Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Sacred Heart Old Collegians makes flag statement with win over Broadview

A division two Adelaide Footy League club has announced itself as the real deal with an upset win over the competition’s benchmark.

Welcome to One-Percenters – a wrap of the talking points from the round in the Adelaide Footy League.

Each edition we will bring you titbits from the weekend – they might be eye-catching results, milestones, comebacks, big wins, broken droughts, inspiring stories or quirky moments.

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Here’s what caught our attention after round 10.

SHOC SHOCKS WITH SEASON-BEST WIN

Sacred Heart Old Collegians made a statement it was right in the hunt for this season’s division two flag after a shock defeat of Broadview away from home.

The Tigers were on a 9-0 undefeated run this season but the visitors spoiled the party, handing the hosts their first loss of the year in a 11.5 (71) to 12.13 (85) result and moving to within just two points of the division leaders.

Sacred Heart Old Collegians coach Steve Kay was thrilled with his side’s performance against Broadview on Saturday. Picture: Dean Martin

“It was a super pleasing result coming out of the bye and the fact it was Broadview – who has been the benchmark all year – added a bit extra for us,” SHOC coach Steve Kay said.

“We have prepared really well the last couple of weeks so it was good to see the hard work pay dividends.”

The side got off to a sensational start against Broadview, holding the Tigers goalless in the first term while booting 5.4.

Kay said he was impressed with what was a full team effort throughout the four terms.

“We’ve had a lot of guys stand up this year and that was the case again on Saturday,” he said.

“Cam Rankin flies under the radar a bit and he was probably our best against Broadview, while guys like Seb Kerrish, Harry Morgan and Tristan Carcuro – who has the most goals for us – have also been really consistent.

“We haven’t had to rely on Alex Cailotto, who was probably our biggest recruitment in the offseason, too much which is promising.”

SHOC’s Cam Rankin has been an underrated star according to coach Kay. Picture: Dean Martin

SHOC looks much-improved after failing to gain promotion to division one last year and have now put the league on notice after defeating div two’s top dog.

Most would have been sceptical of the side’s chances this year after it dropped a home game to rival PHOS Camden in round eight, but Kay was not worried.

“Form fluctuates in footy, so we weren’t overly worried with that result even though we were of course disappointed,” Kay said.

“We’re a very level-headed group so we’re confident we can compete with anyone if we continue to put in the work and improve each week.

“I think we can definitely go far this year but Broadview is probably still the benchmark, one game doesn’t change that, so we know we still have some work to do.

“The division is becoming quite competitive and is full of surprises so I’m excited for the challenge ahead.”

WHO IS THE FLAG FAVOURITE?

As part of our midseason report on the division one clubs, we asked you who you thought would take out the div one premiership in season 2022.

The results from our poll is in and the results were intriguing for what is the Adelaide Footy League’s most competitive division.

The Goodwood Saints, who dropped from top spot after a surprise loss to Brighton on Saturday, boasted 36 percent of the vote.

The Saints were previously on a tear, winning six straight games heading into the midseason bye.

2021 Adelaide Footy League division one captains before last season’s finals series. Goodwood Saints, represented by Lou Whitelock (right) are the favourites this year. Picture: Mark Brake

St Peter’s Old Collegians garnered the second most votes with 18 percent, and still look a strong chance at going all the way behind big man Jock McLeay.

Port District and Glenunga were tied third with 10 percent, with both sides showing great potential but experiencing some hiccups as of late.

Old Ignatians tied fourth with Tea Tree Gully, grabbing four percent of the vote, but many would have the club above Gullies this week after they defeated the latter by 26 points in round 10.

Brighton surprisingly finished fifth with five percent, and Prince Alfred OC – which seems to be back in the finals hunt – tied with Rostrevor OC with four percent.

Struggling Payneham Norwood Union unsurprisingly only had one percent of the vote.

KOOKABURRAS HAVE A LAUGH

Befitting of the ‘quirky’ side of One-Percenters, the Golden Grove Football Club has provided The Messenger with a video of star player Lewis Johnston training in umpire gear at a recent session.

The former Norwood champion was decked out in full uniform as he took part in Kookaburra practice, but it didn’t seem to impact his performance.

Johnston said he pulled the stunt at the expense of a club staff member.

“I was just taking the piss out of our fitness coordinator, who used to be an AFL boundary umpire,” Johnston explained.

The Kookaburras can afford to have a laugh with a 10-0 record so far this season.

Note: The Messenger promised to also feature the following footage from Golden Grove’s visit to Scotch OC on Saturday, at Johnston’s request.

VOTE FOR GOAL OF THE WEEK

The Adelaide Footy League has again partnered with The Messenger and The Advertiser to select this year’s best goal.

Each week you can visit the One-Percenters column to vote for the round’s best goal, with the highest vote-getter of the season winning goal of the year.