The must-watch community footy games around the bush and the suburbs this weekend

Can Nangwarry end the state’s longest losing streak against winless Tantanoola in the battle of the battlers? Plus some huge games in the Hills, Southern, Great Southern, Adelaide Plains and Riverland leagues and a big milestone in Whyalla.

• Premiers, unbeaten Saints set for Southern blockbuster
• Misfiring team kicks 15 consecutive behinds
• Ex-Redlegs bag 14 goals to dominate division one
• Green shoots as Greenock bids to rise from ashes
• Former powerhouse Nangwarry looks to rise up

Can Nangwarry end a five-year losing streak against winless Tantanoola in the battle of the battlers? Plus some big games in the Hills, Southern, Great Southern, Adelaide Plains and Riverland leagues.

Nangwarry footballers Aidan Mills, Joel Virtanen and Trevor Fenn are chasing their first win in five years. Picture: Tom Huntley

Mid South East

Tantanoola v Nangwarry

Tantanoola, Saturday @ 2.10pm

Robe v Hatherleigh

Robe, Saturday @ 2.10pm

Is this the game Nangwarry finally ends its five-year run of losses? The Saints take on winless Tantanoola in the battle of the Mid South East battlers and are on the improve, going from ugly goalless scorelines to managing eight and seven majors in its past couple of outings.

At the other end of the table, reigning premier Robe, which had a dramatic grand final victory in 2018, takes on ladder-leader Hatherleigh, which is yet to drop a game this year. The improved Eagles will look to maintain their early dominance in season 2019 with a victory over the Roosters away.

West Whyalla star Shannon Winders will break a club record this weekend. Picture: Supplied, Jeff Croft

Whyalla

West Whyalla v South Whyalla

Bennett Oval, Saturday @ 2.20pm

This top versus bottom clash is not expected to be much of a contest but will be significant occasion for star West Whyalla veteran Shannon Winders who will smash a Dragons’ record with his 316th A Grade game. The Dragons continue to be the league’s measuring stick and accounted for potential challenger Centrals last week to continue its winning streak while the Demons were cruelly denied their first win of the season in a five-point loss to Roopena. The Demons have a significant milestone of their own next weekend when they celebrate their centenary with a big weekend of events.

Southern

Flagstaff Hill v Christies Beach

Flagstaff Hill Oval, Saturday @ 2.30pm

The stage is set first real Southern Football League blockbuster of 2019 when reigning premier Flagstaff Hill take on the undefeated Christies Beach on Saturday.

The Falcons, who have won the past three premierships, have lost just one match so far this campaign — against Noarlunga in April.

They enter the clash against the Saints after steamrolling Aldinga last weekend.

The Saints had a bye last weekend and were yet to drop a match yet, winning by an average of 76 points.

Both teams have plenty of firepower including Christies’ gun Blake Carter and Flaggies trio Daniel Butcher, Daniel Webb and Sam Smith.

Adelaide Plains

Mallala v Hummocks Watchman Eagles

Mallala, Saturday @ 2.45pm

Second against third. Both Mallala and Hummocks Watchman Eagles are equal on points and the winner of this match will get a big edge in the race to keep pace with ladder-leader Two Wells which takes on lowly Angle Vale this week.

Last season the teams met three times during the minor round matches and Mallala got the better of the Eagles. But it was the Eagles that prevailed when they met in the semi-final and ended Mallala’s season.

Tempers flare during last year’s Hills Division 1 grand final between Hahndorf and Uraidla. Picture: Tom Huntley

Hills

Hahndorf v Uraidla Districts

Hahndorf, Saturday @ 2.30pm

First against third and a replay of last year’s grand final.

These two teams have featured heavily on grand final day in the past decade with Uraidla winning four flags in the past 10 years and Hahndorf three.

Hahndorf smashed Blackwood last week

The Magpies have been dominant in their unbeaten start to the season, belting all-comers for a percentage of 81.29.

The Demons snuck over the line against Lobethal last week and will be looking to make a statement.

Guernseys for Willunga v Victor Harbor indigenous game

Great Southern

Victor Harbor v Willunga

Victor Harbor Oval, Saturday @ 2.30pm

The second Great Southern indigenous game for the season and second for these two clubs.

This is a top-of-the-competition clash with Victor leading the league and coming off an impressive 25-point win against McLaren with former SANFL star Clint Alleway in imposing form.

Willunga was ruthless in a 77-point win against injury-hit Goolwa-Port Elliot that could have been a lot more if not for 21 behinds.

Indigenous Elder Archie Kartinyeri will conduct the ‘Welcome to Country’ and Victor Harbor and Willunga will both wear specially designed jumpers.

Riverland

Renmark v Waikerie

Renmark @ 2.40pm

The 2018 grand final replay. Waikerie has been a force in the RFL in recent seasons and has begun season 2019 in similar fashion by marching to a 5-0 record. Renmark, which claimed premierships in every grade bar the A grade in 2018, will be hoping that depth can help turn the tables on Waikerie in what may be a preview to the 2019 grand final.

Three-peat premiership captain Craig ‘Funky’ Miller will play his 200th A Grade game for the Magpies and after only kicking two last weekend, sharpshooter Daniel Nobes will be keen to crack 50 goals for the season.