Adelaide Footy League match reports round nine: Brighton upsets St Peter’s Old Collegians in important win
An inspired Adelaide Footy League club caused an upset to turn its season around, while a grand final rematch came down to the final seconds. Full match reports for every division.
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Round nine of the Adelaide Footy League has been played out as the 2022 season reaches its midway point.
There were big upsets, dominant team displays and thrilling finishes across the league’s divisions as clubs fought for a result heading into the second half of the year.
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Here are The Messenger’s reports from every division:
DIVISION ONE
Brighton coach Brett Backwell lauded his side’s “really promising” display as it dominated top side St Peter’s Old Collegians to win 8.11 (59) to 4.10 (34) at Brighton Oval.
The Bombers put together an intense defensive display to hold SPOC goalless for close to the entire game, conceding four majors in the last seven minutes.
“To the boys’ credit they executed our game plan really, really well in the conditions – we kicked to space well, managed to force repeat stoppages and forward 50 entries and put the ball out of bounds when they (SPOC) were on the attack as well,” Backwell said.
“To execute like that and keep them goalless for so long was really promising.”
It was a complete team effort from Brighton, who had the upper hand at home in wet and slippery conditions.
Otis Carthy was again strong for the Bombers in defence, while Jarman Sigal and ruckman Jarrad Duthie were also influential.
The hosts’ midfield was also impressive, scrapping in the contest and applying strong pressure.
Backwell was encouraged by the even contribution.
“When you win like that it’s because everyone plays their role,” he said.
“We don’t have those one or two huge star players, we just need to continue to play strong team footy.”
The 2022 season has been a challenging one for the Bombers, who have struggled to keep personnel on the park so far due to injury, suspension and illness.
The win could mark a turnaround in fortunes however, with the club now level with Prince Alfred Old Collegians on points.
“It’s been the most frustrating eight or nine weeks of footy I’ve had in my entire career,” Backwell said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it – I think we’ve maybe had two guys who have played every game.
“We’ve sort of stopped looking at results and instead just want to continue teaching good behaviours, good sills and make sure we’re developing guys into impressive people as well.”
Glenunga edged Old Ignatians by a single point in what was perhaps the game of the year so far and a dramatic rematch of last season’s division two grand final.
A late Michael McMahon goal over the back gave the Rams a one-point lead with only two minutes remaining and the hosts then held off an Old Ignatians attack in the final seconds to win 8.9 (57) to 7.14 (56).
It was a matchup which lived up to its billing, with both sides showing class to execute in challenging conditions, while also bringing grit and determination to the contest.
Jack Matchett and Michael McMahon were standouts for the Rams, while Brayden De Prinse and Brad Jones – who had four majors – were the best for Iggies.
Goodwood moved clear on top of the division one ladder with an impressive 7.10 (52) to 12.9 (81) away win over Prince Alfred OC.
Princes were the most impressive through the first term but the Saints soon bounced back to tae control of the contested ball and capitalise on the scoreboard.
The visitors used their momentum to boot four goals to one in the final term.
Reece Slape was impressive for Goodwood, while Sam Laube, Aryan Sareen, Tom Anderson and Nic Burgess all booted multiple goals.
Port District bounced back from its round eight loss to St Peter’s OC to outclass Rostrevor OC 5.5 (35) to 12.10 (82) at Campbelltown Memorial Oval.
ROC led 20-9 at the first break but were held to just two goals for the rest of the game by Port who picked up their intensity in the middle and gave their forwards multiple opportunities.
Tom Gray was again a standout for the Magpies, winning his fair share of the ball and kicking a total of six goals.
Payneham Norwood Union pulled off a surprise win against Tea Tree Gully away from home, booting four goals to none in the second term and doing just enough in the last to cling on to an 11.13 (79) to 12.9 (81) victory.
Jonathan Giannini kicked three goals while star pickup Brad McKenzie had one of his best games through the middle this year.
Captain Alex McKay was everywhere for Gullies as the home side stormed back in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome an upset.
DIVISION TWO
Sacred Heart Old Collegians overcame a 16-point half-time deficit to defeat Salisbury North by a point away from home – an important victory after its loss to PHOS Camden in round eight.
The visitors kicked seven goals in the third quarter to the Hawks’ three and held firm enough defensively in the final term to prevent an inspired home side from snatching the points, winning 14.9 (93) to 14.10 (94).
Seb Kerrish had his seventh best on ground performance of the season across half-back, while Harry Morgan kicked three in a strong display.
Broadview’s undefeated start was extended to half a season as it handily defeated North Haven at home 16.11 (107) to 8.9 (57).
The Tigers roared out of the gate in the first two terms, kicking 10 majors to four to lead by 40 at half-time and then held the Magpies goalless in the final term to win by 50.
Xavier Gotch turned in another strong shift in the middle, while Josh Sheppard kicked three goals and dominated in the contest.
Athelstone held third spot with a gritty win over PHOS Camden away from home, playing strong defence in the final quarter to emerge 6.8 (44) to 8.5 (53) victors.
It was a tight affair for the entire four terms and while the Raggies led by a kick at the final break, the Phantoms looked set to come home strong in front of an impassioned crowd.
