Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Hackham on finals charge in 2024

An Adelaide Footy League club has completed a remarkable turnaround after bottoming out last season and hopes to win its first A Grade final in nearly 20 years. That and more including goals and marks of the week in One-Percenters.

Luke Allan of Hackham Football Club. Picture: Morgan Sette

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.

HAWKS FLYING FOR FINALS

Hackham has not won an A Grade final since 2006 but could be on the cusp of break the drought in 2024.

The Hawks, who finished bottom of division seven last year with just two wins, have surged inside the top three this year and are now two points clear of Flinders Uni after defeating them by 33 points on Saturday.

The club made the move to the Adelaide Footy League from the Southern Football League in 2021 and has since made one final, a losing elimination appearance in 2022.

New coach Blake Derer said he was confident the Hawks could snap their unfortunate streak.

“We’ve got a massive next couple weeks against Para Hills and OSB Lonsdale but we’re looking forward to the test and are confident we can finish as high as possible to give ourselves a good chance (in finals),” Derer said.

Hackham coach Blake Derer. Picture: Hackham Hawks Football Club

“It’s been such a long time since the club has had A Grade success and to win a final would just continue to instil confidence in what we’re doing.

“We want to go as far a we possibly can and we’re looking forward to the challenges.”

Derer took over this season after time in junior coaching and with the Glenelg U18s and has helped to turn Hackham into a significantly better attacking side.

The Haws are a 10 goal better side per week than they were last season and have reaped the rewards of their slick ball movement.

The side has also benefited from standout performances by club captain Luke Allan, recruits Jacob Doherty and Jack Sharred, and key forward Glenn Draper, the older brother of Essendon’s Sam Draper, who has 53 goals so far.

Star Hackham captain Luke Allan has tallied over 40 disposals in 10 games this year. Picture: Morgan Sette

“We’ve put a lot of work into our game planning and into bringing the group together and instilling that belief we needed,” Derer said.

“Once we get into the attacking half we’ve focused on being critical with our ball use and taking the best option available.

“We already had a strong core group and have been able to add to that with a couple guys as well and they’ve all bought in to what we’re trying to do, which has of course been great and has resulted in some wins.
“A lot of guys have stepped up to the plate across the board.”

The Hawks will take on second spot Para Hills this weekend, having previously lost to the Big Reds by 143 points this year.

While Derer knew his side was the underdog, he maintained they could beat anyone on their day.

“It’s a big couple weeks for the club coming up and we really want to secure that double chance ahead of finals.

“As I keep saying to our boys, we need to have that competitive edge and give 110 per cent every week, it’s not about who is on the field it’s about how bad you want it.”

THREE TONNES IN THREE WEEKS

Chris Knapp in action for Eastern Park. He is set to reach 100 goals this year. Picture: Supplied

Three Adelaide Footy League forwards have reached the 100-goal mark for season 2024 in three consecutive weeks, marking a fantastic period for forwards in the competition.

Para Hills’ Daniel Weetra achieved the feat for a second year running three weeks ago against Smithfield, while Eastern Park’s Shawn Mansell and Fitzroy’s Josh Rosenthal both reached the milestone in division six during the two weeks following.

The division should remarkably see its third 100 goal kicker this season if Eastern Park utility Chris Knapp can reach the tonne.

Knapp currently has 94 goals and will likely reach 100 before finals.

He can make it four in four weeks for the competition if he boots six majors against Fitzroy this weekend.

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.