OSB Lonsdale set to contend for promotion in Adelaide Footy League season 2024

A rejuvenated Adelaide Footy League side looks set to fight for promotion out of the bottom division for the first time in five years. That and more in this week’s One-Percenters.

Welcome to One-Percenters – a wrap of the talking points from the round in the Adelaide Footy League.

Each edition we will bring you tidbits from the last weekend – they might be eye-catching results, milestones, comebacks, big wins, broken droughts or inspiring stories.

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Here is what caught our attention during round six.

LIONS LOVING START TO 2024

OSB Lonsdale looks set to challenge for promotion out of division seven for the first time since dropping down from div six in 2019.

The Lions have started the 2024 season with a perfect 6-0 record behind the leadership of coach Michael Dean and veteran forward Trevor Rigney, who has 29 goals in his six appearances so far.

The club has improved its scoring significantly so far this year and even topped division favourite Para Hills by a goal in round five through deadly straight kicking.

“We’ve had a bit of luck but the guys have bought in and are playing really well,” Dean said.

“We’ve got a group of players who really want to win and we’ve been able to change our game plan to become a bit of a better scoring side as well.”

Star local SA footy veteran Trevor Rigney is having another strong season with OSB Lonsdale. Picture: OSB Lonsdale Football Club

Recruitment had been a challenge for the club since suffering relegation at the end of 2019 and it the side would soon face significant hurdles in the league’s bottom division, enduring a one-win season in 2021.

Dean, who took over as coach in 2023, said the Lions had an emphasis on bringing young players back to the club for season 2024.

“It’s been really hard to recruit senior players but we’ve recruited a heap of young guys and kids coming out of the U18s this year,” he said.

“We’ve got guys in who want to win and also really want to be part of the club, which has been huge.

“Everyone’s working hard and on the same page.”

Reaching the age of 40 this year, Trevor Rigney has been the perfect veteran influence on and off the park to help develop the young Lions into premiership contenders.

Dean said his impact on the club had been invaluable.

OSB Lonsdale looks set to challenge for promotion this year. Picture: OSB Lonsdale Football Club

“Firstly, he’s important on the ground because he’s a freak player – he’s 40 and he’s still jumping on peoples’ heads every week.

“With his pace and leaping ability not many can catch up with him and if we’re ever in a tough spot we know we can put the ball out in front of Trevor and he’ll produce something.

“He also helps the young guys a lot and takes them under his wing. He’s pretty mature with his approach and he always looks to play his role and help others out.”

OSB Lonsdale will take on bottom side Smithfield this weekend and has a huge opportunity to go 7-0 and maintain the top spot on the ladder.

Rigney takes flight for the Lions. Picture: OSB Lonsdale Football Club

Despite the positive start, Dean was well-aware of the threat a number of other sides posed.

“We still think Para Hills is the team to beat, they’re very strong across the board and we probably got a bit lucky against them a couple weeks ago,” he said.

“Flinders Uni and Hackham have both looked good and we know how much stronger the division has become over the past few years.

“I do think we can contend though – we have the talent to go up and out of the division.

“We’ve got so many kids with potential, it’s just about continuing to develop them and taking each week as it comes.”

WHO WILL REMAIN UNDEFEATED?

OSB Lonsdale is not the only undefeated club remaining in the Adelaide Footy League, with a number of other sides looking to continue hot starts.

Nathan Grima’s Glenunga side has been brilliant to start 2024 after losing the 2023 div one grand final to Prince Alfred OC last season, while Salisbury North in div two, Henley in div three, Kilburn in div four, Colonel Light Gardens in div five and Eastern Park and Salisbury in div six are all yet to suffer a defeat.

Reigning div one medallist Abe Davis has starred for Glenunga and will lead the Rams against div one contender Sacred Heart OC at home this weekend, while Henley and Eastern Park also look well-poised to go a number of weeks without a first defeat.

Time will tell who will be the last club standing.