Reigning division one premier Tea Tree Gully smashed by Payneham Norwood Union in Adelaide Footy League round one
The division one reigning premiers copped an 81-point belting, while there were plenty of tight results in an entertaining opening round of the Adelaide Footy League.
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The Adelaide Footy League returned with a bang on Saturday as clubs from across the city got their seasons underway.
Some clashes were tight, others ended with huge margins and there was even a draw.
Check out all the results and match reports here.
SEASON PREVIEWS: DIVISION ONE | DIVISION TWO | DIVISIONS THREE TO SEVEN
DIVISION ONE
It was a day to forget at Payneham Oval for Tea Tree Gully as the Wolves’ premiership defence got off to a very rough start.
The reigning premiers, who suffered significant player losses in the off-season, were smashed by 81 points at the hands of Payneham Norwood Union in the division one season-opener.
The Wolves fell 22.14 (146) to 9.11 (65) after trailing 14.8 to 2.6 at half-time.
But Tea Tree Gully coach Justin Maschotta said his new-look, young side stuck to its guns in the second half.
“We are missing 11 players from last season’s premiership side and that is a lot of experience to be out of any side,” Maschotta said.
“But we have to get games in to the juniors and to give them experience.
“We are fully aware of where we are at.
“Payneham was very good and executed so well and taught us a lesson but I was very proud of our second half.’’
Liam Davis (five goals), Chase Bower, Brett Ancell and Alex Forster were among the leading lights for Payneham.
Best for the Wolves were Dylan Schoenmakers, Peter Persinos (three goals) and Hamish Kowalick.
Rostrevor Old Collegians celebrated its top-tier season opener and launch of its new clubrooms with a gritty victory against Prince Alfred Old Collegians on Saturday.
It was a twilight fixture to cater to the off-field promotions and ROC kept its nerve to win 14.8 (92) to 12.10 (82).
New playing coach Will O’Malley said it was a pleasing result despite the game not reaching great heights.
“It was a bit of a see-saw battle and really a bit of an ugly game,’’ O’Malley said.
“But it will be a bit of a learning curve for all of us in a new set up. I think there will be exciting times ahead.’’
Goodwood Saints welcomed new boys Brighton to division one with a solid home win.
The Saints showed poise under pressure to prevail 14.8 (92) to 8.17 (65).
It was a different story for the other newly-promoted side, St Peter’s Old Collegians, which kickstarted its campaign in fine style with an 11.7 (73) to 10.6 (66) win away against Henley.
SPOC controlled play for most of the day before holding on in a tight finish.
A strong second quarter proved enough for Sacred Heart Old Collegians to gain the edge and set up victory in its division two clash against PHOS Camden at Sacred Heart senior school, 12.9 (81) to 7.7. (49).
Port District stayed cool under pressure to grab a last-gasp victory against Adelaide University.
The Magpies won 11.11 (77) to 12.2 (74) at University Oval.
In a fluctuating last quarter, the visitors led by 14 points, trailed by three points and then hit the front a minute before the final siren after James Batty goaled from a free kick.
DIVISION TWO
Salisbury North celebrated its return to the league with a fresh mindset, new coach and a win against Broadview at home.
T he Hawks were dumped from the competition early last season for breaching league-imposed sanctions but returned to division two eager for a better showing in 2019.
They had the answers on the field with better conversion to win 10.4 (64) to 6.13 (49).
Debutant Hawks coach Joe Hay said his side stood up well to the challenge.
“Having the time off has given us a new mindset and a clean slate,” Hay said.
“Our approach this season is different and with more respect to the competition we are in.’’
Bradyn Lehman, Ricky Thomas and Stephen Drainer (three goals) led the way for Salisbury North.
It did not take long for the first draw of the season to come as Gaza and Scotch Old Collegians played out a 13.7 (85) to 12.13 (85) stalemate at Klemzig Oval.
For more on the crazy finish to that game, keep an eye out on Tuesday afternoon for One-Percenters – a wrap of all the quirky things from the league.
Unley Mercedes’ recruits stood up to help it to a 14.13 (97) to 10.9 (69) win over Modbury at Kingswood Oval.
Ruckman Luke McEntee was best for the Jets, while fellow former Reynella player Mitch Minns and ex-Goodwood forward Anthony Skara also impressed.
Seaton Ramblers were no match for Athelstone after half-time at Pedlar Reserve.
The Rams lost 16.9 (105) to 7.7 (49) after trailing 6.4 to 5.3 at the long break.
Sacred Heart Old Collegians proved too good for PHOS Camden in a 12.9 (81) to 7.7 (49) home win.
DIVISION THREE
Former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide AFL forward Lindsay Thomas had a dream debut for Portland, booting three goals in a stirring win over Flinders Park at Port Reserve.