However, the visitors held firm through a tough Chris Lodovici performance and an inspired Alex Davies (three goals) to grab the win.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Henley 12.13 (85) d Unley Mercedes Jets 7.12 (54)
- Adelaide Uni 11.9 (75) d Gaza 7.10 (52)
DIVISION THREE
Golden Grove also extended its remarkable undefeated run to nine games, defeating Westminster Old Scholars 8.7 (55) to 18.8 (116) away from home.
The Kookaburras used a goalkicking breeze to boot five to one major in the third term and create separation, before adding another four goals in the final quarter.
Joel Horskins booted four goals to add to his season tally of 44, while Mitchell McKelvie and Lewis Johnston were impressive in the air and in congestion for the visitors.
Leading by just a point at three-quarter-time, Edwardstown held Modbury to two goals in the final term and booted four to win 12.12 (84) to 11.4 (70) and stay third on the ladder.
Towns were dominant out of the middle in the fourth quarter and Josh Schiller cut the Hawks defence apart with his distribution while Jack Horgan was also impressive with five goals.
OTHER RESULTS:
- SMOSH West Lakes 12.13 (85) d Seaton Ramblers 9.9 (63)
- CBC OC 13.6 (84) d Scotch OC 9.14 (68)
- Flinders Park 14.11 (95) d Morphettville Park 4.4 (28)
DIVISION FOUR
Walkerville bested Plympton 10.12 (72) to 8.7 (55) second verses third clash, kicking four goals in the final quarter while holding the visitors to just one.
Adam Proud and Nick Gillard had three goals apiece to lead the way for the Cats, while Cooper Garoni competed hard for the hosts through the four quarters.
The win puts Walkerville clear of Plympton in second place and a game behind top team Pembroke Old Scholars.
Pembroke OS turned in a dominant display against Pooraka at home, winning 19.15 (129) to 9.12 (66).
The Kings led 38-8 at the first break through an early Alex Forster, Tom Evans and Mark Evans onslaught up front and the Bulls failed to recover.
Alex Forster booted a game-high eight majors to take himself to a total of 45 after nine games.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Mitcham 9.13 (67) d Hope Valley 7.12 (54)
- Woodville South 18.10 (118) d Portland 9.12 (66)
- Kenilworth 12.10 (82) d Pulteney 7.7 (49)
DIVISION FIVE
Kilburn pulled off an upset win over Eastern Park at Dwight Reserve to move to sixth on the ladder, topping the Demons 14.11 (95) to 16.11 (107).
The hosts pegged back an early 10-point deficit to lead by a point at half-time, but the Magpies kicked eight goals to six in the final two terms to grab the win.
Dustin Knaggs was integral for the visitors with his contest work at ground level and in the air, while Kyle Parks and Raymond Hedland both had three goals.
Shawn Mansell had seven majors for Eastern Park.
Lockleys tallied another big win, defeating Elizabeth at home 22.8 (140) to 8.6 (54).
The hosts stunningly led 50-1 at quarter-time and while the Eagles won the second term 22-19, the Demons piled on 11 more goals in the second half to Elizabeth’s five.
Ben Haren was best on ground for Lockleys, booting 10 goals to take his total so far this season to 45 in just seven games.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Colonel Light Gardens 17.14 (116) d St Paul’s OS 9.10 (64)
- Hectorville 8.10 (58) d Gepps Cross 5.15 (45)
- Blackfriars OS 14.17 (101) d Salisbury 6.7 (43)
DIVISION SIX
Marion recorded a huge win over Para Hills away from home, controlling each quarter to emerge 5.1 (31) to 25.22 (172) victor.
The Rams held the Kangaroos completely scoreless in the opening quarter while they hit the scoreboard for 10 goals and seven behinds.
The hosts only managed two goals in the next two quarters to trail 12-132 at the final break and the Rams kicked six goals to five in the last term.
The visitors had seven multiple goalkickers – Patrick O’Dea leading the way with five.
Trinity Old Scholars continued its run at the top by defeating third spot West Croydon 7.7 (49) to 18.17 (125) away from home.
The Hawks failed to register a single point in the third term as the Lions extended a 16-point half-time lead to 51 points, all but sealing the win.
Brad Cameron kicked three goals was dominant for the visitors around the ground, while Dom Barilla added five majors.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Rosewater 14.18 (102) d Fitzroy 9.11 (65)
- Central United 15.8 (98) d Brahma Lodge 8.11 (59)
DIVISION SEVEN
Greenacres remained undefeated, overrunning Flinders Uni 21.20 (146) to 4.4 (28) in a clinic around the ground.
The Dragons controlled every stoppage and dominated out of the middle as it put together a six goal to one behind third term to set up what would be a significant percentage booster.
Matt Gibson was again in top form for the hosts, kicking 11 goals to take his season total to 52.
Hackham took home important points with an 8.11 (59) to 11.10 (76) win over O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale.
The Hawks led by six points at the main break but kicked three goals to three behinds in the third term to set up a valuable win.
On-baller Ryan O’Leary was best on ground for the visitors, who now sit six points clear of the Lions.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Adelaide Lutheran 17.16 (118) d Mawson Lakes 7.7 (49)
- Houghton Districts 18.13 (121) d Mitchell Park 3.7 (25)
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