The Adelaide Footy League’s most improved teams in 2021 including Prince Alfred OC, Glenunga
There have been some big movers in the seven tiers of the Adelaide Footy League this season – and we’ve picked out the most improved sides. See the full list.
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Every year there are clubs that fall and others which bolt from the blue in the Adelaide Footy League.
With seven men’s A grade divisions there are always sure to be surprise packets and we’ve picked out the most improved teams in each tier so far.
PRINCE ALFRED OC
2020: 6-3 (plus two finals losses)
2021: 5-0
Not only is Prince Alfred Old Collegians a game clear on top of the division one ladder, it is just one victory away from matching its tally from last year.
The Old Reds are by no means underrated but have burst out of the blocks to a 5-0 record.
In fact, a win against Goodwood Saints this Saturday would equal their minor round wins from last season.
PAOC went 6-3 in 2020 before crashing out of the finals in straight sets.
The Old Reds have done it by increasing their scoring from 93.2 points per game last season to 108.8 this year, while also restricting their opponents to 23 less points on average.
They’ve also been without some key movers such as star players Jake Pitt (injury) and Oliver Clarke (Crows SANFL), who have featured in just two games each.
PAOC started strongly with a 50-point win over Port District in round one before a convincing 49-point victory over rival St Peter’s Old Collegians then getting over Rostrevor Old Collegians in a tight one.
The Old Reds then thumped Adelaide University by 26 goals and comfortably got over Unley Mercedes last round.
Speaking to The Messenger before the season, playing coach Craig Pitt predicted his side would be a better outfit than last year.
He said a solid defensive game in 2020 would be complemented by a more offensive focus over the pre-season.
GLENUNGA
2020: 0-9
2021: 5-0
Glenunga has a strong claim to being the most improved side in the entire league, not to mention division two.
Under new coach Nathan Grima, the Rams have gone from winless wooden spooners in 2020 to undefeated and a serious force this campaign.
They’ve done it through thumping victories but also some tough arm wrestles – the pick of the wins a 38-point triumph over highly rated Henley in round four.
The next few weeks will be testing however, with clashes away against Broadview and fellow unbeaten side PHOS Camden, plus a home encounter with Old Ignatians.
Incumbents such as star man Michael McMahon, James Wundke and Nick Wundke have been complemented by some handy recruits.
Key forward Tom Langford booted seven goals in his second game in the double blue, triple Ken Farmer Medallist Michael Wundke has kicked eight in his two appearances so far.
Young Northern Territory recruit Zachary Smith looks like a find, named in the Rams best players in three of five games this season.
EDWARDSTOWN
2020: 5-3 (plus one finals loss)
2021: 4-1
Another side flourishing under a new coach, Edwardstown has impressed on its way to a 4-1 win-loss record.
Ex-player Damian Salievic took the reins in the off-season and has the Towns just one victory away from matching their 2020 tally of five.
Edwardstown was undefeated until they ran into a high-powered North Haven outfit last round.
Division three’s top three sides from last season – Golden Grove, Flinders Park and the Magpies – look set to occupy those positions once again.
The challenge for the Towns will be to break through and challenge for a double chance spot.
And with the likes of former Port Adelaide and Fremantle midfielder Danyle Pearce and star forward George Cornish in form, Edwardstown will be one to watch.
MORPHETTVILLE PARK
2020: 5-4 (plus one finals loss)
2021: 4-1
The next two weeks will tell if much-improved Morphettville Park is up for contending in division four or not.
With four wins already this season, the Roos face second-placed Pembroke Old Scholars this Saturday followed by another big clash against reigning premier Walkerville the week after.
Morphettville Park, which finished fifth last season, has already secured wins against 2020 losing grand finalist Hope Valley and finals side Mitcham.
However a blip against SMOSH West Lakes in round two handed the Roos their first loss of the season.
They have been boosted by the off-season additions of ex-Geelong and Glenelg small forward Cory Gregson and North Adelaide’s Chris Barns.
Steve Nolis is in charge at the Roos this season following the departure of former Crows skipper Tony McGuinness, who had a one-year stint as coach.
POORAKA
2020: 5-4 (plus one finals loss)
2021: 3-1
Fifth-placed a season ago, Pooraka appears to be a different outfit this season following a solid start in division five.
The Bulls recorded impressive results in the opening rounds – six-goal wins over West Croydon and 2020 grand finalist Kenilworth – before suffering a 27 point loss to resurgent reigning premier Lockleys.
But they bounced back in impressive fashion by putting Hectorville to the sword in a 91-point thumping last Saturday.
After an elimination final exit last year, Pooraka is looming as a definite contender in the fifth tier with the likes of Kye Vandermoer, Luke Buckby, Ronald Rankine and Frank Timpano leading the way.
ELIZABETH
2020: 5-4
2021: 5-0
Elizabeth has undoubtedly been the surprise packet in division six on the back of its five-straight victories to begin the campaign.
The Eagles, who missed the finals by percentage last year, have already knocked off Para Hills, Blackfriars Old Scholars and Mawson Lakes by more than 50 points.
The last two rounds they have ground out tight victories over St Paul’s Old Scholars and Ingle Farm.
A big clash looms this Saturday against Trinity Old Scholars, which is also undefeated, before a bye in round seven.
Joel Foster, one of the Eagles’ best last season, has been a standout so far
As has Jarad Clinton, who has booted 19 goals in four games.
GREENACRES
2020: N/A
2021: 4-1
It was difficult to split two clubs for the most improved in division seven this season but – following their clash against each other on Saturday – the decision was made.
Not many knew what to expect from Greenacres after the northern club sat out the 2020 season.
However the Dragons are back with a vengeance.
Their biggest statement of the season came on Saturday when they hit the road to take on highly-fancied Central United, which has also turned heads after claiming the wooden spoon last year.
The Dragons came from a goal down at three quarter time to defeat the wayward Units by 10 points at Mofflin Reserve.
Both sides now hold 4-1 records and will be expected to be there when the whips are cracking.
Greenacres’ sole loss for the season so far came in round one when they lost a 19.16 (124) to 18.10 (118) shootout to reigning premier Brahma Lodge.
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