Matt Nunn, Payneham Norwood Union achieve division one upset in round one

A newly-promoted division one side sent a warning to the rest of the competition with a big win to open the 2024 Adelaide Footy League season. That and more including goals and marks of the week 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 one.

CINI’S FALCONS OFF TO FLYER

It didn’t take Payneham Norwood Union long to make a statement after returning to division one for season 2024, dominating its final quarter at home against reigning division two premier Golden Grove to top the Kookaburras 17.10 (112) to 10.10 (70).

The side was led by star recruit Matthew Nunn, the former Norwood premiership captain battling through the middle for four quarters and eventually helping to break the game open in the final term during which the hosts booted nine goals to two.

Harrison Viney was also a standout up front for the Falcons, booting five goals.

The win sent an early message to the rest of the division one competition and should act as motivation for the Falcons, the team having lost to Golden Grove in last year’s division two big dance.

“For us, it wasn’t really about making up for the grand final but we were also really excited because we knew we had a bit of a different team to the grand final team,” coach Jeremy Cini said.

Matt Nunn starred for PNU over the weekend. Picture: In Flight Sports

“We’ve got a bit more youth this season and we’ve trained really solidly and focused on game plan since about February.

“Getting the quality of Matty Nunn in the middle has been exciting as well and we saw that on Saturday. He’s been a huge help to me and he really drives the standards from coaches to players.

“We wanted to take the game on and finally managed to break it open in the fourth which was pleasing.”

Cini also saw positive signs from 19-year-old recruit Jack Hodges.

The former North Adelaide man performed well as a utility and impressed up front in the last quarter to boot multiple big goals.

Payneham Norwood Union star Brad McKenzie (right) with Falcons coach Jeremy Cini. Picture: Payneham Norwood Union Football Club

“I’m a big subscriber in holding three key forwards and to get Jack has been valuable for us,” Cini said.

“He was training with North Adelaide and decided he wanted to have a bit of a break. He’s a great kid and he really understands the game.”

PNU will clash with Sacred Heart OC away from home this weekend in another good test for the side.

Cini hoped his players could build some momentum for what should be a competitive division one season.

“Every week is going to be difficult in division one, there are no easy games.

“It’s about making sure we do the right thing recovery wise and prepare as best we can.

“We want to stay fit and keep the main group together and build that consistency of performance.”

RECRUITS STAR IN ROUND ONE

Former Port Adelaide and South Adelaide gun Matt Broadbent. Picture: Dean Martin

A number of recruits produced dazzling displays across the Adelaide Footy League in round one, proving they may be the difference for their sides this season.

Joey Haines and Matt Rose both stood out around the ground for Port District after arriving from South Adelaide, while former AFL gun Scott Lycett was also important for the Magpies in their game against Broadview.

Matt Nunn was the difference-maker for Payneham Norwood Union against Golden Grove’s strong midfield, while former Unley man Jack Ianniello played an important role in the contest for Prince Alfred OC against St Peter’s OC.

In division two it was former West Adelaide midfielder Kaine Stevens who stood out for Goodwood, dominating in the contest as the Saints topped Edwardstown away from home, while former SANFL on-ballers Matt Broadbent and Kane Sherlock were key for Henley as it defeated Pembroke OS by 46 points.

If the big names can continue to stand up for their new clubs this year, SA footy fans should be in for an entertaining season.

GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have been picked for round one and in conjunction with the Adelaide Footy League we’re giving you the chance to vote for who you think is the standout in both categories.

Watch the videos and vote in our polls below.

Each week the votes will go towards the Adelaide Footy League’s awards for the mark and goal of the year.