Local SA footy’s most improved teams including Glenunga Rams, Mount Barker Roos, Noarlunga Shoes
The footy season is nearing the halfway point and while some teams stagnate, others have turned fortunes around. See our list of the most improved teams in SA.
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The local footy season is nearing its halfway point and while many teams remain at the same level as last season, some teams have found another gear to start 2022.
From Glenunga’s unexpected toughness and Broadview’s undefeated run in division one and two of the Adelaide Footy League, to Mount Barker’s remarkable turnaround from bottom to contenders in Hills footy, The Messenger has compiled the most improved teams so far in 2022.
While most teams feature in the Adelaide Footy League, there is a range from around the state. Here is our list:
GLENUNGA RAMS (Adelaide Footy League, division one)
Glenunga had its doubters in the preseason when it failed to make any major recruitments after gaining promotion to division one of the Adelaide Footy League, but Nathan Grima’s men have surprised through the first half of the year.
The Rams sit fourth and right in the finals conversation so far this year, and have been in almost every game they’ve played.
The side is averaging a league-best 58 points against per week, flexing its defensive muscle.
“We back our team structures in defence to make us competitive each game,” Grima said.
“Guys have continued to mature after last year – they’re well-drilled and they’ve got some great team synergy at the moment.”
PORT DISTRICT (division one)
Port finished seventh last season and, although it has experienced some recent hiccups, currently sits in division one’s top three.
The club won seven games and lost 10 last season, and currently has six wins after nine games, defeating Rostrevor Old Collegians away from home on Saturday.
The arrival of new coach Josh Ramsey has seen the Magpies integrate a strong defensive structure, and if they can eliminate inaccuracy in front of goal they may be a shot at going all the way.
Ex-AFL and SANFL recruits in Sam and Tom Gray have also been a big boost for Port, who now have strong depth in the middle and up front.
OLD IGNATIANS (division one)
Much along the same vein as Glenunga, Old Ignatians’ solid start to the division one season has come as a surprise to some.
2021 division two premiership coach Damian Boots saw his players lose their first two games against Tea Tree Gully and Prince Alfred OC but made sure to keep spirits high, and the team responded – winning four of its next seven and losing to Glenunga by a single point away from home on Saturday.
Former Payneham Norwood Union star Kristian Roocke has been a welcomed boost, while the new inclusion of Anthony Wilson up front makes Iggies a legit attacking threat.
The club has also become formidable at home, with Port District being the only visitor to win so far.
“It’s an even division – anyone can beat anyone so to be strong at home is important,” Boots said.
“We’ve also had even contributions across the board which is what I’m most pleased by and I’m looking for that to continue.”
BROADVIEW (division two)
Broadview won seven games last season.
It has won nine and counting to remain undefeated so far in 2022.
The club went all out in offseason recruitment under new coach Matt Burgess to sign former Crows forward Jared Petrenko and former SANFL midfield stars Xavier Gotch and Nick Liddle.
The approach has paid dividends, with the Tigers dominating in the middle and putting big scores on the board thus far – including totals of over 100 on four separate occasions.
It has been a significant turnaround for the club, which is currently favourite for the division premiership.
“One of the best parts of it is the buy-in from the whole group,” Burgess said.
“We’re very excited about it all, but we also know we need to stay level-headed and take each week as it comes if we want to be truly successful.”
EDWARDSTOWN (division three)
Similar to Broadview, Edwardstown also recruited well in the offseason, bringing in former West Adelaide stars Aaron Anderson and Josh Schiller.
Both players have dominated for Towns so far through the forward line and midfield and have produced multiple best on ground performances.
The club currently sits equal-second on the ladder with seven wins after registering eight wins for all of 2021.
While Towns’ attacking play has been strong, the defensive strategy has been equally as impressive, with no team except red-hot Golden Grove managing a score above 80 against them.
MODBURY (division three)
Modbury has also been a big improver in division three.
While it had a solid season in 2021, finishing 11-7, the club currently has six wins from nine games and sits just below Edwardstown in third spot on the ladder.
Former North Adelaide forward Liam Verity has been colossal for the Hawks, booting a huge 49 goals in nine games, including two bags of 10.
The side has scored over 100 points in every game other than its clashes with Golden Grove and Edwardstown, and scored a huge 148 against Morphettville Park.
LOCKLEYS (division five)
The Demons won 10 games to finish fifth in division five in 2021, but have improved significantly this year to sit top of the div with an 8-1 record.
The club has been crushing opposition, which is reflected in its huge percentage of 243.
Four of the team’s eight wins have been by 100 points or more, including a 207-49 domination over St Paul’s Old Scholars.
Forward Ben Haren has been a standout for the Demons, kicking 45 goals.
NOARLUNGA (Southern Football League)
Noarlunga finished fifth in the Southern Football League’s A Grade competition last season with a record of 7-7, but they’ve taken the next step so far in 2022 to sit second with a 5-2 record.
One of the Shoes’ losses was a forfeit due to Covid.
Another team to boot regular high scores, the signing of Ben Jarman, son of Darren, has been a significant one, with the former AFL-listed player allowing his club to explore more options through the middle and up front.
MOUNT BARKER (Hills Football League)
Mount Barker has a case to make for the most improved team in local SA footy so far in 2022.
The Roos finished bottom of the A Grade ladder last year, winning just three games out of 16 and conceding a whopping 1448 points against for the year.
So far this season the club has strung together six wins from its first nine games and boasts a percentage of 171, the second best in the competition.
While improvement has come from around the ground, the addition of former Essendon and Sturt forward Jordan Houlahan has been significant.
Houlahan has fit seamlessly next to Damian Hynes up front for the Roos and currently has 30 goals in nine games.
His club could be a genuine premiership contender.
MYPONGA/SELLICKS (Great Southern Football League)
The Mudlarks have been on fire this year, winning seven of nine to sit second on the ladder after finishing second bottom in 2021 with a 2-14 record.
Myponga/Sellicks’ defensive turnaround has been astounding.
After conceding a combined 1367 points to teams last year, the club has held six opponents to under 60 points.
The Mudlarks have also improved their attack, consistently tallying high scores including 165 against Goolwa/Port Elliot and 127 points against Yankalilla.
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