Adelaide Footy League match reports round five: Glenunga tops Tea Tree Gully in third straight win
A new div one club won its third game on the trot, while two star forwards clashed in a thrilling draw. Read all division reports from the Adelaide Footy League.
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Round five of the Adelaide Footy League season is complete with the competition’s in-form teams continuing where they left off in round four.
There were big wins, thrillers and a nailbiting draw on Saturday across all seven divisions as clubs came together to raise mental health awareness during Breakthrough Community Round.
Here are The Messenger’s reports from every division in round five:
DIVISION ONE
Glenunga coach Nathan Grima said he was thrilled for his team after it secured its third straight division one win in an 11.6 (72) to 8.9 (57) display against Tea Tree Gully on Saturday.
The Rams have put together a strong run of form since losing their first two games in 2022 and have gradually become a formidable defensive unit, notably at home.
The side held Gullies to just four majors after quarter-time in the weekend’s clash and now sit in the division’s top two, just under Port District.
“Guys have really matured so far this year – they’re well-drilled and they’ve got some great team synergy at the moment,” Grima said.
“We really pride ourselves on the way we play and set up at home and I’m super happy for the guys after Saturday.”
Tea Tree Gully started strongest, booting four goals in the first 10 minutes and heading into the first break up eight points.
Glenunga soon settled into its game plan however and with the help of Zac Smith managed to quell the influence of the opposition forwardline led by Tyler West, Brodie Latham and Ryan Spittle.
“We back our team structures in defence to make us competitive every week,” Grima said.
“We’re averaging a league-best 58 points against per week which is really positive and we’re now managing to improve on the scoring end as well.
“Zac Smith was super important in defence for us during the game and I thought the team fed off the energy down back.”
Forward Michael McMahon also continued his strong start to the season with three majors, the star target having Rams fans excited for the remainder of the season to play out.
“Michael has had an exceptional start to the year – he’s as good as any state league forward I’ve seen,” Grima said.
“We’re really happy with how we’re performing as a whole at the moment and I think we have a lot of potential to really challenge teams so hopefully we can continue that trajectory.”
Fellow promoted side Old Ignatians managed to record its third straight win as well, defeating Brighton 7.13 (55) to 10.11 (71) at Brighton Oval.
Brayden De Prinse again impressed down back as Iggies took over early, while Bradley Jones also produced with two majors.
Port District moved top with a convincing 10.12 (72) to 4.4 (28) win over Payneham Norwood Union at home, holding its opposition to just one behind in the third term.
Sam Gray was at the top of his game for Port, kicking two goals up front and also creating for his teammates.
Rostrevor OC also recorded its third win of the season, defeating Prince Alfred OC by 20 points at home 11.15 (81) to 9.7 (61).
The hosts had seven separate goalkickers for their 11 goals, with Lewis McCormack leading the way to kick three.
Kyle Kirk was dominant for Goodwood as the Saints topped St Peter’s OC 9.10 (64) to 12.14 (86) away.
The target forward had two goals and a number of goal assists as the visitors used a big second half to emerge victorious.
DIVISION TWO
North Haven defeated Athelstone in the headliner clash for division two on Saturday, quelling a late Raggies run to win 9.10 (64) to 9.6 (60).
The Magpies led by two goals at three-quarter time of the contest, and managed to boot an all-important single goal during the fourth to edge a thrilling win.
Alexander Stidiford was the standout for North Haven, dominating on the ball, while Jack Foster led on the scoreboard with three majors.
Sacred Heart OC marked its Breakthrough Community Round game at home with a convincing 17.6 (108) to 4.8 (32) win over Henley.
Alex Cailotto was at his best for SHOC in the ruck, giving his midfielders first use and also recording a major.
Tristan Carcuro was also strong with five goals, while Oscar Lovelock added four.
Adelaide Uni achieved its first win of the year, holding on to an eight-point 8.11 (59) to 10.7 (67) win over PHOS Camden at Camden Oval.
The Blacks got off to a fast start but only led by three points by three-quarter time.
Thomas Unger was inspirational for the visitors, while Finn Betterman had a team-best three goals.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Broadview 17.8 (110) d Unley Mercedes Jets 7.7 (49)
- Gaza 19.9 (123) d Salisbury North 11.7 (73)
DIVISION THREE
SMOSH West Lakes was centimetres away from a remarkable comeback victory over Edwardstown but fell short, losing 5.15 (45) to 6.14 (50) at home.
Towns were dominant in the first three terms and led by 20 points at the final break after some accurate goal kicking by Phil Hopton, who had three majors.
The hosts charged home late though, kicking two goals and six behinds to just three behinds for Edwardstown in the final term to go down by a single kick.
