Goodwood Saints ready to march in division two season 2025

A former division one Adelaide Footy League powerhouse could be set for a strong D2 season after a convincing round one win as it aims to move back up to the top tier. See all the AdFL talking points 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, photos or videos to [e-mail]

Here is what caught our attention during round 1.

SAINTS MARCH TO START 2025

Goodwood Saints failed to earn promotion back to division one last season after dropping to D2 for the first time in over two decades but the club may be a strong chance to compete for the ultimate prize this season after an impressive round one win over Lockleys.

The hosts went down early in the contest against a strong Demons outfit led by former AFL player Ben Haren but soon fought their way back to win the clash 15.18 (108) to 12.6 (78).

Former West Adelaide utility Jade Cleeland was dominant in the ruck, while new recruits Reed Stevens and Tyler Harris impressed around the ground and up front.

Goodwood Saints opened up their 2025 account with a win over Lockleys. Picture: Mardi Graetz

The five-goal win may have come as a surprise to some, with a surging Lockleys side tipped to compete in the division this season.

“It was a pretty close game, closer than the final score suggests, and they jumped us significantly early but the boys rallied back into it,” coach Ben Johnston said.

“It was a good start for us, round one is always a big one and every win is going to be super important in this division.

“I think if you look at least year, it was pretty close in the division from the bottom to the top, and there are probably going to be a couple teams this year who are really up there but I feel everyone is a chance, so a good start is always key.”

The Saints had a big pre-season after failing to make the 2024 finals series, bringing in a number of players including Reed Stevens, Tyler Harris, Reece Slape and former PHOS Camden captain and dual D2 medallist Henry Papatolis, who has sustained a hamstring injury but is aiming for a mid-season return.

Jade Cleeland competes for a tap for Goodwood Saints. Picture: Mardi Graetz

While the club was disappointed with the end result of 2024, Johnston said the culture was as strong as ever this year.

“We’ve got a young list this season and the energy has been awesome.

“We signed some good talent and good people and the impact has been really positive.

“Obviously, we want to see progress on last year, that’s our first goal, trying to implement a game plan and make sure we have sustainable success.

“We see ourselves as being really competitive in this division with the end goal of getting back to div one as soon as we can.”

THRILLING FINISHES

Round One saw a number of nailbiting clashes across the AdFL, with multiple games being decided by a kick in the final minutes.

In division one it was Scott Lycett who led Port District to a nerve-racking 73-70 win over SPOC with a set-shot goal directly in front, while Golden Grove just edged out Salisbury North at home by four points, the Hawks failing to snatch the win at the death.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024: Scott Lycett from Port District battles against Glenunga in the division one Adelaide Footy League grand final at Norwood Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Brett Harland was the hero for Henley in division two as he booted a late goal to lead his Sharks to a 59-55 win at Flinders Park, while North Haven escaped as four-point winners over PHOS Camden in div three.

St Paul’s OS also played out a thriller in division six as Anthony Alesiani and Ned Buckerfield led the club to an important one-point away win over OSB Lonsdale near the death.

A closely-contested round one could be a sign of what is to come this season with each division looking as competitive as ever.

STARRING RECRUITS

Andrew Bradley in action for Glenelg. Picture: Matt Loxton

As is usually the case in the early going of a season, new recruits have started to make their mark on their respective divisions as they aim to take their teams up a level.

Former Glenelg League player Hunter Window impressed for Sacred Heart OC in division one along with Golden Grove recruit Liam Verity, a former goalkicking juggernaut for Modbury, while in division two Reed Stevens and Tyler Harris were standouts for Goodwood and Athelstone recruit Aaron Stewart was dominant in his return against Brighton with three goals from the middle.

Andrew Bradley was arguably the most impressive new name in the AdFL, the former Glenelg captain and PAOC star dominating for Westminster OS around the ground as the newly promoted Dragons recorded a strong win over Pembroke OS away from home.