Top local SA footy finals and players to watch revealed
SA footy fans are itching for their weekly fix with the AFL finals bye upon us, so we’ve picked the top local SA finals games and players to watch this Saturday.
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Local footy finals are heating up across SA with a number of clubs battling it out for grand final positions this weekend.
Fans across the state will be itching for their footy fix on Saturday with the AFL finals bye now upon us, so we’ve picked the top local games and players to watch.
ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE
Division one first qualifying final – Sacred Heart OC vs Port District at Sacred Heart Senior School Oval, Saturday, 2.15pm
Sacred Heart OC – Seb Kerrish: Kerrish is enjoying another strong season for Sacred Heart OC along the flanks, damaging sides with his intercept ability and effective run and carry, and will be a key cog in his side’s line-up against Port District.
Port District – Matt Rose: Ditters will have a star-studded line-up on Saturday but Rose has the potential to break the game open for the visitors with his attack on the footy and smart disposal.
Set to be one of the must-watch games this weekend, the division one first qualifying final could give spectators a sneak peek at one of the grand final sides this year.
Both Port District and SHOC have produced strong seasons and should be able to push top spot Glenunga all the way in the second qualifying final next Saturday.
Division two second qualifying final – Salisbury North vs Rostrevor OC at Salisbury North Oval, Saturday, 2.15pm
Salisbury North – Jake Johansen: A skilled and athletic player who can break any game wide open for the Hawks, Johansen has been at his best this year to produce a number of top displays up front and in the contest.
Rostrevor OC – James Warton: A workhorse at the contest who wins important possessions for ROCS and can also provide important run and carry outside of stoppage, Warton has arguably been division two’s top player this year.
A matchup between the top two sides for a spot in the grand final, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Both sides have a win over the other at home, meaning the rested Hawks will be the favourite to win what should be a high quality affair.
BAROSSA, LIGHT AND GAWLER FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Second semi final – Tanunda vs Willaston at Freeling Football Oval, Saturday, 2.20pm
Tanunda – Sam Colquhoun: The former Sturt and Port Adelaide gun continues to dominate as Tanunda playing-coach, often taking over games with his skill and ball-winning ability through the middle and up front.
Willaston – Isaya McKenzie: A star recruit for the Donnybrooks this season, McKenzie has won his side a number of games through his powerful play in the contest and ability to finish for goal.
The top two BLG sides of 2024 will clash in this weekend’s second semi final with a grand final spot up for grabs and with both clubs fielding close to full strength line-ups, this game will be must-watch.
The Magpies, led by Colquhoun and dominant forward Shay Linke, will be aiming to bounce back from their round 11 loss to Willaston, while the Donnybrooks will be feeling confident after a strong minor round.
Expect a tightly contested and high pressure game of finals footy.
GREAT FLINDERS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Second semi final – Lock vs United Yeelanna at Poochera Oval, Saturday, 2.30pm
Lock – Kory Beard: The Roos playing-coach is one of the top players in SA country footy and can dominate in a number of roles including in the ruck, up front or behind the ball.
United Yeelanna – Xavier Watson: A star through a number of years for United Yeelanna, Watson usually saves his best performances for the biggest games and can do major damage to opposition with his clever distribution.
Lock has been a much-improved side in the GFFL this season but still faces a massive challenge this weekend when it faces league power United Yeelanna.
The Eagles have won the last five premierships and will like their chances against the Roos but will need to keep a close eye on playing-coach Kory Beard, who should be a major shout for the Mail Medal this season.
HILLS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
First qualifying final – Nairne Bremer vs Mt Lofty at German Arms Oval (Hahndorf), Saturday, 2.30pm
Nairne Bremer – Lachlan May: One of the best defensive players in SA country footy, May has produced one of his best years for the Rams with his ability to lock down a number of forwards and distribute efficiently.
Mt Lofty – Tyson Hone: A tough and crafty player on the ball, Hone has been brilliant for the Devils this year and could very well give his side the upper hand against the favoured Rams on Saturday.
Hahndorf will be watching this exciting clash closely with the winner set to take on the undefeated Magpies in the second semi final next week.
The Rams have hit top gear in recent weeks after the return of star ruck Brock Knott and remain a defensive force in the HFL, while Mt Lofty has been capable of producing seamless attacking sequences against some of the league’s top sides.
KOWREE NARACOORTE TATIARA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Second qualifying final – Kybybolite vs Keith at Keith Oval, Saturday, 2.10pm
Kybybolite – Andrew Bradley: Bradley has helped to transform Kyby into a legit premiership contender alongside star teammate Jack Trengove this year and will be integral to any success the Tigers have on Saturday with his relentless attack in the contest and reliable disposal.
Keith – Aaron Young: The former Magarey Medallist has been dominant since his arrival at the Crows this season and remains a major threat on the ball and in front of goal.
Lewis Hender, Aaron Young, Cameron Craig, Jack Trengove and Andrew Bradley are just some of the big names who will feature during this Saturday’s mouth watering matchup between Kybybolite and Keith.
Despite finishing top the Tigers will essentially play an away game against the Crows as it aims for a grand final berth, with the affair being scheduled at Keith Oval.
They will be battling to continue a remarkable turnaround story after finishing bottom last season, while the Crows are also hungry to go the distance after falling short a number of times in recent seasons.
PORT LINCOLN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Second semi final – Marble Range vs Lincoln South at Centenary Oval, Saturday, 2.40pm
Marble Range – Daniel Minney: Minney has been Marble Range’s best player all season, leading his side to an undefeated minor round campaign through tough work on the ball and effective distribution.
Lincoln South – Zane Montgomerie: The Lincoln South captain often does damage with his run and carry through the contest and
will be highly important if his side is to upset the league leader.
Marble Range will be hungry to outdo reigning premier Lincoln South this weekend and book a spot in this year’s big dance after losing to the Eagles by a kick in the 2023 grand final.
The side currently boasts an undefeated 2024 record but will need to be at its best to top what is still a strong Lincoln South outfit.
The Eagles will be looking for big performances from playing-coach Johann Wagner up front and workhorse Zane Montgomerie.
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