Matthew Broadbent, Henley Sharks ready to compete in Adelaide Footy League division three

A recently relegated division three side has been boosted by a number of star recruits in 2024 and established itself as one of the competition’s top contenders. That and more from the Adelaide Footy League 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 two.

SHARKS SMELL BLOOD IN DIVISION THREE

Henley has stamped its authority in division three through the first two rounds of 2024, defeating Pembroke OS 107-61 at home to open the season and reigning division four premier CBC OC 116-56 away from home.

The Sharks have been boosted by the arrival of new coach Daimon Head after suffering relegation last season as well as star signings Matthew Broadbent and Kane Sherlock.

Broadbent, a former Port Adelaide midfielder/defender at AFL level, said the club’s start to the season had been ideal.

“It’s obviously been a really positive start and I think that sort of flowed on from our pre-season,” Broadbent said.

Matthew Broadbent in action for Port Adelaide. The former AFL player has boosted Henley this season. Picture: Julian Smith

“The way the team came back after last season, there has been a really good attitude and we’re all feeling good and ready to attack the season.

“We’re really fit and we’re managing to get teams on the outside a bit and run out games strongly which has been nice.”

Broadbent, who played 171 AFL games and booted 52 goals for Port Adelaide before heading to South Adelaide, joined Henley in the pre-season to play alongside star Sharks brother Tim Broadbent.

His arrival, along with West Adelaide youngster Kane Sherlock and former Crows player Chris Hall, could see the club compete for a flag.

“My on-field performances probably haven’t quite been there so far this season but I’m settling in well and getting to know all the coaches and my teammates,” Broadbent said.

Kane Sherlock during his time with Henley High School. He has been dominant for the Sharks in the opening two rounds this season. Picture: Jarrod Gillings

“I’m really enjoying my time and just trying to have a big impact off the field as well.

“Sherls (Kane Sherlock) has been amazing so far. He’s still so young and has plenty of time at the club ahead of him and some of his stuff in the contest has been great for us.”

The Sharks will host Hope Valley this weekend, the Demons coming off of two big losses to North Haven and Seaton to start the season.

Broadbent said his side would not be taking its opposition lightly.

“The league is so even so you don’t want to take the foot off the pedal at any stage.

“We’ll be expecting a really hungry Hope Valley side and we’ll need to match them in the contest.

“This team has a lot of talent but we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”

EAGLES’ TROUBLES CONTINUE

Both Elizabeth and Gaza would be preparing themselves for long seasons after two huge losses to begin 2024.

Gaza, relegated to division four at the end of last season and suffering in the pre-season after being found guilty of a number of salary cap breaches, has lost to Kilburn 193-26 and Morphettville Park 193-30 to begin the season.

The club would be hoping for some improvement this weekend against Westminster OS at home.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, has suffered historically bad losses, going down 347-7 against Eastern Park in round one and 265-11 against St Paul’s OS last Saturday.

This masthead understands the Eagles could be on their last legs and may struggle to field a side next season.

They will take on Houghton Districts away from home this weekend.

DEMONS, KNAPP ON A TEAR

Eastern Park star Chris Knapp. Picture: Supplied

Eastern Park and Chris Knapp’s dominant start to the 2024 AdFL season continued on Saturday when the Demons thrashed Houghton Districts 26.15 (171) to 6.4 (40).

The early division six favourite dominated from start to finish as Knapp dominated the inside contest and returning forward Shawn Mansell took advantage up front.

Knapp, who booted 22 goals last week against Elizabeth, had five goals from the midfield, while Mansell, who kicked 20 goals for the Demons in a 2022 game against St Paul’s OS, had eight to his name.