Aaron Anderson was best on ground for the visitors.
Westminster OS and Scotch OC also played out a thriller, with Scotch booting four goals to three behinds in the final term to lose by an agonising three points – 12.12 (84) to 12.9 (81).
Aaron Fielke led the Dragons to an 81-55 three-quarter time lead with his four majors, but a spirited Scotch outfit made it a nailbiter thanks to the efforts of Jed Obst who had three goals.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Modbury 23.10 (148) d Morphettville Park 11.12 (78)
- Flinders Park 20.11 (131) d CBC OC 7.3 (45)
- Golden Grove 21.11 (137) d Seaton Ramblers 7.3 (45)
DIVISION FOUR
Pembroke OS bounced back from its big round four loss to Walkerville with a 16.9 (105) to 6.10 (46) win over Woodville South on Saturday.
Alex Forster had five majors as the Kings got off to a fast start and never looked back, holding their visitors scoreless in the final term.
Henry Read was also a standout for the hosts with his ability to make a contest and win the ball being a major factor in the win.
Walkerville remained top with a 17.10 (112) to 10.13 (73) win against Pooraka at Walkerville oval.
Adam Proud’s spectacular year continued for the Cats as he added eight goals to his season tally of 35 goals in five games.
Sean Kuerschner was another top performer for the hosts, adding three goals.
Hope Valley and Portland played out a dramatic draw in Hope Valley, the hosts dropping a 26-point half-time lead for a resulting 15.14 (104) to 16.8 (104) scoreline.
Daniel Nobes was again dominant up front for Hope Valley with six goals, but the home side will rue its missed opportunities as a seven-goal Lindsay Thomas performance led Portland back for a split of the points.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Plympton 13.17 (95) d Kenilworth 5.7 (37)
- Mitcham 19.14 (128) d Pulteney 8.9 (57)
DIVISION FIVE
Elizabeth’s division five dominance continued on Saturday in a 5.15 (45) to 11.8 (74) win against Kilburn at Blair Athol Reserve.
The Eagles led all day and dug deep defensively to hold Kilburn to just five majors for the game, despite the inaccuracy of the hosts.
Michael Vidal controlled the game through the middle for the visitors, while Riley Mitchell recorded four majors.
Eastern Park moved back into the top four with a 15.8 (98) to 13.12 (90) victory over Blackfriars OS at home.
The hosts led throughout the game’s entirety but the visitors clawed back to within two points at the final break.
The Demons resisted the surge though, extending their lead to two kicks in the final term to claim the points.
Anthony Burgoyne (five) and Shawn Mansell (four) combined for nine goals in the win.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Lockleys 14.14 (98) d Gepps Cross 8.15 (63)
- Colonel Light Gardens 21.19 (145) d Salisbury 8.2 (50)
- Hectorville 14.18 (102) d St Pauls OS 6.6 (42)
DIVISION SIX
West Croydon continued its run of form with a 101 point win over Para Hills at home, 25.14 (164) to 9.9 (63).
The Hawks booted nine goals to three in the third quarter on their way to a massive win, with Luke Woodcock, Dion Doolan and Fred Agius kicking five majors apiece.
Trinity OS remained undefeated to start 2022, overcoming Fitzroy in a 17.9 (121) to 8.3 (51) result.
The Lions had complete ascendancy from the first bounce, with Jordan Smith proving too much to handle on the ball.
Fitzroy also had no answer for Bailey Puvogal and Domenico Barilla, the pair slotting home eight majors between them.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Rosewater 16.12 (108) d Ingle Farm 3.9 (27)
- Central United 14.7 (91) d Marion 9.9 (63)
DIVISION SEVEN
A thrilling top of the ladder clash saw Greenacres grab a 11.14 (80) to 12.5 (77) win against Adelaide Lutheran close to the death.
The matchup was neck-and-neck throughout, the Dragons trailing by two points at three-quarter time.
While Lutheran missed two set-shots in front of goal, Greenacres kicked one goal and one behind to claim the win.
Matt Gibson, Matt Kemp and Simon Treloar had three goals apiece in the dramatic victory.
Houghton Districts held on to third spot on the ladder as it won 10.12 (72) to 5.12 (42) over Mawson Lakes.
The hosts held Mawson Lakes goalless in the first and fourth quarters on their way to a dominant win.
Cameron Schutz was the star of the day, producing a terrific performance in the middle of the park.
OTHER RESULTS:
- O’Sullivan Beach Lonsdale 12.11 (83) d Flinders University 9.16 (70)
- Hackham 10.15 (75) d Mitchell Park 1.6 (12)
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