Full guide and predictions for 2024 SA country footy finals
SA country footy finals begin this weekend and ahead of all the action we’ve previewed each competition and made our predictions. See our full guide.
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SA country finals footy is upon us at last as the state’s top regional clubs battle for silverware.
Ahead of this weekend’s big clashes we’ve analysed each competition and made our premier and runner-up predictions.
See our full guide for each league in alphabetical order below.
ADELAIDE PLAINS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Angle Vale, Balaklava, Two Wells
Minor premier: Two Wells
Predicted premier: Two Wells
Predicted runner-up: Balaklava
This weekend’s games: Two Wells vs Angle Vale (second semi final)
Just three clubs remain after Balaklava topped Mallala by two points in a thrilling elimination final last weekend.
Two Wells remains the major flag favourite after a dominant season, only losing two games so far against Balaklava and Angle Vale.
The Roosters defeated Angle Vale in their last minor round appearance of the year and should grab another win this weekend with a star-studded line-up which includes Caleb Edmead, Jakob Thomson, Luke Barnett and Dylan Wise.
Balaklava, led by former Mail Medallist Lachlan Michael, remains a major threat and will be tough to top in the preliminary final.
BAROSSA LIGHT AND GAWLER FA
Finals clubs: Angaston, South Gawler, Tanunda, Willaston
Minor premier: Tanunda
Predicted premier: Tanunda
Predicted runner-up: South Gawler
This weekend’s games: Angaston vs South Gawler (first semi final), Tanunda vs Willaston (second semi final)
Tanunda has been the benchmark all season in what is a relatively open BLG and is the favourite heading into finals with playing-coach Sam Colquhoun at his best and former Central District gun Shay Linke dominating up front.
The 14-2 Magpies should be challenged by Willaston and star recruit Isaya McKenzie but are tipped to overcome the Donnybrooks to book a spot in the big dance, while reigning premier South Gawler and former Mail Medallist Steve Burton will also be a threat if fully fit.
Angaston could pack a surprise punch after a much-improved 2024 minor round, with Steve Summerton and Jay Shannon both performing well throughout, but will need to improve on performances against the other finals sides this year.
EASTERN EYRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Central Eyre United, Kimba, Ranges
Minor premier: Central Eyre United
Predicted premier: Central Eyre United
Predicted runner-up: Kimba
This weekend’s games: Ranges vs Kimba (preliminary final)
Competition power Ports suffered an elimination final loss to Kimba last weekend, setting up a big preliminary final clash between the Tigers and Ranges.
Kimba recruit Jordan Clements was at his best for his side, dominating on the ball and creating a number of goalkicking opportunities in their convincing win.
The club will face a tough test in Ranges and captain Hank Burton in a game which could go either way.
Central Eyre United remains the favourite for the flag after a strong minor round and a convincing win over second spot Ranges in the second semi final and should match up well against either team.
GREAT FLINDERS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Cummins Rambler, Lock, Tumby Bay, United Yeelanna
Minor premier: Lock
Predicted premier: Lock
Predicted runner-up: United Yeelanna
This weekend’s games: Cummins Rambler vs Tumby Bay (first semi final), Lock vs United Yeelanna (second semi final)
Lock and United Yeelanna have both finished level on points at the top of the ladder after the minor round and should be the grand final sides barring any major upsets in the GFFL.
United Yeelanna has won the last five premierships and is undoubtedly a major chance with a number of key names available including gun forward Matt Crettenden, but the Roos have been as strong as ever this season under the tutelage of dominant playing-coach Kory Beard and look set to give the Eagles a run for their money.
Young gun Harlee Chandler will be one to watch for Cummins Rambler this weekend when the Magpies take on a strong Tumby Bay side.
His side should grab the win in a tight affair.
