The standout local football matches to watch across South Australia this weekend

We look at some of the standout matches across SA this weekend including a season-shaping clash in the South-East, the Murray Bridge showdown, Brighton and Prince Alfred’s first clash for more than 50 years and Aldinga’s new coach.

The local footy leagues are starting to hit their straps after a few rounds.

We look at some of the standout matches across South Australia this weekend, including a season-shaping clash in the South-East, the Murray Bridge showdown, Brighton and Prince Alfred’s first clash for more than 50 years and Aldinga’s new coach in the Southern League.

Former South Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens sharpshooter Michael Wundke has been dominating up forward for Kaniva-Leeor. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

KOWREE-NARACOORTE-TATIARA

Keith v Kaniva-Leeor United

Keith Oval @ 2.10pm

Kaniva-Leeor had lost just the one game last season before Keith caused a boilover in the second semi-final, sending the Cougars on a path to a straight-sets finals exit.

This background sets the scene for a tantalising re-match in Keith on Saturday.

Keith (1-1) goes into the home game after an Anzac weekend belting from Penola, while Kaniva-Leeor (2-1) made light work of Kingston, big recruit and three-time Ken Farmer Medallist Michael Wundke booting another seven goals to take his season tally to 21 after three rounds.

Both sides are loaded with ex-AFL and SANFL talent (Kaniva has Wundke, Nick Murphy, Cameron Hitchcock and Toby Stribling among its ranks and Keith boasts George Thring and Matt McDonough) and will be eager to make a statement in what looms as a season-shaping game in the tight competition.

Keith A-grade regular Ryan Menz and B grade premiership captain Nick Binns will notch up 100 games for the Crows.

Former Noarlunga coach Trevor Mitton returns to the Southern Football League as Aldinga coach on Saturday. Picture Dean Martin

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Aldinga v Port Noarlunga

Aldinga Oval @ 2.30pm

Aldinga was thrown into a tailspin last week when coach Damian Smith suddenly exited following a big loss to Christies Beach.

But the Sharks responded quickly, with Noarlunga premiership coach Trevor Mitton answering the call to steady the ship at the Sharks.

Immediate success is not expected but it will be interesting to see how Aldinga fares in its first clash under Mitton against a strong Port Noarlunga outfit.

RIVER MURRAY

Ramblers v Imperials

Le Messurier Oval @ 2.30pm

Imps triumphed in all three Murray Bridge Showdowns in their premiership year, including taking the chocolates in a one-point thriller in Round 13.

But Ramblers have recruited well and are one of the early pace setters in 2019, taking a 3-1 record into this year’s first derby, including a comfortable Round 4 win against Meningie.

Imps bounced back from a disappointing loss to Jervois to record an easy win against Tailem Bend last weekend as it celebrated club legend Ash Temby’s 300th game and this Saturday have the added incentive of the Imps Ball afterwards.

Should be a great clash.

United Yeelanna talent Stephen Crettenden booted three goals for the Eagles last week. Picture: Tam Phillis

GREAT FLINDERS

United Yeelanna v Tumby Bay

Karkoo Oval @ 2.30pm

Reigning premier United Yeelanna has started this year where it left off, with two punishing victories against battlers Eyre United and Lock.

But the Eagles will face a much stronger opposition when they meet their grand final opponent on Saturday.

The Blues rebounded last week after stumbling in the opening round against Ramblers but will start outsider against an Eagles side which hasn’t lost a minor round game since 2016.

As always with Tumby games, it is worth getting there early to watch former Norwood and bush goalkicking legend Chris Prime, who booted another seven goals in the reserves last week after registering his mindblowing 2000th country footy league goal in Round 1.

Brighton's Tom Welsby being tackled by Adelaide Uni's Matt Langridge in Round 2. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE

Brighton v Prince Alfred OC

Brighton Oval @ 2.15pm

Brighton and Prince Alfred Old Collegians clash on Saturday in what is believed to be the first meeting of the two clubs in division one since 1961.

The Bombers have moved between different competitions since, mainly the Southern Football League and the Glenelg-South Adelaide Football Association, while the Old Reds have remained in the amateurs.

In that 1961 season, Brighton finished fifth and PAOC collected the wooden spoon in the 12-team division.

This Saturday however will have the Old Reds coming in as favourites, although do not discount the Bombers on their home deck.

DIVISION TWO

PHOS Camden v Unley Mercedes

Thebarton Oval @ 2.15pm

It will be an early season clash between a pair of division two contenders when PHOS Camden and Unley Mercedes collide at Thebarton Oval.

With the Phantoms’ new Camden Oval home still not ready to host, the neutral deck should play into the visiting Jets’ favour.

Unley is flying to begin the season at 3-0, while 2018 preliminary finalists PHOS is 2-1.

DIVISION FIVE

Hope Valley v Kenilworth

Hope Valley Oval @ 2.15pm

Speaking of contenders, one of Hope Valley or Kenilworth will relinquish its unbeaten record this Saturday.

Both sides have flown out of the blocks with their eyes firmly fixed on the division five premiership.

The Demons, under new coach Mitch Sandrey, have an opportunity to make a statement at home.