Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Salisbury making 2023 finals claim in div six

On the brink of folding just over a year ago, a reinvigorated Adelaide Footy League club has now emerged as a finals contender in 2023. That and more in this week’s 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 six of the season:

MAGPIES UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

Salisbury has remarkably confirmed its place as a genuine division six finals contender in 2023, just over a year after it almost folded due to a lack of players and volunteers due to Covid-19.

After a winless division five season in 2022, the Magpies currently sit in fifth position on the division six ladder, just a win below third placed Fitzroy.

While the club went down to the undefeated Greenacres away from home on Saturday, the Magpies still put up a fight, trailing by just a point at halftime but conceding four goals in a rough 10-minute patch in the third term to lose 14.9 (93) to 9.12 (66).

New coach Brett Joseph said while his team still had room for improvement, the transformation at the club over a short period of time had been significant.

Salisbury has turned its fortunes around so far in season 2023. Picture: Salisbury Football Club

“There’s a really good vibe at the club at the moment – we’ve gone from barely being able to field two senior teams last year to filling all three grades and a women’s side,” Joseph said.

“It has been an enjoyable year for everyone on and off the field so far and the buy-in from the guys has been huge.

“We’ve had some good results and been quite competitive in the A Grade so far but we’ve probably lacked the ability to play really good footy consistently, so that will be the aim going forward.”

Salisbury signed past player Joseph as new coach after its disappointing last season, and he immediately set out to recruit fellow past players as well as new faces such as Barossa District’s Nathan Duncan and Eastern Park’s Tyson Helmers.

The approach has paid off, with the Magpies defeating Rosewater, St Paul’s OS and Brahma Lodge, while drawing with Fitzroy, so far to stake a strong claim for finals footy.

Salisbury player Sean Poysden is chaired off last season. Picture: Salisbury Football Club

“The plan was definitely to get numbers back to the footy club and to make sure we brought in really good people who wanted to be part of what we were doing,” Joseph said.

“We’ve certainly recruited some good talent and we’ve got a lot of strong juniors too – we had eight U17s playing in our senior grades just last weekend.

“Our goal has always been to promote the youth at the club and we’re going to continue doing that.”

Salisbury will take on fourth-placed Adelaide Lutheran this weekend in a game which could see them move into a clear position in the top four.

Joseph said he believed his side could match it with anyone at their best.

“I certainly think we’ll be ready for success once we can find some consistency and play at our best, whether that be contending for a premiership or for finals.

“We’re putting ourselves in a good position but we know that any team can win on their day so we’re always focused on getting better.

“Defensively we’ve been pretty good but I think we just need to work a bit on our synergy between the midfield and forwardline – if we can do that, we’ll start to get more results.”

CURRAN CLEAR FAVOURITE

Prince Alfred OC star Chris Curran has emerged as a frontrunner for the division one medal this season. Picture: Sarah Reed

After six rounds of division one footy, a number of players have emerged as frontrunners for the Keith Sims OAM Medal, but Prince Alfred OC defender Chris Curran has seemingly cleared the pack so far.

The former Glenelg captain has starred behind the ball for the Old Reds this season, picking off a number of attacks every game and delivering with precision to his teammates.

The star veteran has been named his side’s best in three of his five appearances and was influential again on Saturday as PAOC blitzed Old Ignatians in a 23.12 (150) to 2.5 (17) win.

CLASH OF THE SEASON

Gepps Cross and Kilburn will clash for the first time this division five season on Saturday, both sides heading into the game with undefeated records after impressive wins last weekend.

The Rams – who will host this round’s clash – fought out a stunning 12.15 (87) to 12.9 (81) win over West Croydon away from home to remain unbeaten, while the Magpies easily disposed of Pulteney, winning 23.17 (155) to 6.6 (42).

Kilburn’s Corey Solly and Scott Young have dominated up front with 42 goals between them, while Gepps Cross has boasted one of the division’s best defences.

A large turnout is expected at Duncan Fraser Reserve for what should be a glimpse at this season’s grand final.

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.