Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters – PHOS Camden targets div two flag

A reinvigorated Adelaide Footy League club has been boosted by the performances of a dual league medallist and Glenelg premiership player. Can they win the flag?

A new-look Adelaide Footy League club has been boosted by the performances of its star signing and emerged as a premiership contender through the past month, launching a bid to return to the competition’s top div.

PHOS Camden gave its list a significant makeover after missing finals in division two last season, adding a number of new names including 2019 Glenelg premiership player Michael Virgin and now looks set to compete for promotion to division one.

The Phantoms – led by dual division best and fairest Henry Papatolis and star captain Finn Betterman – have won eight of their last 10 games after losing the first two of the season and now sit third below Golden Grove and Payneham Norwood Union.

“We added up to 25 to 30 new names in the pre-season so there was a bit of a process with getting everybody integrated in the senior squad but we’re now playing some pretty strong footy,” Papatolis said.

PHOS Camden champion Henry Papatolis. Picture: Dean Martin

“We managed to put a run on after those first couple losses and I think we’re definitely clicking a bit.”

The club was forced to rest multiple key position players in a loss to Golden Grove away from home two weeks ago but bounced back in style over the weekend, defeating North Haven 141-62.

Papatolis – winner of the last two division two FA Block Medals – was at his best in the contest, while Virgin was also highly influential around the ground.

“It was really good to see a bit of a response after the loss to Golden Grove,” Papatolis said.

“We’re starting to see strong performances out of a lot of the new guys and Virg (Michael Virgin) has been big for us – being able to have his premiership experience in the team and see him drive those really high standards has been huge.”

As for his own impressive form, Papatolis, who has kicked 10 goals in 11 games and been named among his side’s best eight times, gave most of the credit to his teammates.

Michael Virgin has been a major boost for the Phantoms since joining from Glenelg. Picture: Morgan Sette

“It’s been a good year again for myself so far but it’s on the back of our whole midfield group, they help me out a lot.

“I’ve been playing a bit more of a team oriented style this season and I think we’re starting to build a really strong foundation in the middle.”

The Phantoms are set to clash with Henley at Henley Oval this week in a game they will be favourites to win.

Papatolis said a victory would be another important step toward his side’s major goal of promotion.

“It’s a bit of a local derby against Henley so we’re excited to play and are really confident.

“The group we have this year and the hunger we have, I haven’t seen much like it for a while at the club – I think we can definitely be in contention to get back where we belong in division one.”

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.