GREAT SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Encounter Bay, Langhorne Creek, McLaren, Myponga-Sellicks, Victor Harbor
Minor premier: Victor Harbor
Predicted premier: Victor Harbor
Predicted runner-up: Myponga-Sellicks
This weekend’s games: McLaren vs Encounter Bay (qualifying final), Myponga-Sellicks vs Langhorne Creek (elimination final)
Bryce Gibbs, Ben Heaslip and Victor Harbor will have an extra week off after finishing top of the GSFL ladder but will be watching both games closely as four other quality sides clash.
Myponga-Sellicks, led by former AFL player Ben Kennedy, should take care of Langhorne Creek at home but McLaren and Encounter Bay may prove to be a closer affair.
McLaren, led by triple Mail Medallist Brett Ellis, has been the recent power in the competition and should edge out its opponent to book a huge second semi final with the flag favourite Roos.
The Roos have only lost two games all season, one to McLaren and one to Myponga-Sellicks and will still need to be at their best to get the job done in the big games.
HILLS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Hahndorf, Mt Barker, Mt Lofty, Nairne Bremer, Uraidla Districts
Minor premier: Hahndorf
Predicted premier: Hahndorf
Predicted runner-up: Nairne Bremer
This weekend’s games: Nairne Bremer vs Mt Lofty (first qualifying final), Mt Barker vs Uraidla Districts (elimination final)
Hahndorf has gone a second consecutive minor round undefeated in the Hills FL and will be looking for revenge after losing to Nairne Bremer in last year’s grand final.
The reigning premier Rams have found strong form as of late after the return of Mail Medallist Brock Knott in the ruck and should push the Magpies if they do meet them in the finals.
Mt Lofty will be a tough opponent for Nairne Bremer after defeating the Rams early in the year and losing to them by a kick in round 11.
Both Mt Barker, behind superstars Sam Callins and Jordan Houlahan, and Uraidla Districts have the potential to make a preliminary final but would need to cause a major upset to get through Mt Lofty and either Nairne Bremer or Hahndorf.
HILLS FOOTBALL LEAGUE COUNTRY DIV
Finals clubs: Birdwood, Gumeracha, Kersbrook, Kangarilla
Minor premier: Gumeracha
Predicted premier: Gumeracha
Predicted runner-up: Birdwood
This weekend’s games: Gumeracha vs Birdwood (second qualifying final), Kersbrook vs Kangarilla (semi final)
Country Division power Gumeracha (13-1) is the hot favourite for yet another flag this season with Ben and Sam Hanna at their dominant best and star recruit Dylan Weaver performing at a high level around the ground.
Birdwood has been in impressive form and should put up a fight after topping Kersbrook by 27 points in the first qualifying final, with Fraser Gehrick, Jordan Allcock and Jarad Clinton all impressing in a number of roles.
Kersbrook and Kangarilla – who just thrashed Meadows by 67 points – should produce an entertaining elimination final and either side could go close against Birdwood in the prelim if the Roosters were to lose to Gumeracha this weekend.
KANGAROO ISLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Dudley, Western Districts, Wisanger
Minor premier: Western Districts
Predicted premier: Western Districts
Predicted runner-up: Wisanger
This weekend’s games: Western Districts vs Wisanger (second semi final)
Western Districts has gone through the minor round of the KIFL undefeated and remains the runaway favourite for the premiership this season with a star-studded line-up which includes Dylan Lockett, Lleyton Hedges, Sam Jonas and Tom Jonas.
While it is yet to be seen if Tom lines up for the club’s second semi against Wisanger this weekend, the Saints should still top the Panthers to book a spot in the grand final.
Liam Sampson and his Wisanger side will be confident of making the big dance however after another strong season near the top of the ladder.
The Panthers have beaten Dudley by a combined 149 points this year.
KOWREE NARACOORTE TATIARA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Border Districts, Keith, Kybybolite, Mundulla
Minor premier: Kybybolite
Predicted premier: Kybybolite
Predicted runner-up: Keith
This weekend’s games: Kybybolite vs Keith (second qualifying final), Mundulla vs Border Districts (semi final)
Jack Trengove, Andrew Bradley and Kybybolite will clash with Cam Craig, Aaron Young, Lewis Hender and Keith this weekend in what could be the KNTFL grand final preview.
