One-Percenters: St Peter’s Old Collegians’ Jake Sutcliffe makes round one statement with five goals

A star footy recruit led his division one contender side to a statement win on debut – plus more from around the Adelaide Footy League 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.

SEE FULL ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS HERE 

If you know or have heard about something quirky in the Adelaide Footy League, email us your suggestions or photos to [e-mail]

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

ROUND ONE RECRUITS STAR

After experiencing a host of injuries at the end of his SANFL career, star St Peter’s OC division one recruit Jake Sutcliffe played his first competitive game since early 2021 over the weekend.

He kicked five goals in a 158-73 thumping of Rostrevor OC.

The former Sturt premiership forward understandably experienced a slow start for Saints, but gradually settled into the flow of the game, capitalising on the positive play of his midfield and defence to boot a bag.

Former Sturt forward Jake Sutcliffe starred for St Peter’s OC in his first game for the club. Picture: Stephen Laffer

“We’ve got a new look forwardline and the way we moved the football and how we acted defensively is what we’ve been working on and I think that resulted in good scoreboard pressure,” coach Geoff Riddle said.

“Jake was excellent. The fact it was one of his first bits of competitive action for a fair while and he played that well was very encouraging.”

Riddle also said Sutcliffe could be the catalyst for a premiership run in 2022.

“We recruited him for a reason. He adds another dimension to our forwardline with the ability to play tall or small and should be an even bigger boost for us as the season progresses,” he said.

Other big-name recruits also starred across the league, such as Golden Grove’s Lewis Johnston – who kicked five goals for the Kookaburras in division three – and Pembroke OS’ Patrick Levicki in division four.

Ben Sawford was a standout in division one, dominating the midfield for Payneham Norwood Union in its dramatic win over Prince Alfred Old Collegians.

GOALKICKERS GALORE

The usual suspects got off to a huge start in front of goal over the weekend, as well as some new faces in the Adelaide Footy League, setting the scene for what should be an intriguing goalkicking race.

Morphettville Park’s Chris Barns topped the tally for the week, kicking seven majors in his team’s 12-point loss to SMOSH West Lakes in division three.

Pembroke OS forward Alex Forster was at his brilliant best in round one. Picture: Tom Huntley

SPOC recruit Jake Sutcliffe was the standout in division one with his five goals against Rostrevor OC, while former Norwood champion Lewis Johnston kicked five for Golden Grove in division three.

Pembroke star Alex Forster was back to his best against Hope Valley, slotting home six as his team grabbed a win, while Lindsay Thomas also had six for Portland.

Greenacres forward Thomas Tacano had six in division seven.

A WEEK FOR THRILLERS

Round one of the 2022 season saw five games decided by a kick across the seven Adelaide Footy League divisions.

In the matchup of the round, Payneham Norwood Union claimed a one goal win over reigning division one premier Prince Alfred Old Collegians.

Led by Ben Sawford, Matt Nye and Harry Viney, the Falcons broke the tied score late in the final term to seal the deal.

Picture Mason Parker Photography

Division two saw two nailbiters – Broadview’s two-point away win over Sacred Heart OC, and Gaza’s 76-78 victory against Henley.

A new-look Broadview team failed to record a single major in the last two terms but clung to a win against an inaccurate SHOC, while Gaza used a six-goal second half to storm home to victory at the death.

Pembroke OS defeated Hope Valley 75-80 away from home on Friday night, the hosts ruing missed opportunities in the final quarter.

The Kings only scored a single point in the all-important final term, while Hope Valley kicked one goal and eight behinds, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Division five also saw a thriller, with Elizabeth downing Blackfriars OS by five points in a 2021 division six preliminary final rematch.

The Hawks went two goals clear in the fourth after a neck-and-neck battle, with a late Blackfriars only coming as a consolation.

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 of each 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.