St Peter’s OC emerges as D1 finals contender after 4-1 start

A rejuvenated division one Adelaide Footy League club has emerged as a strong finals contender a season after escaping relegation from the top tier.

A rejuvenated D1 Adelaide Footy League outfit has emerged as a strong contender for finals after an impressive 4-1 start to its 2025 campaign.

St Peter’s OC finished eighth last season, escaping relegation by just one point, but has been one of the significant improvers across the competition so far this year, currently sitting in third spot just below reigning premier Port District on percentage.

The club, coached by Mike O’Leary, added a number of names in the pre-season including Norwood premiership player Henry Nelligan and dual Mail Medallist Jesse McKinnon and has seen instant progress on the field.

Saints lost their opening round game against Port District by just three points but have rebounded impressively to defeat Golden Grove, Payneham Norwood Union, Glenunga and arch rival Prince Alfred OC.

St Peter's OC coach Mike O'Leary. Picture: Dwayne Flight @inflightsports

“We’re really happy with the start we’ve had,” O’Leary said.

“Internally we were pretty confident after keeping the core together and being pretty selective with our recruiting.

“We’ve improved year on year and are continuing to see the improvement this season.”

SPOT suffered from inconsistency last season but has been one of the most consistent sides in the competition to start 2025.

Averaging nearly 30 shots on goal a game, the side has become an attacking force through its sturdiness at the back, hard work in the middle and quick ball movement around the park.

Henry Nelligan has starred for SPOT since joining from Norwood. Picture: David Mariuz

This was on show during the club’s big 82-34 away win over PAOC last weekend and O’Leary said the early season signs were promising.

“Because it’s such a young group, a lot of our guys hadn’t ever had a win over Prince Alfred at the college or club level.

“They’ve had that monkey on their back for a while but they looked at it the same as any other game and we were pleased with what we produced.

“We’re liking the amount of scoring shots we’re producing each game as well.

“The connection on and off the field with the team at the moment is strong and they’re having a lot of fun with their footy.”

The club has also had a major boost around the ground after adding the likes of Henry Nelligan and Jesse McKinnon.

St Peter’s OC recruit, Jesse McKinnon. Picture: Sarah Reed

Nelligan has provided top drawer performances up front and through the midfield, while McKinnon has added strength and power on the ball.

O’Leary believed his side now had the quality to compete with the best throughout the season.

“The core group has been together for a long time and now with the likes of Henry and Jesse coming in, the group is starting to fit together really well,” he said.

“We’ve got some goals we want to tick off and so far we’re on track.

“It’s a funny time of the season where it’s hard to get a gauge on teams but we’re confident at the moment and if we can get through the next couple weeks against Rostrevor OC and Salisbury North we’ll be in a good spot.”