Adelaide Footy League match reports rounds 16/17: Port District completes comeback win over St Peter’s OC
An in-form division one club came back from four goals down to win a nailbiter against a finals rival and remain top in round 16. Full Adelaide Footy League match reports for every division.
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Another weekend of exciting and entertaining Adelaide Footy League action is over.
While division one played out round 16, divisions two to seven played their round 17 fixture, with division seven finals set to begin this coming weekend.
It was a round full of thrilling finishes, big wins and upset results, with some teams confirming finals spots and others having their relegation sealed.
Here are The Messenger’s match reports for every division:
DIVISION ONE
Port District coach Josh Ramsey was thrilled with his side’s gutsy 13.9 (87) to 13.6 (84) away win over St Peter’s Old Collegians.
Port remained two points clear of Goodwood on top of the ladder, the side battling hard in the contest during the second half and executing positive build up play to come back from 17 points down at the main break and record a thrilling win.
“It was a great performance in a bit of a game of two halves,” Ramsey said.
“Their (St Peter’s OC) pressure in the first half was really strong and we were fumbling a bit and making bad decisions but we spoke about our transition stuff and settled the boys down at halftime and were able to turn it around.
“It’s the second time in a row where we’ve been able to fight back from three or four goals down, which really shows we have an ability to handle the heat sides can bring.”
Saints started strong through inspired play from midfielder James Hargreaves, but the Magpies responded in the second half with captain Sean Davidson and Trent Heffernan dictating the contest.
Cooper Gaffney was again strong off half-back while talisman Dale Pearce booted five important goals.
SPOC came back late in the quarter but ran out of time, the visitors able to hold strong for the win.
“There were definitely momentum swings. We got out to about 23 points in front during that last quarter but credit to them they didn’t die wondering,” Ramsey said.
“Being able to overcome their challenge, and the elite pressure they brought, it was a great win.”
Ramsey said tough wins his side had recorded against Brighton in round 15 and then St Peter’s OC would be beneficial in finals.
“You absolutely want to see the team win these types of games heading into finals,” he said.
“We’re finding ways to win in high pressure situations, finals-like situations.
“We’re not a finished product yet but we’re improving.”
Goodwood remained second with a 17.10 (112) to 8.6 (54) win over Tea Tree Gully at Pertaringa Oval.
The Saints put the foot down in the contest during the first term to lead 33-7 at the first break and never looked back, with strong inside pressure and clean delivery moving forward proving too hard for Gullies to stop.
Jakob Heitmann was a standout on the ball while Nick Burgess and Will Clarke kicked three goals apiece.
Prince Alfred Old Collegians remained in third spot with a 12.13 (85) to 4.6 (30) statement win over Brighton at Brighton Oval.
The Old Reds put on a masterclass in the middle and across half-back, with Jack Trengove, Chris Curran and Adam Perryman all at their best.
The visitors held the Bombers to just three behinds in the third term on their way to the win, their tackle pressure and fast ball movement on full display.
Oscar Clark led all players with three goals.
Glenunga ensured relegation for Payneham Norwood Union with an 11.14 (80) to 4.9 (33) win at Webb Oval.
The Rams were again well set up behind the ball at home, quelling almost every Falcons attack and holding them goalless for the entire second half.
They were also ruthless in the contest and managed to score well despite inaccuracy in front of goal.
Beau Schwarze was a standout on the ball and across half-back, adding three goals in a best on ground display.
Rostrevor Old Collegians made it two wins in a row with a 16.9 (105) to 11.4 (70) victory over Old Ignatians, the side moving out of the relegation zone and Old Iggies dropping in.
ROC led by 14 points at halftime and managed to pull away in the third term with strong contest work and accuracy in front of goal, booting five majors to just one to lead 77-38 at the final break.
Daniel McCallum turned in a strong captain’s performance on and behind the ball, while Nick Murphy booted five goals.
DIVISION TWO
Adelaide Uni will remain in the division for season 2023 after defeating Unley Mercedes Jets 13.14 (92) to 9.7 (61) away from home, sealing its opponent’s relegation to division three in the process.
In what was a remarkable turnaround, the Blacks came back from a 40-3 quarter-time deficit to lead 59-55 at the final break and overrun the Jets in the fourth term.
Russell Jensen was a standout defensively for the visitors, while Matt Langridge was strong in the contest, their side only allowing the Jets two goals after the opening term.
Will McGowan was also solid with three goals up front.
Sacred Heart Old Collegians maintained its place at the top of the ladder with an impressive 15.14 (104) to 4.11 (35) win over rival PHOS Camden at Camden Oval.
Hearts had the advantage in the middle from the first bounce, with ruckman Alex Cailotto dominating the contest and giving his midfielders first use throughout.
Leading 34-21 at the quarter-time, the visitors held Phantoms to just one goal for the remainder of the affair, Tom McDermott and Cam Rankin applying overwhelming pressure and dominating possession on the ball.
Spearhead Tristan Carcuro was at his best up front with five goals.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Broadview 11.12 (78) d Henley 8.6 (54)
- North Haven 16.15 (111) d Salisbury North 10.9 (69)
- Athelstone 17.16 (118) d Gaza 7.8 (50)
DIVISION THREE
Golden Grove moved to 17-0 on the season with a 23.12 (150) to 2.3 (15) win over bottom side CBC OC.
The Kookaburras held their visitors to just 1.3 through the first three quarters while piling on 14 goals to lead 95-9 at three-quarter-time.
The hosts then added nine goals to one in the last quarter to extend the lead beyond 100 points.
