10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed
A division one Adelaide Footy League battler stormed home to claim a dramatic upset win as it looks to avoid relegation this season. See the 10 things we learned in SA’s country and suburban footy competitions this weekend.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Another round of spectacular local SA footy action is done and dusted, with a number of dramatic finishes, standout individual performances and special occasions highlighting the weekend’s action.
Here are the 10 things we learned across the state’s country and suburban competitions.
BOMBERS FLY TO KEY WIN
Brighton may have turned its season around with a dramatic one-point win over Tea Tree Gully at home.
The Bombers, who had won just one game heading into its round seven clash with the Gullies, led 58-57 during the final break of what was an even contest and managed to boot two goals and a game-winning point at the 20-minute mark courtesy of Thomas Welsby to claim a 10.12 (72) to 20.11 (71) win.
Ty Murphy, Otis Carthy and Will Rivers were the standouts for the hosts, while Jack Francis, Tim Dickson, Ricky O’Loughlin-Johncock and Tom Welsby all had multiple goals.
Brighton remains at the bottom of div one but is now level on points with SPOC and Golden Grove.
SAINTS KEEP MARCHING
St Peter’s OC recorded its biggest win of the year to remain above Brighton on the ladder, defeating Broadview 18.10 (118) to 8.10 (58) away from home.
The Saints were on top from the outset, with James Higgins, Malachy Carruthers, Tye Bedford and captain Ed Allan all dominating the contest in the middle and up front.
Bedford booted five majors after recording just two goals through his first two appearances this season, while Nic Michaels added four.
The win could be a major one for the Saints who are currently just in the relegation zone.
RAMS RESIST HEARTS ONSLAUGHT
Glenunga remains as the team to beat in the top flight of the AdFL after resisting an inspired Sacred Heart OC comeback at Webb Oval to win 8.2 (50) to 6.9 (45) in a top of the ladder clash.
Captain Abe Davis and young gun halfback/winger Charlie Pridham were the standouts for the Rams as they held firm at the back and in the contest to secure another dramatic win under coach Nathan Grima.
SHOC playing-coach Alex Cailotto was inspirational for his side in the final term, racking up nearly 10 disposals and booting two goals to almost drag his team back to an upset victory.
The result sees Glenunga remain undefeated at 7-0 while Hearts now sit with a 5-2 record.
GOODWOOD BUILDS MOMENTUM IN TRIBUTE GAME
Goodwood and PHOS Camden played out an entertaining affair on a day dedicated to both Chris Buss and Charlie Stevens.
The two clubs came together last week to rename a trophy originally named after Buss, who played for the Phantoms, and tribute the late Charlie Stevens, who played for Goodwood.
Both teams battled valiantly for the Chris Buss-Charlie Stevens Memorial Trophy, with the Saints claiming the honours at home in a 10.8 (68) to 6.10 (46) win.
The hosts built an early 20-point lead behind the standout play of former West Adelaide onballer Kaine Stevens and never looked back.
Saints coach Ben Johnston was presented with the trophy by Charlie’s parents, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma.
ROOS A CONTENDER IN DIV FOUR
Morphettville Park won its fourth consecutive game to announce itself as an early contender in division four, defeating finals side Hectorville 12.5 (77) to 9.13 (67) at home.
The Roos were led by captain Alex Barns as he dominated in the ruck and around the ground through the four quarters, while Sam Walker was also a standout with his ability to thwart relentless Hounds attacks.
Jack McDermott was also important up front with three goals as the hosts kicked two goals to none in the final term to claim the victory and move to fourth on the ladder.
RIGNEY KEEPS ROLLING, WEETRA GOES 10 BETTER
OSB Lonsdale veteran and local SA footy legend Trevor Rigney has continued his brilliant start to the season with a 10-goal performance against Smithfield in a 37.24 (246) to 6.5 (41) division seven win for the Lions.
Rigney was at his best throughout the clash, taking a number of high flying grabs and finishing goals from anywhere in and around the forward 50.
He was outdone by Para Hills goal sneak Daniel Weetra however, who booted a huge 20 goals in a 37.19 (241) to 0 thrashing of Mitchell Park in the same division.
Weetra now sits on 64 goals after seven games while Rigney has 39 in seven.
BARMERA MONASH RFL FRONTRUNNER
Reigning RFL premier Barmera Monash has emerged as the favourite for the flag this season after defeating league powerhouse Renmark 9.4 (58) to 4.8 (32) away from home.
The visitors were without star forward Jono Beech but it did not matter as key utility Mason Middleton produced one of his best performances of the season so far in the ruck and up front.
Fraser Sampson and Jack Austin were also important for the side with two goals each.
CROWS FLYING IN YPFL
CMS Crows continued its hot start to the 2024 Yorke Peninsula FL season with a convincing 16.13 (109) to 10.8 (68) win over reigning premier Kadina.
The hosts led by just five points at the main break but would boot 10 goals to just four in the second half to claim the points.
Superstar midfielder and former dual Mail Medallist Murphy Short was at his best for the Crows through the middle, while Kai Newbold (five goals) and Angus Glazbrook (four goals) were instrumental up front.
The club now sits clear at the top of the ladder with Moonta in second.
WESTERN UNITED RECORDS HISTORIC RESULT
Western United remained undefeated to start the Western Eyre FL season with what could be a record 50.23 (323) to 0.2 (2) win over West Coast Hawks on Saturday.
The Tigers had a remarkable 15 separate goalkickers as they completely tore apart their visitors out of the middle and up front from start to finish.
Captain Todd Hoffrichter was unstoppable in the contest, while Dwayne Ettridge booted 12 majors to lead all goalkickers.
The club sits at the top of the league with a percentage of 88.15, while the Hawks remain second bottom with a 1-5 record.
TIGERS ON TOP IN KNTFL
Kybybolite has added another chapter to its remarkable turnaround story this year with a big 17.14 (116) to 9.7 (61) win over Kingston to move to the top of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League ladder.
Former Glenelg and Prince Alfred OC star Andrew Bradley was instrumental through the middle again for the Tigers as they controlled proceedings out of the middle, while co-captain Billy Laurie was a machine in the forwardline with seven goals.
The victory highlights what has been a drastic turnaround for the club, which finished bottom of the league last season with just two wins.
Adelaide Footy League club lands superstar signing for 2025
A local SA footy star and former SANFL captain and premiership player has joined an Adelaide Footy League club on the rise for season 2025.
Read more
Bartel’s best: Saints legend lists top teammates, opponents in stellar career
A Goodwood Saints legend has looked back on his career and picked his top opponents and teammates after being named as the top Adelaide Footy League player of the 21st Century.
Read more