The two sides have been in strong form as of late and the Crows are well-prepared to push the top spot Tigers right until the very end on Saturday after an impressive 111-43 victory over Mundulla last week.
Border Districts is also coming off of a solid performance against Bordertown in the elimination final but may find the task of backing that performance up against Mundulla away from home too tall.
Both Kybybolite and Keith should be able to book a spot in the big dance but will need to be at their best against Mundulla.
LIMESTONE COAST FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Millicent, South Gambier, West Gambier
Minor premier: Millicent
Predicted premier: Millicent
Predicted runner-up: South Gambier
This weekend’s games: Millicent vs South Gambier (second semi final)
Reigning premier Millicent will clash with South Gambier this week after both sides had a week off during last weekend’s elimination final.
The Saints have won one and lost one against the Demons this season but boast more finals experience than their visitors and should get the job done to make yet another LCFL grand final.
The Demons, led by star utility Brayden Kain, Emerson Marks and ruck Mason Hein, have the talent and play style suited for finals and will be a strong chance to top Daron McElroy’s West Gambier side in a preliminary final if they miss their first chance to make the grand final this weekend.
MID SOUTH EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Hatherleigh, Kalangadoo, Port MacDonnell, Robe
Minor premier: Hatherleigh
Predicted premier: Hatherleigh
Predicted runner-up: Port MacDonnell
This weekend’s games: Port MacDonnell vs Kalangadoo
Hatherleigh has had another strong year in the MSEFL and will get a well-deserved week off along with Robe as Port MacDonnell and Kalangadoo meet in the elimination final.
The Eagles have had the most potent forwardline in the competition, led by Patrick Chay, and should see strong production in finals to at least make the grand final.
Kalangadoo has matched up well with Port MacDonnell this season and will like its chances against the Demons, but the hosts have also produced another solid season to give themselves a good chance at a deep finals run.
Colby Munro has been huge for the Demons, while South East champion Will MacDonald and star utility Tim Sullivan should perform at their best in the bright lights.
Robe leader Henry Lawrie will be looking to produce the top level of footy he has played so far this season, as the Roosters aim to upset Hatherleigh in next weekend’s second semi final.
MURRAY VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Blanchetown-Swan Reach, Browns-Well, Murrayville
Minor premier: Blanchetown-Swan Reach
Predicted premier: Murrayville
Predicted runner-up: Blanchetown-Swan Reach
This weekend’s games: Blanchetown-Swan Reach vs Browns-Well (preliminary final)
Murrayville won a big upset over league leader Blanchetown-Swan Reach last weekend to make the MVFL grand final and could be set to go all the way after what was a dominant display.
BSR had lost one game all season prior to the clash and will have to get through the club it previously lost to – Browns-Well – to make the big dance.
Top goalkicker Harrison Chandler will need to produce a strong display up front for Browns-Well if his side is to cause another upset in these finals, while the Redbacks will be looking for improved performances from a number of key players this weekend.
NORTHERN AREAS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Finals clubs: Broughton-Mundoora, BMW, Crystal Brook, Orroroo
Minor premier: Orroroo
Predicted premier: Orroroo
Predicted runner-up: BMW
This weekend’s games: Orroroo vs BMW (qualifying final), Broughton-Mundoora vs Crystal Brook (elimination final)
Orroroo has put a strong season together after its unlikely 2023 flag in the NAFA and should go close again this year.
The Roos, led by star forwards Isaac Moller and Oliver Dignan, will clash with BMW again this weekend as the Lions seek revenge for last year.
Star player Cody Woolford will need a big finals series if his side is to redeem itself after last season, while the Lions defence will also be looking to continue its strong run this year.
Broughton-Mundoora will clash with Crystal Brook in what should be an entertaining elimination final which could go either way.
The Roosters will be confident despite playing away from home, with dominant onballer Will Combe often reaching another level in finals.
