10 things we learned in local SA footy round two revealed
The 2023 Adelaide Footy League division one runner-up has announced itself as a top contender again this year with another convincing win. See the 10 things we learned across SA’s country and suburban competitions this weekend.
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Round two of this season’s local SA footy action saw a number of star performances and tight finishes across the state’s suburban and country competitions as clubs continue to battle for early bragging rights.
Here are the 10 things we learned from Saturday’s action.
RAMS A TOP CONTENDER IN 2024
Glenunga has announced itself as one of the top teams in division one early in the season after a second consecutive win to begin its 2024 campaign, the Rams topping Broadview 17.11 (113) to 10.6 (66) at home.
Coach Nathan Grima wanted his side to produce higher scores this season and would have been happy with Saturday’s return as star onballer Abe Davis, key forward Fletcher Wisman (five goals) and versatile utility Michael McMahon (three goals) dominated the affair.
The win sees the Rams move to the top of the ladder after the first two rounds and should be a sign of things to come as the new-look side looks to make amends for its grand final loss last year.
HEARTS HAVE TICKER
Sacred Heart OC held firm at the death to beat a fast-starting Payneham Norwood Union side at home by a score of 12.7 (79) to 12.3 (75) and move to 2-0 after the first two rounds of Adelaide Footy League action.
Hearts held firm in the contest and at the back all day to stay within breathing distance of the Falcons and managed to run over the top of the visitors in the third and fourth term, booting a late major to go two kicks up before a consolation goal for PNU.
Playing-coach Alex Cailotto was at his best throughout the contest for his home side, rucking consistently and also having an impact up front.
KOOKABURRAS FLY FOR FIRST DIV ONE WIN
Golden Grove made up for its round one loss to Payneham Norwood Union this weekend to defeat St Peter’s OC 16.10 (106) to 10.19 (79) at home and claim its first ever division one victory.
The affair was a tight one through the first half with both sides moving the ball quickly and creating opportunities in front of goal, but the reigning div two premier would soon click into gear and pull away with the game by booting six goals to one in the third term.
Kookaburras superstar Cam Shenton produced a characteristically strong performance in the contest to be named best on ground, while Lewis Johnston, Mitch Slater and Lachie Pascoe – who booted five goals – were also influential.
PORT SHOWS RESILIENCE
Port District won a dramatic clash against Tea Tree Gully after the siren on Saturday, with Liam Firns booting the winning goal after the siren to give his side the 11.13 (78) to 10.13 (73) win away from home.
It was a goal-for-goal affair for four quarters with star players standing up for both sides and Tea Tree Gully holding the ascendancy for most of the second half, but a last minute rebound attack by the visitors and a subsequent holding the ball decision in their forward 50 resulted in the winning major after the siren.
Scott Lycett, Sam Gray, Joey Haines and Jason Nyskohus in his 150th game were all standouts for the Magpies who now move to 2-0.
MAJOR DANGER FOR EAGLES
Elizabeth has lost by a combined deficit of 594 points to begin the division six AdFL season, the Eagles falling to St Paul’s OS 40.25 (265) to 1.5 (11) at home after a 340-point loss against Eastern Park in round one.
The results could be a sign of the worst for the Eagles who have entered the 2024 season with a weaker list since being relegated to div six after season 2023.
The club will be hoping it can keep its senior footy program intact through the entire year.
Sean Gibbs was the leading goalkicker for St Paul’s OS with eight.
ROVERS SET FOR REVENGE TOUR
Renmark got its 2024 season off to a bang in round one of the Riverland FL, defeating reigning premier Barmera Monash 9.9 (63) to 4.4 (28) away from home.
The Rovers would have had revenge on their minds after falling to the Roos in last season’s big dance and played with a chip on their shoulder through the four quarters.
The hosts were without forward Jono Beech and Renmark took advantage at the back, dominating against the opposition forwardline and creating plenty of fruitful attacks on the rebound.
Reigning Mail Medallist Dan Woolford was at his best in the contest to win best on ground honours.
VICTOR EARLY FLAG FAVOURITE
Victor Harbor backed up last week’s impressive win over Strathalbyn this weekend with a strong 10.12 (72) to 7.8 (50) win over reigning back-to-back premier McLaren in the Great Southern FL.
The Roos, who are still without superstar signing Bryce Gibbs, were led by another dominant Ben Heaslip display through the middle, while Sam Overall was also at his best, creating plenty of opportunities by linking up with mids and forwards and also hitting the scoreboard for three majors.
The result would have put the rest of the competition on notice in the early-going this season.
MUNDULLA STILL TOP, KYBY THE REAL DEAL
2023 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL runner-up Mundulla moved to 2-0 on the season on Saturday but were made to earn it by a reinvigorated Kybybolite, winning out 12.11 (83) to 11.4 (70).
Jake McGrice was at his best for the hosts in the middle and around the ground as they overcame a 10-point deficit in the final term while holding their visitor scoreless to seal the win.
While Kybybolite would be disappointed with its fourth quarter performance, the club has seen a dramatic turnaround in performances early this season after finishing bottom in 2023, with star signings Jack Trengove and Andrew Bradley dominating through the middle.
LIONS TEAM TO BEAT IN THE BAROSSA
Reigning BLGFA premier South Gawler followed up its round one 64-54 win over Nuriootpa with a convincing 17.8 (110) to 11.12 (78) win over Kapunda away from home to remain the competition’s only undefeated side in the early season.
With Mail Medallist Steve Burton, dominant key position player Patrick White and impressive onballer Flynn Pisani all at their best, the Lions were on top throughout the entire game.
The side will be tough to beat this season and has so far showed why it is the flag favourite again.
CROWS OFF TO FLYER IN YP
CMS Crows continued its strong start to the Yorke Peninsula FL season with an impressive 9.7 (61) to 6.6 (42) win over Moonta at home.
Star signing Finn Betterman has been a standout for the side since joining from PHOS Camden and the former Bays player was influential again through the middle as the hosts controlled the contest and held the Demons goalless through the entire first half to run away with the game.
The win ensures the Crows remain at the top of the ladder, ahead of reigning premier Kadina on percentage.
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