Prince Alfred OC sets sights on Glenunga in Adelaide Footy League game of the season
A bitter 2022 season is now a distant memory for this local div one juggernaut, but can it top the comp’s surprise packet contender and continue its premiership push? That and more in One-Percenters.
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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 daniel.renfrey@news.com.au
Here is what caught our attention during round seven.
PRINCES PUSHING FOR PREMIERSHIP
Prince Alfred OC has put its sour end to the 2022 season well and truly behind it, currently sitting equal top of division one with Glenunga after a 15.13 (103) to 7.7 (49) win over Brighton.
The Old Reds led by just seven points at halftime but turned on the afterburners in the final two terms, booting 10 goals to three to take the win.
The only shortcoming for the side since going down to Port District in the 2022 grand final has been a 38-point loss to the Magpies in a rematch of last season’s big dance.
Playing-coach Craig Pitt said he was pleased with his team’s start to this year’s campaign.
“Our start has been much better than this time last year but that was probably not going to be too difficult,” Pitt said.
“We’re still looking to develop in a few areas and improve our consistency through four quarters but we’ve been pretty impressive for the most part.
“We’re not even halfway through the season yet though, so while we’re pretty happy with how things are going we’re just focused on continuing to get stronger and build on where we’re at.”
PAOC struggled through a number of injuries to key players last season including 2021 Keith Sims OAM Medallist Jack Trengove.
However, improved fitness through the team this season as well as additions such as forward Tyson Brazel on return from North Adelaide, young gun Jayden Davis from Glenelg and versatile star Andrew Bradley, also from Glenelg, has the club looking as strong as ever.
“I guess we’re a pretty complete side this year,” Pitt said.
“Having Brazel back has been pretty big for us because we now have a couple good targets up front and are seeing some continuity in terms of personnel.
“We’ve got a few guys set to go away on other commitments for about a month or so, which will be a challenge, but we think we have the depth here to cover for that and continue to succeed.”
Princes will use the upcoming bye round for a well-earned break this weekend but will then set its sights on fellow top side Glenunga in round eight.
The Nathan Grima-coached Rams have been one of the stories of the competition this season, blitzing almost everyone before them to sit on top of the ladder by percentage.
“Every week we play a division one side and every week we treat them the same, but we’re definitely also excited to go up against one of the competition’s best teams,” Pitt said.
“It’s going to be great, a good opportunity to see how we match up and see if we have any deficiencies against those high pressure sides.
“It’s going to be a great game and we’re looking forward to it – it’s always fun to be challenged by the best.”
WEETRA KEEPS ROLLING
This time last week, Para Hills forward Daniel Weetra sat on 42 goals after just six games in division seven this season, but his tally hit a new high after the weekend’s action.
The exciting goal sneak booted a whopping 12 majors against struggling side Mawson Lakes on Saturday, taking his current total to an astounding 54 in seven games.
Weetra kicked multiple goals in each of the four quarters in what was one of the best individual displays so far this Adelaide Footy League season.
He has 10 games left to reach the 100-mark before finals.
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