Adelaide Footy League match reports round eight: Adelaide University upsets Brighton Bombers
A wild weekend in the Adelaide Footy League has thrown up surprise results in the top flight – including a fairytale finish. Read reports from every division.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There were surprise results galore in the top two tiers following an intriguing weekend of Adelaide Footy League action.
Here are The Messenger’s reports from every division in round eight:
DIVISION ONE
Adelaide University coach Ben Watkins says he felt a mix of relief and pride as his young Blacks side reignited its season with an upset win away at Brighton on Saturday.
And it was a debutant – Brad Schiller – who sealed it for Uni when he kicked what proved to be the winning goal in the dying minutes.
Watkins said the 8.15 (63) to 8.9 (57) victory was a richly deserved reward for his side.
“It was a really proud moment for myself and for the club,” Watkins said.
“There was a lot of relief too.
“One of the best parts of the day for me was watching the three blokes on the bench hug each other when we went in front – it means a bit to them.
“It hasn’t been an easy season for us but we’ve got a great group that buys in. I was really proud of them.”
Watkins said Uni, which fielded a side with an average age of 20 on Saturday, had handed debuts to about 16 players so far this season.
The Blacks, who lost star trio Damian Cunningham (injury), Mitch Marini (Crows SANFL) and Kyle Martin (West Adelaide) before the match, looked shaky in the first half.
They booted a wayward 1.8 to Brighton’s 3.6 by half time.
But on the back of stellar performances from stand-in captain Ryan Marini and Matthew Langridge, Uni fought back to lead by two points at the last change.
Debutant Schiller showed experience beyond his games tally when he nailed the set shot to give the Blacks the win late on.
It was their second for the season, while Brighton now holds a 4-4 win-loss record.
In another enthralling finish, Kristian Roocke kicked four goals in final 10 minutes as Payneham Norwood Union stormed home from 30 points down in the fourth quarter to beat Prince Alfred Old Collegians.
The former Redleg put on a clinic, booting four unanswered goals to drag the Falcons back into the contest at Payneham Oval.
Another ex-Norwood star, Anthony Wilson, then kicked the winner as PNU recorded an unlikely 15.12 (102) to 15.9 (99) triumph.
“I’ve been part of some pretty good wins over the time … but to comeback like that was really satisfying,” PNU coach Jace Bode said.
“Kristian has unbelievable talent and is a really difficult match-up.
“He had some really big moments and kicked 4.1 in the last quarter, as did Rabbs (Wilson), who kicked about 4.4 for the game.”
Resurgent Port District made it three-straight wins and pumped more pressure on Rostrevor Old Collegians in a 11.7 (73) to 9.8 (62) result at Largs Reserve.
In a tight battle all day, the Magpies’ 11-point win moved them level on the ladder with ROC and Brighton on 4-4.
Goodwood Saints just did enough to avoid a second successive defeat by edging out Tea Tree Gully by four points.
The reigning premiers had to come from behind late in the last quarter to snatch the 10.4 (64) to 9.6 (60) victory at Pertaringa Oval.
Third-placed SPOC got back on track after two losses in a row as it beat bottom side Unley Mercedes 16.14 (110) to 12.5 (77) at Caterer Oval.
James Hargreaves and Bradley Coulson led the way for the hosts, while Shawn Foster continued his good form with five goals for the Jets.
DIVISION TWO
It was a nightmare round for tipsters in the second tier with four underdogs claiming victory on Saturday.
PHOS Camden secured arguably the pick of the bunch by coming from behind to end Glenunga’s winning streak.
The Phantoms trailed by three goals at the final change but rallied behind the likes of Henry Papatolis and Samuel Inglis to hold the Rams goalless in the fourth quarter and win, 11.12 (78) to 10.11 (71).
Scotch Old Collegians finally broke through for its first win of the season by surprising Salisbury North at Scotch College.
Trailing by 24 points at half-time, the hosts turned the screw in a huge 8.4 to 1.1 third term to win 12.9 (81) to 7.13 (55) with ruckman Warwick McGinty leading the way.
The euphoria of last week’s thrilling victory did not last long for Broadview as it was smashed by Seaton Ramblers to the tune of 62 points.
Brett Harland was once again outstanding for the Ramblers, booting six goals to be named best on ground in the 17.17 (118) to 8.8 (56) win at Broadview Oval.
Sacred Heart kicked poorly but still managed to take a big scalp when it went on the road and defeated Henley 8.17 (65) to 6.9 (45).
Of the five A grade matches, only Old Ignatians’ 11.13 (79) to 8.5 (53) defeat of Athelstone went to script.
Iggies were too good, keeping the Raggies goalless in the opening term then holding them at arms length for the rest of the match.
DIVISION THREE
Flinders Park has exacted some revenge over Golden Grove for last year’s grand final by winning a thrilling top of the table clash.
In a big day for the club, the Reds came out on top by just three points in the highly-anticipated contest at Flinders Park.
The Reds charged home in the final term to win 11.13 (79) to 11.10 (76).
Bradley Young kicked the sealer for Flinders Park, one of three goals for him on the day.
There is now an exciting battle at the top of the division three ladder with the Reds, Golden Grove and North Haven all on 7-1.
