Local SA footy season 2023 weekly wrap – 10 things we learned
The local SA footy season is underway and we’ve wrapped an exciting round of play. From starring players to surprise results, here are the 10 things we learned from suburban and country competitions.
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The local SA footy season has kicked off as clubs throughout the state’s suburban and regional competitions vie for silverware.
From star players and upset results to surprise packet teams, here are 10 things we learned from the weekend’s exciting action.
JACK IS BACK
Jack Trengove was dominant as Prince Alfred OC ran away 19.8 (122) to 15.5 (95) winners over arch rival St Peter’s OC away from home, the onballer pulling the strings through the middle to set up teammates and also hitting the scoreboard with a goal.
Hayden Jolly and star forward Mitch Larsson were also impressive for Craig Pitt’s Princes, combining for eight goals as the side got off to the perfect start to 2023.
Captain Lachy McNamara another standout through the middle, inspiring his side to lift a gear in the third term as they kicked seven goals to three.
“It’s always nice to get a win in the column in the first game of the year. We lost our first couple games last season so it’s nice to have something to build on this year as opposed to playing catch up,” playing-coach Craig Pitt said.
“We managed to clean up our skills a bit in that second half and we got strong performances from pretty much everyone.
“We’re looking forward to our game against Goodwood next week. They’re a very strong club and we know they’re going to be one of the best teams in the competition again this year.”
GULLIES TO FIRE, IGGIES TO STRUGGLE
Tea Tree Gully signing Luke Brown announced his arrival in style against Old Ignatians, dominating around the ground and booting a major in a 14.12 (156) to 9.9 (63) win.
The Gullies were far too strong around the ground against an Iggies side which may struggle to stay in division one after losing a number of names in the pre-season.
RAMS DEFENCE STILL DOMINANT
Nathan Grima’s Glenunga side has maintained its stellar defensive play at home, the Rams holding Brighton to just 37 points as they ran away dominant 96-point winners in a 10.13 (133) to 5.7 (37) result.
Backmen Sam Wundke and Zac Smith were dominant in the air and at ground level, while new recruit Lyndon Hupfeld booted five majors before injuring his shoulder.
TIGERS HAVE TICKER
Not many would have given division two premier Broadview much of a chance against division one premier Port District this weekend but the Tigers pulled off the upset of the round, defeating the Magpies 9.10 (64) to 9.7 (61) in a thriller.
It was a strong team effort by the hosts, who led by two points at three-quarter time, but Hamish Ralph, star mid and captain Jay O’Leary, and ruck Chol Anyang stood out in the final term as the Tigers held the visitors at bay.
Broadview did just enough in the last qtr, with both sides kicking a goal each and playing out a gritty and tightly-contested affair.
FALCONS NEW FAVOURITE
Jeremy Cini’s Payneham Norwood Union may be new flag favourite in the Adelaide Footy League’s second division after handing Golden Grove its first loss since 2021 in a 10.10 (70) to 5.11 (41) win at home.
The Falcons, led by star midfielders Jed Spence and Jonathan Giannini, as well as former North Melbourne and Norwood gun Brad McKenzie, were dominant with fast ball movement and rebounding from defence.
IRONBANK BRIDGEWATER SET FOR SLOG
The Hills Football League’s newly-amalgamated club may be in for an expected long season in 2023 after two tough losses to Uraidla Districts and Mount Lofty early on, only managing scoring totals of 30 and 54 in either game.
While Ironbank-Bridgewater put up a fight against Mount Lofty in the Cutting Cup matchup, Jake Aish (four goals) and Alex Weeks (best on ground) were too strong for the hosts.
CROWS OFF TO FLYER
Keith cast all doubts about its potential this Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL season aside with a convincing 14.10 (94) to 8.12 (60) win over 2022 premier Lucindale.
The Crows lost star onballer George Thring in the off-season but new playing-coach Lewis Hender was at his best to lead his side to a round one win.
Hender booted three majors and led by example as Keith stormed to a strong victory.
MCLAREN STILL TOP DOG
McLaren made a statement in the Great Southern FL when it went up against a fast-starting Willunga led by Jack Redden, putting together a stunning display to win out 11.13 (79) to 9.7 (61).
Mail Medallist midfielder Brett Ellis was dominant in the contest for the Eagles as they ran away with the game in the first quarter, booting 4.6 to just 1.2 and holding the Demons off from there-onward.
SUNS TO SHINE IN 2023
The Southern Mallee Suns are off to a dream start this season, stamping their authority as the River Murray’s best newly-merged club.
The side dominated from start to finish of its 13.20 (98) to 9.6 (60) win over Tailem Bend to back up last week’s 13-point win over Coorong.
WEAVER MAY KICK TONNE
Glencoe forward Tory Weaver has been at his best to start the Mid South Eastern FL season and might just go close to reaching the 100-mark this year, booting 10 goals on just two games so far.
The ex-premiership player returned to the club in the pre-season and could prove to be one of the best signings in the MSEFL for season 2023.
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