Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Reinvigorated Plympton remains top after remarkable 192-point win

In-form Adelaide Footy League club Plympton continued its hot streak at the top of division four on Saturday with a 192-point victory, but can the Bulldogs go all the way? 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 or photos to [e-mail]

Here is what caught our attention in round 13:

BULLDOGS BARKING AFTER HUGE WIN

Heading into the 2022 season, most onlookers would have had Pembroke Old Scholars as the favourites for division four after signing stars Mark Evans, Max Thring and Patrick Levicki, but that prediction may very well have changed after the last month of play.

Bouncing back in style from its relegation to the division at the end of last season, Plympton has strung together a series of impressive performances to take top spot on percentage with five weeks remaining before finals.

These wins have included a 14.22 (106) to 6.3 (39) win over Pembroke OS in round 11, and a huge 32.30 (222) to 4.6 (30) win over bottom side Pulteney.

“We’d had a few good wins heading in but we spoke about putting the foot down and not letting up before the Pulteney game,” Bulldogs coach Simon Howard said.

Lonnie Hampton had six majors against Pulteney. Picture: James Elsby

“We played really well across the park and we probably thought we left 10 to 12 goals out there as well.

“The fact the boys stuck to the game plan for the full four terms regardless of the score was a great sign.”

Plympton underwent a shift in game style after relegation and Howard’s preseason appointment, focusing on fast and free ball movement.

Howard said the 2021 relegation from division three served as fuel for the Bulldogs’ fire this year.

“There was a stronger motivation for us to win as many games as possible this year, we’re always striving to play at a higher level than we’re at now,” he said.

Plympton captain Brodie McLeod (left) has had a dominant 2022, leading his side to the top of division four with five weeks remaining. Picture: James Elsby

“We just wanted to speed the game plan up, implement a bit of a structure but also give the guys the freedom to just play and it’s working so far.”

The performance of captain Brodie McLeod has been a big part of Plympton’s resurgence so far in 2022, along with the additions of former West Adelaide ruckman Stuart Taverner and Flinders Park forward Jamie West – both among the club’s best this year.

“The culture has been massive for us – everyone wants to be here, everyone’s happy with the way we’re going and committed to the cause, which in turn has resulted in a lot of guys playing at their best,” Howard said.

“There are guys like Jack Donkersley too who has been here for a few years but is now really starting to make his mark.

Former West Adelaide ruck Stuart Taverner has been a catalyst for the Bulldogs’ remarkable 2022 so far. Picture: Mark Brake

“We’ve got a lot of depth as well which always helps to keep the competitive atmosphere high and keep the pressure on guys to maintain their spot in the side.”

As the season goes on, it looks increasingly likely Plympton will achieve the ultimate goal of a grand final appearance and promotion.

Howard said his side were staying level-headed however, remaining focused on the task at hand each week.

“It’s a cliche but that’s the mindframe at the moment,” Howard said.

“We’re staying prepared and ready for each game and if we can keep our heads down and keep playing at our best then we’ll be dangerous.”

VOTE FOR GOAL AND MARK OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have again been picked 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.

Some familiar names feature from round 13, with Old Ignatians star Hugo Munn, Hectorville gun Jak Goudman-Glasson (a regular for nominations this year) and Brighton’s Nigel Osborn all among the standout marks.

Elizabeth’s Kurtis Shaw, PNU captain Joh Giannini and Athelstone’s Kane Nurton are among the nominees for goal of the week.

See the videos below and make your pick in our poll – the players with the highest amount of votes will be in the running for goal and mark of the year.