Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Jesse White makes his mark in finals after ‘tough’ two weeks

Former AFL gun Jesse White and his div two contender team are ready to progress to the big dance this weekend after facing a challenging period leading into finals.

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.

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Here is what caught our attention in round one of the finals:

WHITE MAKES MAJOR MARK

Broadview’s Jesse White produced one of his best displays of the season on Saturday as the Tigers defeated Athelstone comfortably to book a spot against Sacred Heart Old Collegians in this week’s division two second semi-final.

The star recruit and former Collingwood and Sydney AFL man was best on ground for his side, pinch-hitting in the ruck, covering ground with ease and consistently setting teammates up in front of goal.

It was a statement performance from the key player, who had spent the previous two weeks appealing for finals eligibility at the Supreme Court.

Broadview star Jesse White in action against Athelstone on Saturday. Picture: Matt Oborn

“That period was tough for a lot of people at the footy club – whether you were involved or not I think everyone had to ride that wave,” Broadview coach Matt Burgess said.

“We thought it got a bit blown up but all we can do is focus on playing footy and hopefully we can put it all behind us.

“For him to respond the way he has, it says a lot about him – he’s a quality person on and off the ground and we all love having him around.”

The Tigers were dominant from start to finish against Athelstone, with stars like Xavier Gotch, Kobi Russell and captain Jay O’Leary all in strong form.

Broadview coach Matt Burgess addresses Jesse White (#25) and the rest of his side on Saturday. Picture: Matt Oborn

Burgess said his team showed all the signs of a potential premier.

“It was a really pleasing performance because we were able to work on some areas we probably struggled in over the last month and really put it together when it mattered,” He said.

“Our pressure picked up, our execution with the ball improved and we were able to have a fast start as well – we looked like the team we were earlier in the season.”

The Tigers will face SHOC away from home in the second semi-final on Saturday, having won one and lost one to the division’s best side so far this year.

Broadview midfielder Xavier Gotch has been a star in season 2022 and dominated against Athelstone. Picture: Matt Oborn

A win would give them a spot in the grand final, while a loss would see them face the winner of Athelstone and North Haven in a preliminary final.

Burgess said his players were looking forward to the test.

“It’s going to be a very good game between two sides who like playing fast footy and back themselves in so we’re definitely excited.”

“If we can continue to finetune our game and make improvements I definitely think we’re a good chance.

“We’ve learnt a lot from our previous meetings and we’re confident heading in that we can give ourselves a shot at making the big one and getting a week off.”

ROC RELEGATED

After a run of 11 straight years in the Adelaide Footy League’s top division and two premierships in that span, Rostrevor Old Collegians has officially been relegated to division two.

Sitting in eighth position heading into the division’s final round on Saturday, ROC needed to win against top two side Goodwood or hope for an Old Ignatians loss to top spot Port District.

Rostrevor Old Collegians forward Nick Murphy had a standout year despite the side’s struggles. Picture: Matt Loxton

The club went down to Goodwood by 21 points at home in a valiant effort, but was plunged into the bottom two by Old Ignatians, who achieved a remarkable comeback win against Port away from home.

ROC had struggled to keep star personnel on the park this season, and focused on bringing through youth under new coach Ben Watkins.

Standout players for the side this year were Tim Baccanello, Daniel McCallum and Nick Murphy – who booted 43 goals in 14 games.

TOP GOALKICKERS

The Adelaide Footy League minor round has completed after division one’s round 18 games on Saturday, and the full list of the competition’s top goalkickers is set in stone.

Here are the A Grade leaders at the end of the minor season:

Ben Haren (Lockleys, division five) – 104

Matt Gibson (Greenacres, division seven) – 91

Daniel Nobes (Hope Valley, division four) – 84

Liam Verity (Modbury, division three) – 83

Dom Barilla (Trinity OS, division six) – 60

Tristan Carcuro (Sacred Heart OC, division two) – 52

Jock McLeay (St Peter’s OC, division one) – 45

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

This season the Adelaide Footy League has partnered up with The Advertiser and Messenger to crown the best mark and best goal of 2021.

Each week you can find the top three from the round here in the One-Percenters column.

Vote in the poll for your favourite.

At the end of the year the top marks and goals will go in the running to be named the best of the season with an overall vote decided by you.