The Thunder prevailed 13.8 (86) to 11.13 (79).
Dale Finnie, Corey Evans and Tyson Friend led the way for Portland.
North Haven gave Old Ignatians a rude awakening to life in division three, prevailing 16.7 (103) to 11.12 (78) at Largs North Reserve.
The Magpies led 8.4 to 4.5 at half-time and 10.6 to 9.9 at the last break.
Mark Rowe (five goals), Chris Lipson and Ross Merrett were best for North Haven.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Plympton 15.14 (104) d Gepps Cross 10.8 (68) at Duncan Fraser Reserve
■ Golden Grove 12.20 (92) d Morphettville Park 8.4 (52) at Kellett Reserve
■ Glenunga 14.10 (94) d Westminster OS 8.14 (62) at Glandore Oval
DIVISION FOUR
SMOSH West Lakes trailed 12.3 to 6.8 at half-time but charged home to beat Edwardstown 14.13 (97) to 14.11 (95) in one of the upsets of the round.
Scores were level at the first break before Towns booted six goals to none in the second quarter.
The Lions, led by Sam Fairclough, Rhys Woods and Zac Beecken, fought back in the second half, as they held the hosts to just two goals to take the nailbiting victory.
Walkerville was the big winner of the round with a 23.13 (151) to 13.9 (87) smashing of newly-promoted Woodville South.
Adam Proud booted nine goals in a dominant display for the Cats, who were coming off relegation last year.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Kilburn 14.11 (95) d CBC Old Collegians 14.11 (95) at Blair Athol Reserve
■ Pooraka 11.11 (77) d Colonel Light Gardens 10.10 (70) at Mortlock Park
■ Mitcham 15.12 (102) d Pembroke OS 12.10 (82) at Price Memorial Oval
DIVISION FIVE
Kenilworth kicked off its season in style when it proved too strong for Trinity Old Scholars in their division five clash at Simonds Park on Saturday.
The Kookaburras, beaten in the division five elimination final last season, won 17.16 (118) to 4.5 (29) after leading 3.5 to 0.3, 9.8 to 1.3 and 12.13 to 3.4 at the changes.
Bek Garner, Andrew Liverton (six goals), Theodosi Cotsaris, Jordan Wilson-King (two) and Jack Zesers (two) led a long list of key players for Kenilworth.
The Kookaburras take on Salisbury away this week and then will celebrate the launch of their revamped clubroom at their next home game against Smithfield on Saturday, April 27.
Hope Valley made a statement with a 16.21 (117) to 7.5 (47) thrashing of Rosewater at Eric Sutton Oval.
Devin Payne booted seven goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Demons.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Eastern Park 17.12 (114) d 16.6 (102) at Dwight Reserve
■ Smithfield 19.13 (127) d. Lockleys 11.9 (75) at Smithfield Oval
■ Pulteney 26.14 (170) d Blackfriars OS 8.3 (51) at Thebarton Oval
DIVISION SIX
Marion made a significant statement upon its arrival in division six with an 86-point away belting of Fitzroy on Saturday.
The Rams put the Lions to the sword with a seven-goal to one opening quarter on the way to a 17.18 (120) to 4.10 (34) victory.
Brayden Reeves, Adam Knight and Jordan Monopoli were best for Marion.
Fellow promoted side O’Sullivan Beach/Lonsdale went down in a heartbreaker to open its campaign, losing by a single point away to Brahma Lodge on Saturday.
The Lions’ first game following promotion ended 8.17 (65) to 9.10 (64) in favour of the Tigers.
Jarrod Upton starred for Brahma Lodge and Ben Pittard was best for OSB/Lonsdale, while last season’s century goalkicker Trevor Rigney booted five majors.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Elizabeth 21.19 (145) d. Ingle Farm 8.6 (54) at Argana Park
■ West Croydon 14.16 (100) d Para Hills 5.13 (43) at the Paddocks
■ Hectorville – bye
DIVISION SEVEN
St Paul’s Old Scholars signalled its flag intent by travelling to Mofflin Reserve and dismantling Central United by 62 points.
Joseph Adamo led the way and Matt Pendlington booted six goals in the 17.11 (113) to 7.9 (51) victory.
Daimon Barrow kicked 10 goals in a best-on-ground display and Oscar Richards added seven of his own as Mawson Lakes made light work of Flinders University.
The Crabs had few answers in the 26.8 (164) to 8.16 (64) smashing.
OTHER RESULTS:
■ Houghton Districts 17.8 (110) d Greenacres 9.17 (71) at Houghton Memorial Oval
■ Adelaide Lutheran 13.9 (87) d Mitchell Park 8.10 (58) at South Parklands
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