10 things we learned in local SA footy round five revealed
A newly promoted division one Adelaide Footy League side recorded a major upset over a flag favourite to get its season back on track. See the 10 things we learned in local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Another entertaining round of local SA footy is done and dusted, with star players producing dominant performances and the state’s top local sides recording important wins.
Here are the 10 things we learned across country and suburban competitions.
GOLDEN GROVE IN A GROOVE
Star onballer Jake Pitman was at his brilliant best as Golden Grove won an upset in division one of the Adelaide Footy League with a 10.6 (66) to 6.5 (41) victory over Port District at Largs Bay.
The Kookaburras produced a dominant defensive display, holding a tough Ditters side scoreless in the third term to set up the win.
The win sees Luke Barmby’s men move up to sixth on the ladder, just outside finals on percentage, with a tough season start now a distant memory.
Michael Cavallaro was also a standout for the visitors, booting three majors to lead all goalkickers.
HEARTS KEEP BEATING THEIR OPPO
Sacred Heart Old Collegians kept its undefeated start to the season rolling with an impressive 11.9 (75) to 9.4 (58) win over Broadview away from home.
The side came from eight points down to grab the win in the final term, holding the Tigers scoreless for the entire quarter.
Star playing-coach utility Alex Cailotto booted two goals for his team, while Henry McAuliffe (two) and Jackson Fox (three) had five majors between them.
Seb Kerrish was the standout player for Hearts, dominating with his ability to read the play and cut-off attacks, while also setting teammates up with elite disposal.
HAWKS SEND A MESSAGE
Salisbury North made a statement in division two of the AdFL with a huge 27.19 (181) to 7.3 (45) win over Edwardstown away from home.
The Hawks have produced one of the best starts to a season in club history this year and were on fire early, booting 10 goals toi two in the second term to build an insurmountable lead.
Club superstar Jake Johansen was at his best, booting eight goals, while Anthony Hellebaut added six and Jacob Fisher had five.
The big win sees Salisbury North remain top of the div two ladder with a strong percentage of 66.66.
RAMBLERS ARE ON
Seaton Ramblers made its division three finals case official on Saturday, defeating SMOSH West Lakes 19.21 (135) to 7.4 (46) away from home.
Star midfield/forward utility Kyle Dalidowicz was dominant throughout the four quarters, kicking three goals and setting up even more, while Jordan Dalidowizc had a day out up front with six goals.
The dominant win now has Ramblers sitting in fifth spot in the division, just a point below second.
KNAPP, MANSELL KEEP FIRING
Eastern Park stars Chris Knapp and Shawn Mansell continued their hot start to the season, booting 15 goals between them as the Demons cruised past Rosewater 25.11 (161) to 9.8 (62).
Knapp, who played predominantly in the midfield, had five goals to his name, while Mansell had a whopping 10.
With 49 goals in just five games, Knapp is well on his way towards the 100-mark this year, while Mansell could also be a chance after kicking 29 goals in four games.
MAGPIES TO COMPETE IN BLG
Tanunda has catapulted itself into the top four of the Barossa, Light and Gawler FA with a convincing 23.18 (156) to 9.10 (64) win over Gawler Central.
Superstar player and former Port Adelaide and Sturt gun Sam Colquhoun was at his best in the middle, winning plenty of the footy and dealing to teammates with ease, while Shay Linke (eight goals) and former Double Blue Jake Sutcliffe (five goals) were also dominant.
The Magpies now sit equal on points with third spot Willaston and should remain competitive with the league’s best throughout the season.
JARS HAS COCKLEDIVERS HUMMING
SA footy icon Andrew Jarman coached his Port Noarlunga side to a 5-0 start to the 2024 season on Saturday, the Cockledivers defeating Morphett Vale 12.18 (90) to 10.6 (66) at home in the Southern Football League.
Brodie Smith and Eduard Vandenberg were influential around the ground through all four terms, while Clinton Calyun, Jayden Green and Nick Steele were all important in front of goal.
It has been an impressive start to the year by Jarman and his players, who also defeated league powerhouse Flagstaff Hill in round two.
NO ONE CAN STOP ROOS
Victor Harbor’s 5-0 demolition job in the Great Southern Football League continued on Saturday when the Roos dominated Mount Compass in a 22.11 (143) to 4.10 (34) win away from home.
Star recruit Bryce Gibbs kicked three goals in a midfield and forward role, while fellow recruit Ben Heaslip was too hard for the Bulldogs to stop in the contest.
Reigning Mail Medallist Jesse McKinnon was also a force around the ground.
The Roos remain top of the ladder above Myponga-Sellicks with a percentage of 82.19.
LIONS TOO GOOD FOR CATS
Prop/Risdon continued its hot form in the Spencer Gulf FL with an important 15.9 (99) to 11.10 (76) win over contender Solomontown at home.
The two 2023 grand finalists produced another intense footy affair but the Lions were too good when the game was there to be won, booting four goals to two behinds in the second term and five goals to three in the third term.
Nicholas Kraemer and Jordan Serle were both standouts for the hosts, producing in the middle and up front, while back-to-back league medallist Corey Davey was Solomontown’s best performer.
DEMONS CONTENDERS IN SOUTH EAST
South Gambier looks to be back as a contender in the Limestone Coast Football League, the Demons defeating league power Millicent 11.7 (73) to 9.18 (72) in a thriller at Blue Lake Sports Park.
The hosts took a 19-point lead into the main break but were pegged back in the third by an inspired Billy Shanks and Millicent to lead by just three points at three-quarter-time.
Each side threw its best punch at the game in the final term, but three goals each saw South Gamier claim the result, with some sturdy defence saving the day in the final minutes.
Star names Brayden Kain, Emerson Marks and Mitchell Sims all stood up for the Demons around the ground, while Nelson Forbes, Mason Hein and Ethan Chuck booted two goals each in important performances.
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