Messenger’s sport reporters give their tips for the upcoming Adelaide Footy League rounds
Finals are starting for some local footy teams, while others are have their last minor round game and need a win to earn a major round berth. SEE who our reporters are backing this weekend.
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The Adelaide Footy League is about to head into the major round for some teams and a final round for others.
Divisions one, two and seven have one minor round remaining, while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth tier competitions kick off their finals series this weekend.
Local footy reporters Daniela Abbracciavento and Gordon Armstrong cast their eyes over the match ups this Saturday and we have a crack at picking a winner or two.
DIVISION ONE
Brighton (second, 6-2) v Rostrevor Old Collegians (sixth, 5-3)
Daniela:
Brighton has enjoyed a stellar season this year despite, like other clubs, their growing injury lists.
ROC, meanwhile, has struggled this campaign after being a preliminary final last year.
The game is going to be hard fought with ROC needing a victory to earn a finals berth.
But I think the Bombers will be too strong.
TIP: Brighton
Gordo:
This one is an absolute ripper to finish the minor round.
Brighton has hit a mini slump, while Rostrevor Old Collegians knows a win will guarantee a place in the finals.
A loss by the Bombers could lead to them dropping to fifth but they have come too far this season to slip up at home.’
TIP: Brighton
Unley Jets (ninth, 2-6) v St Peters Old Collegians (first, 6-2)
Daniela:
The Jets have had a tough year after being runner up in 2019.
They’ve only won two games and are in no chance of making finals.
SPOC just need a win to secure the week off in the first round of finals and I think they’ll do it.
TIP: SPOC
Gordo:
The Jets will be thankful that there is no relegation this season as it has been a torrid campaign in the top tier.
All SPOC has to do is win and it sews up top place and a week off going into finals.
That will do the trick.
TIP: SPOC
Athelstone (bottom, 0-8) v Adelaide University (eighth, 2-6)
Daniela:
Athelstone has had a year to forget after winning the 2019 division two grand final and then losing its coach, Jade Sheedy, to SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens.
The Raggies have found the jump to division one difficult, being winless with one round remaining.
Uni won’t make finals either, but they can take confidence from beating Brighton two rounds ago.
TIP: Adelaide University
Gordo:
A tough slog for the Raggies where their depth has been sorely tested in the top tier this season.
A win would not surprise but Uni’s depth looks a bit too strong for Athelstone, even away.’
TIP: Adelaide University
Prince Alfred Old Collegians (fourth, 5-3) v Port District (fifth, 5-3)
Daniela:
This game should be an absolute cracker.
The Old Reds will be desperate to earn a finals berth and go one better than last year after losing the 2019 flag decider.
A win for Port District would ensure the club makes the major round.
I reckon there’s an upset brewing here but it’ll be a close one.
TIP: Port District
Gordo: Looks a belter on paper with both teams in good touch and capable of tearing apart games. The winner will be safe for the finals, while the loser could drop out.
Not much confidence here but the home ground sways me.
TIP: PAOC
Payneham Norwood Union (seventh, 4-4) v Goodwood Saints (5-3)
Daniela:
The reigning premier has been hit hard with injuries during this shortened season and it’s led to the Falcons sitting outside the top five.
PNU could still squeeze into finals with a win but the Saints form over the past few weeks has been super strong
TIP: Goodwood Saints
Gordo:
It’s back to the walls for the reigning premier as there is no wiggle room.
Lose and there is no hope for finals, while a victory keeps it alive.
The Saints have been fantastic since the early rounds but I have a sneaky feeling the Falcons would love to see finals action.
TIP: Payneham Norwood Union
DIVISION TWO
PHOS Camden (fifth, 5-3) v Sacred Heart Old Collegians (third, 5-3)
Daniela:
What a great fixture to end the division two minor round on.
These arch rivals are sure to put on a big show and we’re expecting a big crowd to get down to PHOS Camden.
SHOC has been in some good form and it’s hard to go passed them.
TIP: SHOC
Gordo:
Could not have scripted a bigger day.
Arch rivals, close in proximity and both always enjoy finishing above the other on the ladder. A huge day off the ground for the Phantoms with their past premiership players being recognised.
On the ground the winner is nearly safe for the finals, while the loser, if it is PHOS, is almost certainly out.
Home ground says PHOS will take the bragging rights, just.
TIP: PHOS
Henley (second, 6-2) v Broadview (fourth, 5-3)
Daniela:
Henley has lost its last two matches against Tea Tree Gully and Old Ignatians respectively.
The Sharks will be doing everything they can to make sure they get that qualifying final.
Broadview, meanwhile, also needs a win to make sure it keeps its spot.
It’ll be a close one.
TIP: Henley
Gordo:
Henley can’t take top place from Tea Tree Gully but it can secure a home qualifying final with a win.
A loss could lead to it being dumped to an elimination final.
TIP: Henley
Salisbury North (ninth, (1-7) v Seaton Ramblers (seventh, 4-4)
Daniela:
Seaton Ramblers
Gordo:
The Rams would feel that they are a better side than their seventh placing indicates with several costly losses of late.
But the Hawks have been out of form for most of the season, with their lack of depth an issue.
Seaton looks too solid here, even away from home.
TIP: Seaton Ramblers
Glenunga (bottom, 0-8) v Old Ignatians (sixth, 5-3)
Daniela:
Old Ignatians enjoyed a solid win against Henley and have been victorious in their past five games.
A win against the struggling Rams and other sides losing would give Old Iggies a chance of playing final.
The visitors will be doing everything they can to get the win.
