Adelaide Footy League: Wakefield Sports Clinic Division 7 Round 4 preview

A LOSS of players has forced Prince Alfred OC cut its sides in the Wakefield Sports Clinic division seven and division seven reserves competitions.

A LOSS of players over the summer has made it difficult for Prince Alfred OC to maintain five teams in the Adelaide Footy League this year – especially its two sides in the Wakefield Sports Clinic Division seven and division seven reserves.

The club has removed those two sides and will instead field its fourth side in the Schweppes C4 for the rest of the season.

A large influx of players to the club in 2016 resulted in team numbers rising to six but they have sadly dropped off this year and therefore in compliance with the league, it had no choice but to cut back and lower one side’s ranking.

This is even more disappointing in light of the success Prince Alfred OC has experienced over the past couple of seasons, especially at the top level.

However, the division seven competition will continue as usual this weekend with Flinders University gaining some much needed confidence moving ahead from its thorough 83-point drubbing of the Reds last week.

The Crabs will look to build on that momentum when visiting St Pauls OS for round four on Saturday.

Tom Shaw, Ben Rayner, Josh Nitschke and Zac Matthews must keep their work rate up to overcome the Saints.

This is another telling fixture as to the make-up of the top five with both sides in contention for the vital fifth spot.

St Pauls OS went down to North Pines (14 points) in a tight physical contest last week.

Tjerayh Ware, Daniel Brockman, Cooper Sharp and Michael Skinner from the Redbacks will hope to keep their winning ways going when meeting northern rival Central United on Saturday.

Mitchell Park rose to the top of the ladder following a hefty 93-point victory over the Bulldogs.

Steven Logan, Brett Parker, Lachlan Pike and Adam Morris highlighted the impression they wish to make on the competition this year.

The Lions will face their toughest contest of the season so far against Adelaide University on Saturday.

The Blacks showed that they must still be considered amongst the top fancies after their strong 28-point win over fellow contender Tea Tree Gully.

They even achieved it away at the Gullies cauldron at Pertaringa Oval which can bury the best of sides.

Darragh Coughlan, Tom Milton, Dominic Davis and Michael Leslie must match Mitchell Park’s high intensity this week.

Para Hills, along with the Lions, remain the only undefeated sides after showing it has genuine aspirations to the title, beating previous front runner Adelaide Lutheran last week.

The Big Reds leapt to an early advantage and never gave their opposition a clear sight, winning by an irretrievable 31 points.

Ryan Rebbeck, David Smith, Ian Pryor and Brenton McEwen were all class in the high-quality encounter and can rest up again to prepare for their next match after a bye.

On the other hand, the Bulldogs will be eager to regain their vigour as will their opponent’s Tea Tree Gully so a thrilling contest can be assured here this week.