Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters – Sacred Heart OC makes division one statement against Port District

A new division one club has made an early season statement after two straight big wins over reigning premiers. That and more in this week’s Adelaide Footy League 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 three.

SENSATIONAL SHOC ON EARLY SEASON ROLL

Sacred Heart Old Collegians has propelled itself into early division one finals conversation after a convincing 13.3 (81) to 5.8 (38) defeat of reigning premier Port District at Largs Reserve on Saturday.

The win followed an 18.15 (123) to 7.7 (49) victory over 2022 division two rival Broadview in round two, the start of a convincing bounce-back by the club after losing by four points to Goodwood to start the season.

SHOC lost last season’s division two grand final to Broadview by just two kicks but put together a strong pre-season after being promoted to the league’s top flight, acquiring dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross and signing key utility Alex Cailotto as playing-coach.

The side has so far shown improvement on last season, applying strong tackling pressure on the ball and moving the footy with pace and precision to punish teams.

Sacred Heart Old Collegians' Tristan Carcuro remains one of the most talented forwards in the Adelaide Footy League and was key in his side’s win over Port District. Picture: Nathan Fiegert

“Everyone is understanding how to play their role at the moment. I think we saw that again on the weekend and our defensive work was also strong, we were able to kill the ball when we needed to,” Cailotto said.

“Our accuracy in front of goal helped as well, and we definitely have been talking about finishing our work a bit better in front of goal.

“Obviously coming up to a higher division we’re looking to test ourselves against everyone and I think a win against a great side in Port District is a massive for us early in the season and should give us a boost.”

The addition of Cross alongside talented 2022 grand final players like Cailotto, half-back Seb Kerrish, forward Tristan Carcuro, captain Clayton Symonds and midfielder Cam Rankine has seen Hearts become an early favourite for finals footy.

South Adelaide legend Joel Cross has been dominant for SHOC so far in 2023. Picture: Sarah Reed

Cailotto said he and the side were focused on the task at hand regardless of results.

“It’s only round four so we’re not worried about any of that yet, we’re still working on our game and the areas we want to develop and improve in,” he said.

“We believe we’re up to the challenge in division one but we know how even the competition is going to be again this year so we’re going to need to be at our best each week.

“The big positive at the moment is we’ve had an even contribution from everyone, not just the big names, but we need to ensure we’re bringing that every game.”

GIBSON BOOTS 10 IN 193-POINT PUNISHMENT

Reigning division seven premier Greenacres sent a message to the rest of division six on Saturday, completely dominating Smithfield to win 35.19 (229) to 5.6 (36), with star forward Matt Gibson booting 10 goals.

The gun frontman, who kicked 100 goals for the Dragons last season, currently sits on 13 goals after three games, while teammate Thomas Tacono has 10.

Gibson will have his sights set on more majors against fellow 3-0 side Fitzroy this weekend, and another bag could set him on the path for another huge total in 2023.

10th-place Smithfield is still seeking its first win since returning to the Adelaide Footy League and will face ninth-place Rosewater on Saturday.

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

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