NORTH EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: BSR Tigers, North Clare, RSMU, Southern Saints (Eudunda Robertstown)
Minor premier: TBD
Predicted premier: Southern Saints
Predicted runner-up: BSR Tigers
The final fixture of the NEFL minor round will be played out this weekend but the top four clubs are already set in stone, with top spot up for grabs between Southern Saints and BSR Tigers.
The Saints have been as strong as ever behind the dominant play of Blake Launer, while Ashley Bruce and the Tigers also look set for a grand final run.
While North Clare and RSMU have also produced impressive campaigns, it is hard to see either club winning through to the big dance.
PORT LINCOLN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Boston, Lincoln South, Mallee Park, Marble Range
Minor premier: Marble Range
Predicted premier: Marble Range
Predicted runner-up: Lincoln South
This weekend’s games: Marble Range vs Lincoln South (second semi final), Mallee Park vs Boston (first semi final)
Marble Range has made a statement with its performance this year after losing last season’s PLFL grand final to Lincoln South in an upset and has the chance to keep its undefeated campaign intact in style this weekend against the Eagles.
Forwards Todd Slade and Tynan Keeley have been huge for the club this year while Daniel Minney’s form as one of the best midfielders in the competition has been a big boost for his side.
They will still have their work cut out for them however, with Lincoln South also packing a major punch up front through playing-coach Johann Wagner and around the ground with star captain Zane Montgomerie.
Third spot Mallee Park has entered back into the finals frame and will be favourite to top Boston at home in the elimination final.
RIVERLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Barmera-Monash, Renmark, Waikerie
Minor premier: Barmera-Monash
Predicted premier: Barmera-Monash
Predicted runner-up: Renmark
This weekend’s games: Renmark vs Waikerie (preliminary final)
Barmera-Monash defeated Renmark in a thriller last weekend to book a spot in this year’s Riverland grand final as it aims for back-to-back flags, setting up what should be a high quality preliminary final between the Rovers and Waikerie.
Renmark will be hot favourite to win that clash over the 8-8 Magpies and has enough talent to overcome the Barmera-Monash in the grand final.
The presence of recruit Jono Beech might be too much for the Rovers to handle however, the former West Adelaide star dominating in last week’s second semi.
RIVER MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Coorong, Imperials, Jervois, Mypolonga, Southern Mallee
Minor premier: Coorong
Predicted premier: Coorong
Predicted runner-up: Jervois
This weekend’s games: Mypolonga vs Southern Mallee (first qualifying final), Imperials vs Jervois (elimination final)
Daniel Menzel’s Coorong side is the major favourite for the RMFL flag this season after an undefeated campaign, the cats earning a week off with a 16-0 record at a strong percentage of 71.60.
The rest of the top five remains incredibly close and both of this weekend’s clashes could go either way.
Mypolonga will be out to go one better after falling to Jervois in last year’s grand final, but the Tigers will need to get through a Tom Keough-led Southern Mallee side this weekend.
The Tigers have defeated the Suns twice already this year and should advance in a close one.
League power Jervois finished fifth this season but should draw on its extensive finals experience to do major damage in the big games.
If the Bluds, led by dominant forward Josh Scott, can get through Imperials in the elimination final they should be a major chance at yet another grand final appearance.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Christies Beach, Flagstaff Hill, Happy Valley, Port Noarlunga, Reynella
Minor premier: Reynella
Predicted premier: Flagstaff Hill
Predicted runner-up: Reynella
This weekend’s games: Flagstaff Hill vs Port Noarlunga (qualifying final), Happy Valley vs Christies Beach (elimination final)
Reynella will be paying close attention to Flagstaff Hill’s qualifying final clash with Port Noarlunga this weekend as it prepares to host the winner in the second semi final.
The Wineflies have enjoyed a strong SFL season behind the starring play of former Mail Medallist Sam Whitbread, reigning Mail Medallist Marc Borholm and veteran forward Callan Semple.
Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill still looms as a major chance at another flag this year however, the Sam Tharaldsen-led Falcons boasting plenty of their own talent and a number of impressive performances this year.
