final two terms to surge to the big win.
Shawn Mansell, Chris Knapp and Robert Kovacic were also important for the Demons through the midfield and up front.
Eastern Park will need to repeat the same level of performance next weekend as it aims to top league leader Salisbury for the first time this year and book a spot in the grand final.
MINERS GO BACK-TO-BACK
Roxby Districts has claimed back-to-back Far North Football League flags with an impressive 14.2 (86) to 8.7 (55) win over a previously undefeated Hornridge side in the grand final.
The Miners, led by former Mail Medallist Jack Sires, were the fast starters on the day, winning plenty of the footy in the middle and feeding goal threats Jaya Warrior (four majors) and Luke Godfrey (six majors) for good looks up front.
The underdogs took a 21 point lead into the main break and managed to add to it quickly in the third term to all but seal the victory, with the Magpies unable to quell their quick ball movement and efficient kicking for goal.
It is the club’s first back-to-back premiership since winning five straight from 2013 to 2017.
CROWS ON FIRE IN SOUTH EAST
Keith has continued its hot form to book a spot in next weekend’s Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League second qualifying final with a big win over Mundulla on Saturday.
The Crows, boosted by dominant showings from Daniel Bibby, Riley Wilsdon (five goals) and Lewis Hender, built a 45-23 half time lead and only got stronger from then on, adding 10 goals to just three in the last two quarters to cruise to the win.
Keith’s ability to win the ball in the contest and stream into the forwardline with efficiency was on display and they should pose a threat for top side Kybybolite next weekend.
ROOSTERS STAMP THEIR AUTHORITY
Birdwood has flexed its muscle to prove it has genuine Hills Country Division premiership credentials this season, defeating Kersbrook 15.9 (99) to 10.12 (72) in the first qualifying final.
The Roosters will meet competition power Gumeracha for a spot in the grand final next week after a display of midfield dominance and efficiency in front of goal.
The hosts were at their best from start to finish of the big clash, with Brett Ancell dominating on the ball to lead his side to a big 46-26 lead at the first break.
While Kersbrook cut the lead in the second term, the visitors could not overcome an inspired outfit with the Roosters kicking six goals to four in the second half to seal the win.
MAGPIES FLYING IN BLG
Tanunda will enter the 2024 Barossa Light and Gawler FA finals in strong form after a tough 13.7 (85) to 10.16 (76) win over reigning premier South Gawler at home in the final minor round clash of the year.
The Magpies had to hang tough in the final quarter and managed to do so as the Lions attempted to claw their way back into the game after trailing by 33 points at three-quarter-time.
Playing-coach Sam Colquhoun furthered his 2024 Mail Medal credentials with arguably his best performance of the year, the former Port Adelaide and Sturt gun winning plenty of the contested footy and also booting four goals.
Tanunda will host Willaston in the second semi final next weekend.
WINEFLIES A MAJOR SFL THREAT
Reynella has claimed top spot in the Southern Football League with an impressive 15.16 (106) to 10.13 (73) win over Port Noarlunga away from home in the last round before finals.
The Wineflies were led by veteran forward Callan Semple (seven goals) and former Mail Medallist Sam Whitbread in the contest as they surged to a 68-33 half time lead and bounced back from a poor third term to claim the important win.
The side has been one of the most impressive in the competition all year with Semple, Whitbread and dominant big man marc Borholm all clicking into gear at just the right time.
They will have an important week off and play the winner of Flagstaff Hill and Port Noarlunga for a spot in the grand final.
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