Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Glenunga on track for historic division one season

A division one local SA footy powerhouse is on the cusp of a historic season after falling short in last year’s grand final. That and more including goals and marks of the week in Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters.

Welcome to One-Percenters – a wrap of the talking points from the round in the Adelaide Footy League.

Each edition we will bring you tidbits from the last weekend – they might be eye-catching results, milestones, comebacks, big wins, broken droughts or inspiring stories.

If you know or have heard something quirky or interesting in the Adelaide Footy League, email your suggestions, photos or videos to [e-mail]

Here is what caught our attention during round 14.

RAMS EYEING HISTORY

With a 13-0 record in division one so far this season, Glenunga could be on track to achieve the first undefeated D1 season in the Adelaide Footy League since Greek Camden in 1990.

Despite losing a number of players after losing last year’s grand final to Prince Alfred OC, the Rams, coached by Nathan Grima and captained by former Sydney and Sturt gun Abe Davis, have dominated for the majority of the season so far, comfortably defeating most opponents and winning close games over Port District, Sacred Heart OC and Golden Grove.

“I think off the back of a good pre-season we were pretty confident we could have a big impact again this year,” Grima said.

“We had high turnover after the grand final but a lot of our replacements were guys from the B Grade so they are players who have been in the club and know the system we play, which has helped.

“We added the right type of players with Jordan West joining in ruck, Charlie Pridham coming in as an elite running mid and halfback and also Declan Fahey and Ollie Cheesman.

Glenunga star Abe Davis in action during last season's grand final. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

“We also identified some areas of improvement for this season with positional stuff and personnel and changed our conditioning a bit so I think the results so far have been a combination of these things.”

Glenunga had been known as a defensive outfit which would grind out results under Grima but have been more consistent as a high-scoring side this season, leading the division with 1,212 points so far.

The Rams were dominant from start to finish of their clash with Tea Tree Gully last weekend, with Jordan West, Abe Davis and Declan Fahey all impressive around the ground as their side won 106-71.

“We’ve managed to score a bit more this year but as a result we’ve probably been letting through a bit more defensively than we are used to,” Grima said.

Glenunga coach Nathan Grima has the Rams firing again in 2024. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

“We’re continuing to develop our game when it comes to ball movement and I think we’ve been much better on bigger grounds which was previously an issue for us.

“It’s weird because we’ve won a fair bit but we’re still a bit of a grinding team and it can often be hard work – there are still patches of games where the opposition gets on top of us and we have to stick it out.

“It never feels easy and we work very hard on game days and at trainings so it can take a bit out of the boys but the fact we’ve managed to continue winning is a credit to them.”

The Rams will take on Prince Alfred OC at Park 9 this weekend, the only ground they are yet to win at in division one.

Grima said he and his side were prepared for the challenge.

PAOC celebrates its 2023 flag. Glenunga will clash with the reigning premier this weekend. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

“It’s going to be a very good test for us at that ground and we’ve been significantly outplayed there in the past,” he said.

“We know they’ve lost a lot of guys after the grand final but Craig (Pitt) is trying to get the best out of his group and they’re still a formidable side with a lot of big names.

“There’s a healthy rivalry between us now – I don’t hate PAOC for beating us in the grand final, I respect them – they beat us at our own game on the day.

“We’re very confident we can beat anyone but we know any side can get a win on their day in this div.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.”

UNDEFEATED TEAMS

Glenunga is not the only Adelaide Footy League club currently sitting undefeated so far this season.

Henley currently claims a 14-0 record in division three, Salisbury remains undefeated in division six and OSB Lonsdale unscathed at the top of division seven.

Each side has been well-led by their coaches and star players and have been convincing against the top teams in their divisions.

With only a few weeks left until finals, which of the four clubs will finish the minor round undefeated? Have your say.

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have been picked for the round and in conjunction with the Adelaide Footy League, we’re giving you the chance to vote for who you think is the standout in both categories.

Watch the videos and vote in our polls below.

Each week the votes will go towards the Adelaide Footy League’s awards for the mark and goal of the year.