One-Percenters: Eastern Park’s Shawn Mansell kicks 20 goals in 250-point win

A returning star has booted 26 goals in the first two rounds of the Adelaide Footy League – plus more from around the grounds 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 latest weekend – they might be eye-catching results, performances, milestones, comebacks, big wins, broken droughts or inspiring stories.

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Here is what caught our attention in round two of the 2022 season:

A PERFORMANCE FOR THE AGES

Star Eastern Park forward Shawn Mansell was coming off six goals in round one of division five, but nothing could have prepared his opponent for his performance on Saturday.

The 29-year-old had spent three seasons in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League for Border Districts but announced his Demons return with a huge 20-goal display against St Paul’s Old Scholars.

His team won by 250 points, 269-19, and now sit atop the div five ladder.

The display was one of the top goalkicking performances in SAAFL/Adelaide Footy League history since 1911, and the most in a game since Darren Mitchell booted 32 for Hope Valley in 2019.

Eastern Park forward Shawn Mansell had a day for himself on Saturday, booting 20 goals against St Paul's OS. Picture: Eastern Park Football Club

“It was a bit surreal,” Mansell said of his big day out.

“I’ve played forward most of my senior career and I never thought I’d get near 20 in a game.

“I could tell I was in for a big day from the start though. I had four of the team’s first six – and I had my career best – thirteen – by three-quarter-time so the team pushed everyone up and focused on getting me the ball in the last term.”

Eastern Park was all over St Paul’s OS from the first bounce, storming its way to a massive win.

Despite multiple players having standout performances, no one was more popular than Mansell when the final siren went.

Eastern Park celebrates Mansell’s 20th goal on Saturday. Picture: Eastern Park Football Club

“I didn’t have to buy a drink on Saturday night,” Mansell laughed.

“It’s just really good to be back with the club. We know we’re a chance for a flag in this division and we knew St Paul’s had been struggling a bit, but no one thought we’d get up by that much.”

While team success was on the forefront of the forward’s objectives for the season, he was also beginning to think about the possibility of booting 100 majors for the year, a feat he has never achieved.

“My highest is 91 but I’ve never got to that 100-mark. I’ve never had 26 goals after two games either though so we’ll see how I go,” Mansell said.

DIV ONE AS COMPETITIVE AS EVER

If the first two rounds are anything to draw from, the 2022 season could be the most competitive division one has seen in some time.

After multiple close matchups in round one, round two saw two games decided by a kick, while newly-promoted Old Ignatians took reigning premier Prince Alfred OC to the brink away from home.

Tea Tree Gully was neck-and-neck with Port District at home on Saturday, tying 48-apiece at half-time and trailing by 10 points at the final break.

SPOC star Jake Sutcliffe kicks the winning goal in the final minute against Glenunga. Picture: Mason Parker

An inspired fourth quarter display gave them a five-point win however, the home side kicking five goals to three to win at the death.

It was Jake Sutcliffe who was again the hero for St Peter’s OC, scoring the winning goal against Glenunga from 50 metres out with only seconds remaining.

The Rams led at Webb Oval all day but were held to two behinds in the fourth quarter as Saints stormed home late.

With only a minute left, Sutcliffe took a contested mark on the 50, went back and slotted home his third to send away fans into a frenzy.

SPOILS SHARED IN FIRST DRAW

Division three hosted the first draw of the 2022 season on Saturday, with Westminster OS and SMOSH West Lakes sharing the points after a frantic four quarters.

Former West Adelaide player Aaron Fielke produced a game-saving performance up front for Westminster OS. Picture: Tom Huntley

The contest was even throughout, with both sides winning their fair share of the ball and creating opportunities to hit the scoreboard up front.

SMOSH West Lakes – the visitors – led late but could not hold on and would rue its 12.14 kicking in front of goal.

Aaron Fielke produced a heroic performance for Westminster, kicking five goals.

MARKS AND GOALS OF THE WEEK

The Adelaide Footy League has partnered up with The Advertiser and Messenger again this season to crown the best mark and best goal of 2022.

Each week you can find the top three from the round here in the One-Percenters column.

Vote in the poll for your favourite.

At the end of the year the top marks and goals will go in the running to be named the best of the season with an overall vote decided by you.