Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters – Payneham Norwood Union bouncing back from relegation

A division two Adelaide Footy League club has been boosted by star recruits and looks set to contend in 2023 after being relegated from div one. That and more in 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 two.

FALCONS FLY INTO EARLY FAVOURITISM

Payneham Norwood Union has emerged as the early favourite in division two after being relegated from division one for the first time since 2014.

The Falcons added to their convincing 70-41 home round one win over undefeated division three premier Golden Grove over the weekend by dominating against Henley away from home and emerging 16.9 (105) to 7.8 (50) winners.

The visitors were on top from the outset, controlling possession through Brad McKenzie and Jed Spence in the middle and feeding forwards Liam Davis and Harry Viney.

“I think the big thing for us is we’re dedicated to applying strong pressure and from that we can win the majority of the ball in the contest,” coach Jeremy Cini said.

“We’ve also improved defensively, the boys are all understanding that side of the game plan now, and the fact we now have three good targets up front is causing issues for opposition.

Payneham Norwood Union 2022 recruit Brad McKenzie (right) with Falcons coach Jeremy Cini. Picture: Payneham Norwood Union Football Club

“The work we put in over pre-season and the continuity we have in a fairly young group is starting to pay off.”

The recruitment of 2022 Norwood midfielder Jed Spence has been a major boost for Cini’s side so far this season, while the return of target forward Liam Davis from Houghton Districts has the division on high alert.

Davis has been one of the standout signings so far this season, dominating in the air and booting 12 goals in two games so far.

“I thin Jed had just lost a bit of his passion for the game at League level, it’s quite an intense program and luckily for us he made the decision that he wanted to return to his junior club and enjoy his footy a bit more,” Cini said.

Liam Davis has been the best forward in division two to start the season. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“With Liam, we’re thrilled to have him back – he’s a genuine quality forward and he’ll probably be the best forward in the competition this season.

“If we put enough deliveries in his area he’ll clunk them and we’ve seen that so far.”

The Falcons will face fellow 2022 division one side Rostrevor OC this weekend as they aim to remain on top of the ladder with Athelstone.

“They handled us pretty easily last season so we’re looking to rectify that and get one back this weekend,” Cini said.

“It’ll be a really good test for us.”

LAST POSSESSION A MAJOR SUCCESS

The last possession out of bounds rule has been a clear success story in the Adelaide Footy League so far this season after being introduced to all grades.

The rule, which was partly introduced due to volunteer and umpire fatigue within the competition, has resulted in teams taking faster options through the corridor more often and in turn producing a faster style of play.

League chief John Kernahan also said the rule would remove confusion and make adjusting easier for players entering from the SANFL or SANFL Juniors.

“Introducing the rule to A Grade simply removed the inconsistencies internally for us, not to mention for players who transition from our juniors or from SANFL senior competitions.”

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have been picked for round one 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.