Can Tanunda turn tables? Seven games to watch in the bush and the suburbs across South Australia this weekend

A grand final rematch in the Barossa, unbeaten ladder leaders face challengers in Southern, Great Flinders and Pt Lincoln leagues and Athelstone raises funds for MND. Here’s some of the best local footy games to watch around the state this weekend.

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A grand final rematch in the Barossa, unbeaten ladder leaders face challengers in Southern, Great Flinders and Pt Lincoln leagues and Athelstone raises funds for MND. Here’s some of the best local footy games to watch around the state this weekend.

Barossa, Light and Gawler

Nuriootpa Rover v Tanunda

Nuriootpa, Saturday @ 2.20pm

Nuriootpa Rover beat fierce rival Tanunda in all four attempts in 2018, including the all-important grand final. But the Magpies will go into Saturday’s rematch at Tigerland as a raging favourite to turn the tables.

Dean Terlich’s well-balanced side is flying and has had an unbeaten start to the season. Henry Slattery’s Tigers are yet to hit their peak but remain just percentage off third place with five wins. South Gawler and Willaston complete a big round of local derbies.

Happy Sunday, Tiger fans.

Posted by Barossa Light & Gawler Football Association on Saturday, 22 September 2018

Noarlunga captain Tom Caudle celebrates a goal with teammate Reece Martell in the win against Flagstaff Hill. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

Southern Football League

Christies Beach v Noarlunga

Christies Beach, Saturday June 15, 2.30pm

Southern Football League games are also back after a competition-wide bye last weekend to make way for the SFL v GSFL association matches.

What better way to return to the action than with a clash between top-placed Noarlunga and third-ranked Christies Beach?

The Saints’ undefeated record game to a crashing halt a fortnight ago when they were well beaten by Flagstaff Hill.

That has left Noarlunga as the only team with an unblemished record after eight rounds.

Christies will be hoping to be the first side to knock off the Shoes when they battle this Saturday.

Great Flinders

Tumby Bay v United Yeelanna

Tumby Bay, Saturday @

The league’s top two teams face off for the second time this season hot on the heels of Great Flinders’ long weekend victory in the Mortlock Shield where gun Eagles midfielder Xavier Watson took out the Bampton Medal as carnival’s best player.

The Eagles were far too good in Round 2, running out 63 point winners at Karkoo. But the Blues are on the up and have won the past four on the trot. Could they cause a boilover and inflict the Eagles’ first loss since the 2017 grand final?

Great Southern

Willunga v Strathalbyn

Willunga, Saturday @ 2.30pm

It might be second versus sixth but just one win and percentage separates these two sides and this clash could provide one of the highlights of the season.

Marc Elliott has been in ripping form for Strath which has kicked some big scores on the way to winning three in a row. The Demons have also been on a hot streak and have won their past five, including a gusty win against then-ladder leader Victor Harbor before the interleague weekend break.

These rivals always ensure high drama when they meet, with the logjam at the top of table, every win could prove vital at season’s end.

Athelstone legend Chris Grigg was diagnosed with MND in April last year. Picture AAP ROY VANDERVEGT

Adelaide Footy League

Division Two

Athelstone v Sacred Heart Old Collegians

Max Amber Sportsfield, Saturday @ 2.15pm

The Adelaide Footy League returns after a competition-wide break last weekend for the SA v Queensland association match where the Croweaters triumphed.

The division two clash between Athelstone and Sacred Heart is one not to miss as the two clubs join the fight against motor neurone disease.

Players from both sides will wear special blue socks to raise money for research into the disease, which has no effective treatment or cure.

The clash was set to have extra meaning for Athelstone after club great Chris Grigg — dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg’s father — who was diagnosed with MND in April last year.

Athelstone organised a special FightMND fundraising round last year when it played Tea Tree Gully.

The clubs purchased beanies and fundraised post match, raising more than $40,000.

For more information, the FightMND website is fightmdn.org.au

Division Four

SMOSH West Lakes v Woodville South

West Lakes Shore Oval, Saturday @ 2.15pm

This will be a good old-fashion battle between not only local rivals but also with first and second on the ladder

SMOSH West Lakes is top with a 7-1 record and will be looking to extend their winning streak to five in a row after triumphing in the past four consecutive matches.

The Cats are two wins behind the Lions but have a superior percentage and will be desperate for a victory to close the gap.

SMOSH’s Cohen Mattner is also the competition’s second leading goal kicker with 24.

He is six majors behind the leader Adam Proud (Walkerville) and would be looking to boot a bag in this weekend’s game.

Port Lincoln

Marble Range v Tasman

Wangary Oval @ 2.40pm, Saturday

Tasman is unbeaten for the year and in outstanding form, making this the test of the year for second-placed Marble Range.

The Rangers went down by eight points to the Roosters in Round 2, but this time get their home deck.

If he passes a fitness test, this could develop into a nice shootout between league-leading goalkicker Johann Wagner (27 goals) and Rangers’ Tynan Keeley who sits in second on 18.