Local SA footy weekly wrap – 10 things we learned

From huge results to breakout players, this weekend’s round of local SA footy action had it all. Here are the 10 things we learned from suburban and country competitions.

Another thrilling weekend of local SA footy action is over as star players and revitalised clubs battled it out in the state’s suburban and country competitions.

From standout names to huge results, here are the 10 things we learned from the round’s play.

GRIMA HAS GLENUNGA LOCKED IN

Glenunga has picked up where it left off last season in 2023 so far, recording a dominant 13.15 (93) to 6.5 (41) win over favourites Tea Tree Gully away from home to back up its huge 96-point win over Brighton last week.

It was another full team, defensive effort by Nathan Grima’s Rams, who outmatched Gullies for size around the ground, caused repeat stoppages and moved the ball seamlessly from the backline to the forward 50.

Beau Schwarze was a standout through the middle while Sam Wundke had another starring performance at the back as his side announced itself as the team to beat early in the div one season.

The Rams never tired despite losing multiple players through injury early, something Grima was pleased with.

“I really rate TTG, they play a fast brand of footy with good skills and high work rate so for our guys to stay focused and execute throughout the game despite not having many rotations was really positive,” he said.

Grima addresses his side during its win over Tea Tree Gully. Picture: Glenunga Football Club

“I was pleased with their willingness to just continue to buy into the way we play, that defensive style – we said we wanted to keep them below 10 goals before the game and we managed to do that.

“A number of our defenders played really good games and we managed to nullify their small forwards a bit which I think was key.”

Glenunga will now look ahead to its matchup with a struggling Old Ignatians side next weekend, a matchup Grima said he would not be taking lightly.

“This is division one footy, there are upsets all the time – we saw relegation sides beat finals sides last year.

“For us it’s just about keeping our heads down and continuing to scrap and get results so we can hopefully build into the year nicely.”

BRADLEY HAS BREAKOUT

Prince Alfred Old Collegians recruit Andrew Bradley was dominant this weekend. Picture: In Flight Sports

Star Prince Alfred OC signing Andrew Bradley was at his best for the Old Reds as they completely dominated against Goodwood Saints at home, winning 15.10 (100) to 2.8 (20).

The former Glenelg captain and premiership player dominated off the backline and through the middle early, before moving up the ground to boot two goals in the final term as PAOC sent a warning to the rest of division one.

Chris Curran and Jack Trengove were standouts yet again for Princes, while rising forward gun Jayden Davis added another four goals to his season tally.

COACH CAILOTTO HAS HEARTS CLICKING

Sacred Heart OC big man Alex Cailotto in action. Picture: Sacred Heart OC Football Club

Sacred Heart OC playing-coach Alex Cailotto was a force in the air and booted four majors against Broadview in a rematch of the 2022 division two Adelaide Footy League grand final, tearing apart the Tigers defence as his side won 18.15 (123) to 7.7 (49).

A number of other star players stood out for SHOC, including midfielder Joel Cross, as well as half-back flanker Seb Kerrish and captain Clayton Symonds.

The victory puts the club on the right path this week after a narrow four-point loss to Goodwood away from home in round one.

RABID RAGGIES CLIP MAGPIES’ WINGS

Mitch Grigg (middle) was dominant for a second week straight as Athelstone recorded a huge win over North Haven. Picture: Dwayne Flight, In Flight Sports

Athelstone made it two wins in a row in spectacular fashion to begin the 2023 season and send a message to the rest of the division two Adelaide Footy League competition, defeating North Haven 19.20 (134) to 6.3 (39).

Mitch Grigg was a standout on the ball yet again this week as the Raggies took a 36-1 lead into quarter-time and never looked back.

The result may start alarm bells ringing for 2022 preliminary finalist North Haven, the Magpies also going down by 73 points to Adelaide Uni last week.

HAWKS SET TO SOAR

Modbury made it two wins on the trot on Saturday, defeating division three favourite and 2022 division four premier Pembroke OS 16.10 (106) to 9.11 (65).

The Hawks, led by star full forward Liam Verity, had the upper hand through the middle of the park and up front, booting nine goals to five in the opening two terms and maintaining their lead for the remainder.

Verity was the standout for his side with four majors, increasing his total to 11 so far, while veteran and champion midfielder Tim Davey was also on-song.

HAREN HAVING ANOTHER BLINDER

Lockleys Footballer Ben Haren after kicking 100 goals last season. Picture: Lockleys Football Club

Lockleys forward Ben Haren – who booted over 100 goals in division five of the Adelaide Footy League last season – is off to another flyer for the Demons in division four this year, kicking 11 goals in his first two games.

The athletic key forward dominated up the ground and in front of goal for his side against Hectorville this weekend, kicking four majors as his team ran away 15.17 (107) to 9.8 (62) winners.

RAMS THE TEAM TO BEAT IN HILLS

Nick Jaensch was at his brilliant best against Lobethal. Picture: Nairne Bremer Football Club

Nairne Bremer officially announced itself as a top dog in the Hills Football League’s early season, running away 20.17 (137) to 5.4 (34) winners over reigning premier Lobethal away from home.

While the Rams met a Tigers side without key players Matt Fuller and Aidan Riley, they did not hold back, dominating from the outset and scoring 83 points in the first half.

Darcy Hourigan was a big presence up front for the side, while star player Nick Jaensch recorded multiple goals.

The win follows an impressive defeat of Uraidla Districts last week, and adds to a strong response from the club after going down to Hahndorf in round one.

SAUCE SFL’s BEST

Andrew Jarman and Sam Jacobs. Picture: Matt Loxton

Sam Jacobs has taken Flagstaff Hill to another level already this season, dominating in the ruck and as a forward to take the club to the top of the ladder after three rounds.

The Falcons demolished Christies Beach at home in round three, controlling the game in every area to win 29.20 (194) to 2.5 (17).

The sure fire leader for the Mail Medal so far, and a major chance at finishing leading goalkicker this year, Jacobs booted six goals to follow on from his seven-goal performance against Cove in a 196-37 win last week.

LOXTON NORTH ON COMEBACK TRAIL

Loxton North defeated Berri after a big win over Loxton last week. Picture: Loxton North Football Club

Riverland FL club Loxton North has already topped its 2022 win total, recording its second straight victory by topping Berri 12.13 (85) to 6.6 (36) away from home.

The Panthers, led by dominant forward Ryan Proud, were on top from start to finish and look to be local SA footy’s big improvers so far this season after another impressive performance.

TWO ON THE TROT FOR TIGERS

Boston Football Club, Port Lincoln. Front: Jason “Chook” Fause. Back (left to right): Sunny “The Panther” Singh, Olly Sellen, Brad “Cat” Keast, Riley “Doogz” Doolan. Picture: Robert Lang

Boston broke a 1,406-day win-drought in the Port Lincoln FL last week and has now recorded its second straight over the weekend, defeating Tasman 9.8 (62) to 8.6 (54), with Sunny Singh booting four majors.

The Tigers now sit top three in the competition and could be talking finals, a dramatic turnaround for the club.