Port Noarlunga should be a good test for the side however, with former GWS player Zach Sproule dominating up front this year with 70 goals and looming as a potential match winner in finals.
Happy Valley has enjoyed a much-improved 2024 and should win over Michael Mazey and Christies Beach but it is hard to see either club progressing much further.
SPENCER GULF FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Central Augusta, Port, Prop/Risdon, Solomontown
Minor premier: Prop/Risdon
Predicted premier: Prop/Risdon
Predicted runner-up: Solomontown
This weekend’s games: Prop/Risdon vs Solomontown (qualifying final), Port vs Central Augusta (elimination final)
All signs point to a Lions premiership in the SGFL after the club produced a stunning 17-0 minor round with a percentage of 72.58.
The combined performance of goalkickers Aidan Jacobs and Michael Hobbs has been big for the club, while Nick Kraemer and Tyler Eckert have continued to dominate on the ball.
Corey Davey and Solomontown will be the biggest test for Prop/Risdon and either side will take a lot away from this weekend’s qualifying final.
Port sits as the comfortable favourite to eliminate a 5-12 Central Augusta after a solid season but it is unlikely the Bulldogs go any further barring a major upset.
WESTERN EYRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Koonibba, Thevenard, Western United
Minor premier: Western United
Predicted premier: Western United
Predicted runner-up: Koonibba
This weekend’s games: Thevenard vs Koonibba (preliminary final)
Just three clubs remain in the Western Eyre FL after last weekend’s round of finals, with league power Western United winning through to the grand final with ease over Thevenard and Koonibba knocking out Ceduna in the first semi.
It would take a major upset for the undefeated Tigers to lose the grand final, with forward Dwayne Ettridge (78 goals) at his best this season and Jesse Chandler continuing to dominate around the ground.
Dom Denton’s Thevenard faces a tough test in Koonibba at home for this weekend’s preliminary final and it is a clash which could go either way.
The visitors lost to the Magpies in round 15 but have defeated the hosts previously this year and will be confident after their impressive semi final victory over the Blues.
WHYALLA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Central Whyalla, Roopena, South Whyalla, West Whyalla
Minor premier: Roopena
Predicted premier: Roopena
Predicted runner-up: West Whyalla
This weekend’s games: Roopena vs West Whyalla (qualifying final), Central Whyalla vs South Whyalla (elimination final)
Saturday’s qualifying final should tell us a lot about both Roopena and West Whyalla, with the Roos boasting an undefeated record so far this year but the visitors taking it to them in their most recent matchup.
The hosts will be the deserved favourite with stars like leading goalkicker Kynan Buhlmann, dominant onballer Clayton Mesecke and former SANFL gun Kyle Crompton all producing top drawer footy throughout the year.
Central Whyalla will host a 5-10 South Whyalla in the elimination final this weekend and should get through that challenge at home but the competition seems set for a top two grand final.
YORKE PENINSULA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Finals clubs: Bute, Central Yorke, CMS Crows, Moonta, Southern Eagles
Minor premier: Central Yorke
Predicted premier: Moonta
Predicted runner-up: Central Yorke
This weekend’s games: Moonta vs CMS Crows (first qualifying final), Bute vs Southern Eagles (elimination final)
The Yorke Peninsula FL remains relatively open this season with Central Yorke earning the week off but both Moonta and CMS trailing close behind on the ladder.
Moonta, led by the performances of star onballer Ryley Maitland, will host the Crows this weekend in a huge qualifying final, but the Demons, who have won their last six games, seem up to the task having previously beaten their visitors this year.
Bute will like its chances against Southern Eagles at home but a result either way would not be surprising, with each side tallying a win against the other at home.
The Roosters boast a lot of talent but will need to closely mark potential game breakers in Jackson Hooper, Jamie Wegener and Nathan Allen if they hope to progress.
Star Central Yorke brothers Luke and Henry Trenorden could be set for a huge finals series along with former Geelong player Zac Bates and their club will be the favourite heading in with Moonta the most likely to top them.
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