Adelaide Footy League match reports round 13: Payneham Norwood Union tops Old Ignatians to keep season alive
A division one Adelaide Footy League club won its first game in a month to keep hopes of avoiding relegation alive. See the full round 13 match reports for every division.
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Round 13 of the Adelaide Footy League is done and local footy fans around the state were treated to more top quality footy as finals draws closer.
There were more upsets across the league’s seven divisions, while some clubs recorded big wins and others returned to form after losses in round 12.
THE ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE’S TOP 45 PLAYERS IN DIVISION ONE
Here are The Messenger’s match reports for each division.
DIVISION ONE
Payneham Norwood Union coach Jeremy Cini said his team had the momentum it needed to avoid relegation after achieving its first win in a month on Saturday.
The Falcons trailed by five goals at quarter-time of their game against Old Ignatians at Karen Rolton Oval but held Iggies to just two goals from then-on while kicking an albeit inaccurate 7.16 to win 7.5 (47) to 7.19 (61), recording a big upset.
“They were getting their hands on everything through that first term but the boys didn’t panic at quarter-time and we managed to get right back into the game with some better ball use which was great to see,” Cini said.
“To keep any side to two goals in three quarters at this level is a really good effort and I think we’re finally seeing the game plan come to fruition which is a good sign for the last few weeks.”
Young ruckman Liam Potts competed well versus Old Ignatians star Brayden De Prouse to earn a best on ground performance for PNU, while Ethan Haylock was busy up front and Brad McKenzie put in a strong shift across half-back.
Anthony and Jonathan Giannini were also influential for the Falcons.
Cini said the positive performance across the board from his side was a key to the win and the team’s defensive success.
“There were so many standout players for us, and I thought Liam (Potts), who’s only 20, did a great job against De Prouse and was key to getting us back in the game,” Cini said.
“It’s probably the first time for five or six weeks where we’ve had that complete performance.
“We haven’t been able to field the same team twice in a row this season with so many guys in and out, but we’re finally getting some continuity with the side for these upcoming games.”
Cini’s team currently sits bottom of division one, having only won three games, and will be looking for a win this weekend against in-form top side Port District.
“The division is just so competitive, we could realistically finish on seven wins and get relegated, so we almost have to win out through the next five,” Cini said.
“We’re looking forward to the test against them (Port District) – we’ve got some momentum now and I think we can definitely stay up if we can continue on the momentum we built against Old Ignatians.”
Port District defeated Goodwood Saints 13.7 (85) to 7.7 (49) at home in a big top of the ladder clash to go two points clear in the division.
The hosts could not miss in front of goal through the first two terms, booting eight straight to 4.5 to lead by 19 points at halftime and built off momentum in the middle during the final two terms to hold the Saints to just seven goals for the game.
Sam Gray dominated through the middle for Port, while Cooper Gaffney was again among the team’s best for his work across half-back and James Batty had five goals.
Prince Alfred Old Collegians moved back into the top five with an impressive win over rivals St Peter’s Old Collegians away from home – 9.11 (65) to 12.5 (77).
In what was a neck-and-neck battle, the Old Reds managed to build on a 10-point three-quarter time lead by keeping SPOC goalless (0.5) in the final term and adding 1.1, winning by 17 points.
Adam Perryman dominated off the back half for PAOC, while stars Hayden Jolly and Chris Curran were also standouts.
Tea Tree Gully moved to seventh with a big away win over ninth-placed Rostrevor Old Collegians, building on a five to one goal start to emerge 13.14 (92) to 19.9 (123) victor.
Gullies forward Tyler West had three goals and multiple goal assists up front for his side as they moved a game above ROC.
The latter will face an in-form Prince Alfred OC this week as it aims to move out of the relegation zone.
Glenunga bounced back from its round 12 loss to Rostrevor OC to defeat an in-form Brighton side at Brighton Oval – 6.17 (53) to 10.17 (77) and move back to fourth on the ladder.
It was a tussle all day but the Rams – who led by two points at the final break – finally managed to pull away from the Bombers in the fourth quarter, kicking 3.7 to 0.3 in an impressive defensive showing.
Jack Scott was best on ground with four goals, while Zac Smith was again strong in the air down back.
DIVISION TWO
Salisbury North celebrated its first home Indigenous Round in style, defeating Unley Mercedes Jets 17.9 (111) to 11.8 (74).
Footy legends and former Hawks juniors Gavin Wanganeen and Michael O’Loughlin watched on as the hosts went from being behind at the main break to 37-point victors, booting 10 goals to four in the second half.
Jordan O’Brien was dominant in the contest for the Hawks, while Steven Wellington (four), Jake Wagner (four) and Brad Hood (three) consistently hit the scoreboard.
Salisbury North now sits one game clear of the relegation zone.
Athelstone made it two on the trot with a 10.11 (71) to 7.11 (53) win over Broadview, handing the Tigers their second loss for the season and dropping them to second on the ladder.
The Raggies led all day in an impressive performance and booted seven goals to four through the last two terms to earn the win.
Kane Nurton was outstanding on the ball, creating chances for teammates and booting three goals, while Sam Cooke was among Athelstone’s best for the second week running.
Sacred Heart OC moved to top of the division with a dominant 21.9 (135) to 6.4 (40) win over Adelaide Uni at home.
SHOCs kicked 15 goals to just three through the first two quarters and held Uni completely scoreless in the second.
