Para Hills’ Daniel Weetra boots 42 goals in first six Adelaide Footy League games of 2023

A gun local SA footy forward has matched his goal tally from last year in just six games and looks set to smash the 100-mark in season 2023.

An Adelaide Footy League forward sits halfway from the 100-goal-mark after just six games of the 2023 local SA footy season as he aims to achieve the feat for the first time in his career.

Division seven club Para Hills’ Daniel Weetra currently leads the state’s goals tally, remarkably booting 42 majors through his six appearances this year, matching his 2022 total in nine less games.

The 27-year-old, high-flying goal sneak has taken his game to another level for the Big Reds, starting his season with nine goals against Hackham and then booting five against Houghton Districts, eight against O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale, six against Ingle Farm, 10 against Mitchell Park and four against Flinders Uni.

“It has been a lot of fun but I have to give some credit to my teammates as well,” Weetra said of his career-best start.

“We’ve got a new coach now in Craig Forby and there’s just a different vibe around the club so I’m really enjoying my year so far.”

Daniel Weetra at the Para Hills Football Club. The Big Reds star leads local SA footy in goalkicking. Picture: Ben Clark

Para Hills underwent a major shift after being relegated from division six last season, hiring Forby and signing a number of new faces including Tea Tree Gully veteran Terry Van Ristell.

Weetra said the new-found talent and drive within the team was the reason behind his form.

“The footy club seems completely new compared to last season – we’ve gone from being a bit empty last year to having it packed with new players and faces around the place,” he said.

“We recruited very well in the pre-season and I think having more talent up front as well as through the middle has definitely helped with the service I get and the space I can create up front.

“It’s nice to be able to create so many chances and finish them off.”

Weetra has kicked 42 goals in just six games so far this season. Picture: Ben Clark

Weetra, a former Para Hills best and fairest, is in the midst of his sixth season with the Big Reds and has made a name for himself as an athletic forward with exceptional skills on either side of his body.

The division seven goal machine said he believed he had the ability to record his first ever 100-goal season in 2023 – something he had always dreamt off.

“It’s everyone’s dream growing up – to kick 100 goals in a year.

“You see it at AFL level with guys like Fevola and Buddy (Franklin), and think about how much you would love to do it.

“I’m a bit surprised that I have such a good chance to do it now but I’m definitely confident I can.”

While that goal remained in the back of Weetra’s mind, he said winning a premiership was by far the biggest objective for his club, which currently sits equal top with Ingle Farm.

“We can absolutely go all the way this year with the team we have, with the structures we’ve got in place.

“Our big goal is to win and move back up the divisions.”

The Big Reds will take on bottom side Mawson Lakes this Saturday.