TIP: Old Ignatians
Gordo:
Glenunga has had a rude awakening after climbing through the divisions with ease in recent seasons.
The Rams have been exposed by injuries to key players and have one last chance to salvage some pride from a winless season.
But Old Iggies are on the march for a big win with finals very much a chance, albeit needing results to go the right way.
TIP: Old Ignatians
DIVISION THREE
Elimination final
Flinders Park v Edwardstown
Daniela:
Flinders Park has finished the year strong after a slow start and the win against the Dolphins last week would give it plenty of confidence heading into the final.
TIP: Flinders Park
Gordo:
The Reds enjoyed a big win against CBC Old Collegians at home in the final round, while the Towns had the bye.
The home final should be a big boost to Flinders Park.
TIP: Flinders Park
Qualifying final
North Haven v Modbury
Daniela:
This tip I’m basing on team form heading into game.
The Magpies will be up and about after beating top-placed Golden Grove in the final minor round and although Modbury also recorded a victory, beating Westminster Old Scholars last week, I’m picking North Haven.
TIP: North Haven
Gordo:
Both sides recorded good victories in the last round, North Haven, in particular, upsetting top side Golden Grove.
That form and the home ground tips the edge to the Magpies.’
TIP: North Haven
DIVISION FOUR
Elimination final
Walkerville v Morphettville Park
Daniela:
Morphettville Park only just snuck into the finals after victories in the last two minor rounds.
Despite finishing the same win/loss record, the Cats will win this one.
TIP: Walkerville
Gordo:
The Roos have been living on the edge recently with wins against the Cats and SMOSH West Lakes to make the finals.
Walkerville has had an up and down season but done enough to earn a home final.
The Cats will reverse their loss to the Roos recently, just.
TIP: Walkerville
Qualifying final
Mitcham v Hope Valley
Daniela:
I’m going for a bit of an upset here, I reckon the competition’s leading goalkicker Matthew Min will kick a bag and Hope Valley will take the chocolates.
TIP: Hope Valley
Gordo:
These two teams have plenty of firepower.
Hope Valley has the competition’s leading goalkicker Matthew Min but the home ground advantage could be a factor in the dying stages.
TIP: Mitcham
DIVISION FIVE
Elimination final
Salisbury v Pooraka
Daniela:
Pooraka has the wood over Salisbury after beating hem in round one.
The Bulls are also coming off a huge win against Eastern Park and their confidence would be soaring.
TIP: Pooraka
Gordo:
Plenty has changed since the teams met in round one with Salisbury a little more consistent than the Bulls.
Despite their loss to Pooraka at the start of the season, the Magpies can bounce back this week in the knock out game.
TIP: Salisbury
Qualifying final
Kenilworth v Colonel Light Gardens
Daniela:
Kenilworth was the only side to knock off top-placed Lockleys during the minor round.
At its best, Kenilworth could win the flag.
TIP: Kenilworth
Gordo:
Kenilworth has been the clear second side behind Lockleys this season although it was the only side to have beaten the Demons.
At home the Kookaburras can repeat their big win against the Lions earlier in the season.
TIP: Kenilworth
DIVISION SIX
Elimination final
Trinity Old Scholars v Marion
Daniela:
Trinity Old Scholars finished fourth with a 7-2 record, while the Rams snuck into fifth spot due to its percentage.
Trinity has won its passed five games and should get another win over Marion.
TIP: Trinity Old Scholars
Gordo:
Three weeks ago Trinity was far too strong for Marion and it looks like the Rams are headed for another long trip home.
Whether they have learned much from the recent outing against Trinity will be known soon.
TIP: Trinity Old Scholars
Qualifying final
Blackfriars Old Scholars v St Pauls Old Scholars
Daniela:
Blackfriars Old Scholars has done well this season after dropping from division five to six.
But the Hounds only had a narrow win against Marion last week and although they beat St Paul’s in round six, I reckon this one could be an upset.
TIP: St Paul’s Old Scholars
Gordo:
The Hounds have tackled the COVID restrictions in style, rising from a struggling outfit last season to enjoying success and a depth of players throughout the club.
St Pauls also has been solid but found the Hounds too good a month or so ago.
TIP: Blackfriars Old Scholars
DIVISION SEVEN
Final round:
Brahma Lodge (top, 8-1) v O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale (fourth 4-5)
Daniela:
Brahma Lodge has only lost one game this season, making it hard to tip against the Tigers,
TIP: Brahma Lodge
Gordo:
The Tigers are roaring.
At home they should be far too strong, tipping O’Sullivan Beach to drop out of the finals.
TIP: Brahma Lodge
Mitchell Park (third, 4-5) v Adelaide Lutheran (second, 7-2)
Daniela:
It’s hard to tip against second on the ladder, especially after Adelaide Lutheran won three more games during the minor round than Mitchell Park.
But could Mitchell Park prove me wrong?
TIP: Adelaide Lutheran
Gordo:
Adelaide Lutheran looks to have too much class for Mitchell Park, even away from home. Regardless of the result both teams should make the major round.
TIP: Adelaide Lutheran
Central United (bottom, 1-8) v Flinders University (fifth, 3-6)
Daniela:
Central United’s form this year has been poor with only one win recorded.
Flinders University, meanwhile, have plenty to play for with a win, plus other results going there way, means a finals berth.
TIP: Flinders University
Gordo:
Flinders University will be keen for a slice of finals action and the side can do that with a big win and a loss by O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale against top team Brahma Lodge.
Don’t be surprised if supporters have their calculators out during Uni’s game.
TIP: Flinders University