10 things we learned in local SA footy
A rising Adelaide Footy League force claimed its first division two flag with a dominant display. Here’s our final wrap of SA’s country and suburban leagues in season 2023.
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Local SA footy season came to a thrilling end on Saturday as a number of the state’s top country and suburban clubs battled for silverware.
Here are the 10 things we learned from the weekend’s action.
GOLDEN GROVE A LOCAL FORCE
Golden Grove made it two flags in as many years and a maiden division two premiership with a dominant 10.13 (73) to 2.5 (17) win over Payneham Norwood Union.
The Kookaburras completely dominated the contest and held the Falcons goalless through the first three quarters, with Cam Shenton, Jake Pitman and Lewis Johnston all stepping up in the middle.
Wyatt Patterson was also a standout up front, controlling the game in the air and kicking efficiently for goal.
The target forward ended the game with five majors as his side sent a warning to division one sides ahead of next season.
PRINCES STORM HOME
Former Glenelg star Andrew Bradley inspired his side to a second flag in three years with a dominant fourth quarter display as the Old Reds ran out 9.15 (69) to 8.7 (55) winners over minor premier Glenunga.
Bradley dominated in the middle during the last term as Princes turned a one goal advantage into three kicks with brilliant contested work and strong pressure up front through Lachy McNamara and Tyson Brazel.
The Rams fought hard but could not overcome the starpower and fitness of the Old Reds.
FLINDERS PARK SENDS DIV TWO MESSAGE
Flinders Park produced another elite defensive display to top Modbury in the division three grand final and mark itself as a side to watch in div two during 2024.
The Reds kicked away to a fast start in the first term, star midfielder Tom Schwarz dominating in the contest and creating a number of opportunities as his side went in to the rooms 26-8 leaders at quarter time.
While Modbury produced a strong third term through Darcy Pisani and Ryan Llewellyn, the Hawks would not be able to contain Flinders Park’s run off of the backline.
DOLPHINS DELIVER UPSET BLOW
CBC OC won an unlikely division four flag from third position behind a second half onslaught, booting 10 goals to three in the final two terms to top Lockleys 14.17 (101) to 8.14 (62).
The Dolphins trailed by 14 points at quarter time after a starring first term from Demons gun Bowen Hosking, but would promptly respond through leaders Sam and Matt Raymond in the middle and Callum Atkinson up front.
CBC OC dominated the clearances in the third and fourth quarters and would go on to reap the awards, booting five goals to two in the third term and never looking back.
CHICS FLY AGAIN
Kilburn claimed its second upset win over Gepps Cross of the season to take out the division five flag, topping the Rams 17.10 (112) to 15.4 (94).
Corey Solly was strong in the contest and as a creator up front as the Chics flew back from a 14-point three-quarter-time deficit to win by 28.
The side held the Rams to just two goals straight in the final term as it won plenty of the contested footy and moved the ball swiftly to blow the minor premier out of the water.
DANGEROUS DRAGONS READY FOR NEW DIV
Greenacres produced an impressive defensive display to claim its second flag in as many years, defeating Marion 8.7 (55) to 5.8 (38) in the division six grand final.
The Dragons were held scoreless in the first term but kicked eight goals to four for the remainder of the game to claim the flag.
Scott Burnett was best on ground for the side with his courageous attack on the footy and efficient ball-use, and he also managed to kick two important goals from the middle.
RAMPAGING RAMS COMPLETE MAJOR UPSET
Nairne Bremer won its second game over Hahndorf in a row to claim an upset in the Hills FL grand final, defeating the Magpies 12.16 (88) to 11.10 (76) to claim the 2023 premiership.
It was just the second loss of the year for the Magpies who led early but could not sustain their efficiency around the ground against a strong Rams defence.
Brock Knott was inspirational in the ruck for his side, while Darcy Hourigan remained a menace as a target forward and Lachie May held firm at the back.
The premiership win is the club’s first in division one of the competition.
SAUCE WINS FIRST FLAG
Sam Jacobs won the first flag of his career as his undefeated Flagstaff Hill side flew past Noarlunga to claim the 2023 Southern FL premiership.
The Falcons burst out of the gates to kick to a 55-22 halftime lead and never looked back, Jacobs dominating the ruck and up front while target forward Sam Smith produced a number of important passages.
Jacobs finished the season with a strong 59 goals in 15 games and should be a force again next season if he chooses to play on.
LIONS GET REVENGE
South Gawler claimed revenge for last year against Nuriootpa, defeating the Tigers 14.10 (94) to 12.14 (86) in this season’s Barossa, Light and Gawler FA grand final.
The Lions trailed by four points at the final break but booted five goals to three in the final term to claim the win, with Flynn Pisani, Jaden Gurney and Steve Burton all stepping their game up in the contest.
Patrick White was a standout for the side, producing strong footy at the back and also rotating forward to kick two goals.
EAGLES FLY TO TWO STRAIGHT
McLaren has officially become one of the top sides in SA country footy, producing an impressive performance to defeat Willunga for the second straight time in a Great Southern FL grand final.
The Eagles only led by a point at the final break but would hold the Demons goalless in the final term, booting 4.5 in the quarter to emerge 12.12 (84) to 8.9 (57) premiers.
Sam Lawrie and Brett Ellis were big for McLaren in the contest with their ability to win the footy and dispose efficiently, while Matt Merrett and Codey Ellison booted three goals each.
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