Plympton ready to compete in division four after draw with Hectorville
Two division four contenders played out a thrilling draw on Saturday and one side believes it was the learning experience it needed to go all the way in season 2024. That and more from the Adelaide Footy League in One-Percenters.
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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.
If you know or have heard something quirky or interesting in the Adelaide Footy League, email your suggestions, photos or videos to daniel.renfrey@news.com.au
BULLDOGS BUOYANT AFTER THRILLING DRAW
New Plympton coach Rick Fischer believes the club’s thrilling draw with Hectorville on Saturday could provide the experience his side needed early in the 2024 season to compete in finals.
The Bulldogs had started their division four campaign on fire heading into the clash with the Hounds, defeating Westminster OS 108-46 and Walkerville 145-43 but would relinquish their lead late in round three as the visitors clawed their way back in the final minute to claim a 6.20 (56) to 8.8 (56) draw.
Fischer said the result offered up an important learning experience for his team.
“We probably didn’t execute enough going forward and when you kick six goals and 20 behinds you’re not going to win many games,” he said.
“To Hectorville’s credit, when they went forward they were able to kick goals and that ended up being the difference between a draw and a win for us.
“We reviewed the game and identified we need to have a bit more care with the footy and pick our moments going forward.
“The boys are very switched on and keen to right their wrongs so I’m confident the result can be a boost for us.”
Plympton headed into the season having fallen short of promotion out of division four for a second straight year but have remained highly touted with a strong list which includes former Crow Curtly Hampton and local excitement machine Lonnie Hampton.
Fischer said he was excited by the talent and depth of the list.
“I’m pretty new to the club and we’re still working through who is in that top 30 or 35 players because we have a really deep list with a lot of talent,” he said.
“We’re giving everyone an opportunity and there are guys who were playing C Grade last year and are now knocking on the door for regular A Grade footy.
“The spot we’re in is a really exciting one and we’re confident in the group we’ve got.”
He also added the group was motivated by its shortcomings in recent seasons.
“One of our goals is of course competing for a flag and earning promotion after recent seasons but we’re also focused on learning our system and enjoying footy.
“It’s a week-to-week thing, you can’t look too far ahead or you’ll get caught out.
“We’re looking forward to Kenilworth this week on their home deck. They’ve got some powerful scoring forwards and are a very classy side so it’s going to come down to the boys trusting themselves and their teammates and executing for four quarters.”
CHICS KEEP CHIRPING
The local turnaround story that is the Kilburn Football Club keeps on giving as the Chics tallied another impressive win to begin the 2024 season, defeating Morphettville Park by 39 points on Saturday.
The club came close to folding twice in the last decade but has reaped the rewards of strong recruitment, smart coaching and impressive starpower through the past year, winning the division five flag and now sitting atop the division four ladder.
Many will be expecting another win for the Chics as they travel to Glandore Oval Reserve to take on Westminster OS on Saturday in what should be one of the more entertaining games in the division this weekend.
CLUB TRIBUTES INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES
Port District has paid tribute to two inspirational figures this week, both of whom have passed away after long-term cancer battles.
Club legend and life member Lee Whitehorn, who was given 14 months to live after being diagnosed with severe brain cancer three years ago, tragically passed away at age 47, while junior footy figure and mother of two Mirella Smith also succumbed to her courageous four-year battle with oesophageal and brain cancer and terminal illness.
Mr Whitehorn left a major mark on the club during his years as a player, coach, committee member and volunteer, while Mrs Smith was a major inspiration for her son’s U16 side at the Magpies during her tough fight and both will be remembered for the major impact they have had on those around them.
The Magpies will host a celebration of Lee’s life on Wednesday, May 8, while the U16 boys will wear black armbands in tribute of Mirella this weekend.
GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK
The goals and marks of the week have been picked for round three and in conjunction with the Adelaide Footy League we’re giving you the chance to vote for who you think is the standout in both categories.
Watch the videos and vote in our polls below.
Each week the votes will go towards the league’s awards for the mark and goal of the year.
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