Jake Pitman was best on ground for his work on the ball and in front of goal with two majors, while Jed Banwell added six goals.
Westminster Old Scholars held firm at home to defeat Morphettville Park 11.10 (76) to 10.13 (73) in a thriller and stay above the relegation zone.
Despite a fast start, the Dragons found themselves trailing by four points heading into the final term.
The hosts managed to gain the upper hand in the last quarter however, holding the Roos to 1.3 and adding 2.4 to grab the all-important win.
Brad Eagle was inspirational for Westminster OS in the contest, while Aidan Ross and Lachlan McGregor kicked three goals apiece.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Edwardstown 13.23 (101) d Scotch OC 4.8 (32)
- Modbury 16.6 (102) d SMOSH West Lakes 6.12 (48)
- Flinders Park 12.15 (87) d Seaton Ramblers 8.0 (48)
DIVISION FOUR
Hope Valley moved up to second spot with an upset 11.12 (78) to 9.12 (66) win over Plympton away from home.
The visitors had the ascendancy in the contest through the first two terms, dominating in the middle and capitalising on the scoreboard to lead 49-17 at the main break.
The Bulldogs fought back in the second half, winning the final two terms by a combined four goals, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit as Hope Valley left with a significant two points with one game remaining before finals.
Will Riddle was a standout for Hope Valley on the ball, while Jayke Hellmanns’ four-goal display also got him a best on ground nod.
Kenilworth beat Woodville South 10.16 (76) to 10.14 (74) away from home in a nailbiter to remain safe in division four for next year, ensuring relegation for the hosts.
The Kookaburras trailed by four points at the main break of what was a neck-and-neck affair, but managed to take a one-point lead by the end of the third term despite inaccurate 2.8 kicking in the quarter.
Two goals in the fourth gave the visitors some breathing room but the hosts wouldn’t go down without a fight, clawing their way back through strong play by forwards Tommy-Lee Russo and Jonathon Schmidt (three goals apiece).
It was not enough however, with a best on ground Cameron van den Bos showing and a captain’s performance by Sam Scott leading Woodville South to victory.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Pulteney 8.12 (60) d Walkerville 6.8 (44)
- Pembroke OS 17.17 (119) d Portland 15.5 (95)
- Pooraka 12.15 (87) d Mitcham 10.12 (72)
DIVISION FIVE
Lockleys star Ben Haren became the first local player to 100 goals in 2022, booting eight as his side sealed top spot with a 31.25 (211) to 4.5 (29) win.
Needing seven goals to reach the 100-mark, Haren booted eight in the first half, showing his versatility with long range efforts and strong marks, and making the milestone with a brilliant snap finish off his left boot.
The Magpies were outmatched in the middle and overwhelmed by the continued pressure of the Demons, remaining unable to quell the host’s attack.
Lockleys led 113-14 at halftime and extended their lead to 182 by the end of the game.
Blackfriars Old Scholars defeated St Paul’s Old Scholars 9.11 (65) to 7.11 (53) at St Paul’s College to stay safe in the division and send its opponent into relegation with Salisbury.
The visitors trailed at quarter-time but gained an advantage in the middle in the second and third terms to lead by 13 points heading into the final quarter during which they maintained their lead and emerged with the points.
Matt Dennis starred in the middle for Blackfriars while Callum Marchetto and Andrew McWhirter had three goals each.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Gepps Cross 11.13 (79) d Elizabeth 11.6 (72)
- Hectorville 12.9 (81) d Eastern Park 10.8 (68)
- Kilburn 14.11 (95) drew Colonel Light Gardens 14.11 (95)
DIVISION SIX
Trinity Old Scholars remained undefeated with a 15-0 record in division six by defeating Central United 17.14 (116) to 6.4 (40) at Mofflin Reserve.
The visitors were dominant at the contest and along the flanks from the outset, winning the ball in the middle and spreading fast to the outside to open up scoring opportunities.
Jamie Wormald was able to capitalise up front, kicking five goals for the game, while Bailey Puvogel turned in another best on ground performance through the middle.
Fitzroy topped Ingle Farm 12.11 (83) to 5.6 (36) to remain in the division and send the hosts down to division seven for 2023.
The visitors booted nine goals to just two in the opening half of what was a dominant display around the ground, and while they remained scoreless in the third term, were able to run the game out to win by an impressive margin.
Josh Rosenthal took his season tally to 33 goals with four majors in the game and Heath Rusby was also a standout on the ball and off the backline.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Marion 17.5 (107) d Rosewater 13.9 (87)
- Brahma Lodge 26.15 (171) d Para Hills 10.4 (64)
DIVISION SEVEN
Greenacres finished the minor round with a 17-0 undefeated record, defeating Hackham 16.14 (110) to 4.7 (31) at home.
The Dragons held the Hawks to just three behinds in the opening term and again in the last term on their way to the big win, with Jamie Bielby and Nathon Merritt setting the tone in the contest and on the ball.
Matt Gibson was again a standout up front, booting four goals to take his minor round tally to 91.
Sixth spot Mitchell Park and seventh placed O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale squared off in a hard-fought game, with the former coming out on top 12.8 (80) to 10.7 (67).
Away side Mitchell Park managed to build a 56-39 three-quarter-time lead through resilient work off of half-back and in centre clearances, eventually closing the result out in the final term, each side kicking four majors each in the quarter.
Ben Weekley provided an assured presence in the contest, while Adam Halime led all goalkickers with four majors.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Flinders University 11.17 (83) d Mawson Lakes 6.10 (46)
- Adelaide Lutheran 7.5 (47) d Houghton Districts 5.12 (42)
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