The Magpies moved top on percentage by thrashing local rival Portland by 142 points at Largs North Reserve.
Ryan Adams starred and Jack Foster booted eight majors for North Haven has they held the battling Thunder goalless.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Westminster OS 17.10 (112) d CBC OC 11.15 (81) at Glandore Oval
■ Gaza 19.10 (124) d Edwardstown 8.10 (58) at Edwardstown Oval
■ Plympton 14.12 (96) d Modbury 10.13 (73) at Plympton Oval
DIVISION FOUR
A free-scoring Pulteney had 12 different goal kickers at it put Woodville South to the sword in a decisive display at Morgan Oval on Saturday.
Damien Hill booted six majors, Joshua Giddings added four and further four Navy Blues kicked two each as they smashed the Cats 24.12 (156) to 10.8 (68).
And is not the first time ninth-placed Woodville South has been opened up defensively this season.
The Cats have also suffered losses by 115, 76 and 54 points to Morphettville Park, Pembroke Old Scholars and Walkerville respectively.
They must now turn their attention to a huge relegation clash this Saturday, where they host winless Kilburn in a must win game for both sides.
At Haslam Oval, Alex Forster booted seven goals and Pembroke stayed top of the ladder with a comfortable 42-point victory over Hope Valley.
The Demons, grand finalists last season, are now 4-4.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Mitcham 10.13 (73) d Kilburn 9.10 (64) at Blair Athol Reserve
■ Morphettville Park 12.14 (86) d Gepps Cross 11.9 (75) at Duncan Fraser Reserve
■ Walkerville 13.11 89) d SMOSH West Lakes 8.10 (58) at Walkerville Recreation Ground
DIVISION FIVE
Eastern Park flexed its muscles and displayed its scoring power in a big win over fellow finals hopeful Colonel Light Gardens.
The Demons showed just how strong they can be at home in the commanding 20.11 (131) to 13.13 (91) triumph at Dwight Reserve.
James O’Loughlin was in fine form for the hosts while Kym Sumner booted five goals.
Alex Kitson, Harrison Westhoff and Nicholas Patterson battled hard for the Lions.
Pooraka continues to prove itself as the frontrunner in division five, this time demolishing a hapless Fitzroy by 117 points at Lindblom Park.
Vivian Davey, Kye Vandermoer and Luke Buckby (seven goals) ran riot for the Bulls in the 26.13 (169) to 7.10 (52) defeat.
Fitzroy is yet to win a game this season.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Kenilworth 12.15 (87) d Hectorville 7.12 (54) at Daly Oval
■ Salisbury 15.11 (101) d West Croydon 8.7 (55) at Salisbury Oval
■ Lockleys – bye
DIVISION SIX
Just one week after securing its first win of the campaign, Para Hills has made it two from two with a confidence-boosting 70-point belting of Mawson Lakes.
The Big Reds trailed by a point at quarter time but then put the foot down to pull away and prevail 16.22 (118) to 7.6 (48) at the Paddocks.
Jose Pietrantonio (three goals) and Lynton Power led the way for the hosts, who have now pulled themselves out of the relegation places.
Mawson Lakes remained bottom and has now lost its past four matches.
Taking Para Hills’ place in the bottom two is Ingle Farm after it was embarrassed by 51 points away to Trinity Old Scholars.
The Bulldogs had very few answers for TOS in the 18.9 (117) to 10.6 (66) defeat.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Elizabeth 16.16 (112) d Rosewater 4.6 (30) at Argana Park
■ Marion 8.8 (56) d Blackfriars OS 8.7 (55) at Sturt Oval
■ St Paul’s OS – bye
DIVISION SEVEN
Flinders University snapped its five-game losing run by running over the top of local rival Mitchell Park to take a much needed victory.
The Crabs were dominant in the second half, kicking 10.4 to the Lions’ 5.3, to run out 17.9 (111) to 11.8 (74).
It had been a decent break between drinks for Flinders, which won its opening round match but went on to lose the next handful.
Alex Rendoulis, Greg Pinder (five goals) and Bailey Cantlon were impressive for the Crabs.
Adam Halime booted six goals for Mitchell Park, which had won two straight matches coming into the contest.
Brahma Lodge ensured it kept the pressure on the top two sides by bouncing back with a 14.11 (95) to 11.12 (78) triumph over Adelaide Lutheran.
The Tigers tasted defeat against Mitchell Park last time out and looked in no mood for it again as they shook off the persistent Bulldogs late in the match.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Houghton Districts 14.11 (95) d OSB Lonsdale 9.7 (61) at Greenwith Oval
■ Central United 16.18 (114) d Hackham 2.13 (25) at Mofflin Reserve
■ Greenacres – bye
Join the conversation
REPLAYS: SANFL Girls Intrastate Carnival, Day 1
Glenelg pulled off a final-quarter comeback to snatch a late victory while out north one side proved dominant. Catch the day one REPLAYS and watch LIVE from 10.30am Wednesday.
Read more
REPLAYS: Australian Junior Hardcourt Tennis Championships, Day 6
The top seeds put on a show of collective strength to dominate the final day of one of Tennis Australia’s flagship junior tournaments. Check out all the REPLAYS from the week-long event.
Read more