It was the usual suspects who stood up for the home side, with Tristan Carcuro (six goals) and Alex Cailotto both completely controlling the game along with Jack Bridgland down back.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Henley 16.12 (108) d North Haven 10.9 (69)
- PHOS Camden 15.8 (98) d Gaza 10.10 (70)
DIVISION THREE
Golden Grove’s remarkable year continued with a 29.11 (185) to 3.5 (23) win over SMOSH West Lakes, taking the Kookaburras’ record to 13-0 for the season.
SMOSH West Lakes only managed one major after quarter-time as Golden Grove ran rampant through the middle of the park, giving its forwards first look in front of goal.
Max Klozik had six majors in a strong performance, while Mitchell McKelvie was also impressive, kicking three and linking up with midfielders and forwards inside the 50.
Flinders Park moved up to second spot with an important win over top three side Edwardstown, the Reds prevailing 14.11 (95) to 8.4 (52) at Flinders Park Oval.
A dominant first quarter set the game up well for the hosts, Edwardstown only managing 1.2 against the Reds’ 6.3.
Nic and Tom Schwarz were both impressive on the ball as Flinders Park controlled the contest through strong pressure and clearance work.
Justin Hardy led all goalkickers with four majors.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Modbury 15.9 (99) d Seaton Ramblers 8.6 (54)
- Westminster OS 16.18 (114) d CBC OC 10.9 (69)
- Scotch OC 11.9 (75) d Morphettville Park 8.11 (59)
DIVISION FOUR
Plympton continued its strong run of form with a huge 32.30 (222) to 4.6 (30) victory over winless Pulteney at Plympton Oval to remain top of the ladder.
The Bulldogs were unrelenting at the contest and maintained strong forward pressure to do the damage, leading 116-11 at halftime after keeping the visitors to just one behind in the second term, piling on thereafter in the win.
Vice captain Lonnie Hampton had a day out with six goals and as many goal assists, while Jamie West also performed well, booting five majors.
Pembroke Old Scholars got back to their winning ways by overcoming a 16-point quarter-time deficit to win 13.17 (95) to 9.15 (69) against Walkerville at Haslam Oval.
It was a slow first term for the Kings, with Adam Proud (five goals) getting off to a fast start, but the hosts eventually managed to turn things around in the middle, getting first use and locking the Cats’ defenders in for repeat inside 50s.
Matthew Falzon was influential at the back and on the ball, while Mark Evans (five goals) and brother Tom Evans (two goals) created multiple opportunities through the forwardline.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Pooraka 16.11 (107) d Portland 7.6 (48)
- Mitcham 19.18 (132) d Woodville South 10.7 (67)
- Hope Valley 21.7 (133) d Kenilworth 5.11 (41)
DIVISION FIVE
Hectorville went four points clear in the top two of the division with a 16.13 (109) to 8.11 (59) win over third-placed Elizabeth at home.
The Hounds only led by four points through the first two terms but held the Eagles to just three behinds in the third term to propel themselves to an important win.
Captain Jake Mazzone was best on ground for the hosts, winning his fair share of the ball and also hitting the scoreboard for two goals.
Lockleys moved to 12-1 on the season with a convincing victory over fifth spot Eastern Park at Dwight Reserve, winning 13.11 (89) to 22.13 (145).
The visitors led all day and turned up the heat in the middle during the third term to boot seven goals to three and set up what would be a statement win.
Nathan Batley produced a standout performance with three goals while vice captain Ben Haren added six majors to his season tally of 63 in 11 games.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Colonel Light Gardens 22.12 (144) d Blackfriars OS 12.5 (77)
- Kilburn 20.18 (138) d Salisbury 12.12 (84)
- Gepps Cross 22.17 (149) d St Pauls OS 10.8 (68)
DIVISION SIX
Undefeated Trinity sent a message to the rest of division with a huge win over third spot Marion at home, piling on seven goals to just one in the third term to see out a 17.16 (118) to 5.8 (38) victory.
The hosts were dominant in the middle, winning countless centre clearances through best on ground Cameron Matters – who also kicked two majors – through four terms.
Dom Barilla followed up his 14-goal performance against Para Hills in round 12 with another four against the Rams.
West Croydon moved into the top two by resisting a fourth quarter Rosewater comeback at home, winning 12.13 (85) to 11.10 (76).
After leading by just two points at the main break, the Hawks kicked four goals to two in the third term to head into the final quarter with a 19-point buffer.
The Bulldogs responded in the fourth however, with Shane Catterall and Brock Honson (three goals apiece) bringing their side back to within two kicks.
It would not be enough though, with a Llewellyn Milera-led home outfit using strong contest work in the middle to kill the game off.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Brahma Lodge 17.5 (107) d Ingle Farm 9.10 (64)
- Central United 29.18 (192) d Para Hills 7.7 (49)
DIVISION SEVEN
A 110-point win over Mawson Lakes saw Greenacres remain undefeated.
The Dragons kept their visitors goalless in the second and fourth quarters on their way to a 20.15 (135) to 3.7 (25) victory.
Josh Addey was a standout on the ball with explosive work out of the middle, while star forward Matt Gibson pulled off a 10-goal haul to take his season total to 76 from 13 games, giving himself an outside chance at making the 100-mark.
Houghton Districts also recorded a big win, defeating O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale 32.10 (202) to 6.12 (48) to remain in the division’s top two.
The Raiders booted 10 goals to one in the second quarter and then held the Lions scoreless in the final term while piling on another 10 goals on their way to a dominant win.
Aidan Pitt had a day out on the ball and through the forwardline – booting five goals.
Jake Martin (six goals) and Kodi Pitt (five goals) were also highly impactful.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Hackham 9.12 (66) d Flinders Uni 7.8 (50)
- Adelaide Lutheran 12.10 (82) d Mitchell Park 5.7 (37)
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