An entire fan base, a sensational shot stopper and giant record breakers – this week’s Hometown Heroes

It was a tough week for some, but a record breaking week for others across the South Australian sporting landscape. Here are this week’s Hometown Heroes.

Joey Wright, coach of the Adelaide 36ers looks on during the Round 10 NBL match between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers at Melbourne Arena in Melbourne, Saturday, December 7, 2019. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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It was a mammoth weekend in South Australian sport, headlined by the Adelaide Strikers’ WBBL side making its first ever grand final, yet fell short to the Brisbane Heat.

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The Strikers weren’t the only side affected by heat, with Adelaide United forced to play against Newcastle Jets on Sunday in 38 degrees in the A-League

Paul Izzo (Adelaide United)

Angus Thurgate of the Newcastle Jets has his shot saved by Paul Izzo of Adelaide United. Picture: AAP Image/James Elsby.

The Adelaide United shot stopper was in inspired form as the Reds defeated the Jets 2-1 at home on Sunday.

United looked underwhelming in the scorching heat on Sunday, but they got the job done, largely thanks to a terrific effort from Izzo.

Does a Socceroos call-up await the South Aussie?

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6074 Adelaide United supporters

An Adelaide fan feels the heat during the round nine A-League match between Adelaide United and the Newcastle Jets. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images.

It’s not common for fans to appear on this list, but due to Sunday’s heat, frustrating timeslot and less than appealing opposition, the supporters who braved the conditions deserve a mention.

They were rewarded as well, with James Troisi netting an 83rd minute winner.

A new stadium with better shade wouldn’t go too far astray …

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Adelaide Strikers’ WBBL side

The Strikers react to the loss during the 2019 Women's Big Bash League Final. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images.

Similar to the fanbase, unusual for an entire side to appear on this list, but given the circumstances, it’s warranted.

It’s been a mammoth year for South Australian women’s sport this year, with the Adelaide Crows’ premiership, Adelaide Lightning’s grand final appearance and now the Strikers.

While they unfortunately lost to the Brisbane Heat, the Strikers provided entertaining and high-quality Big Bash cricket this season.

Bring on next year.

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Adelaide 36ers’ hierarchy

Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright was frustrated with his side’s loss to Melbourne United. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour.

On the court, the 36ers were dreadful against Melbourne United on Saturday night.

Yet, off the court, they are doing everything right, underlined by their partnership with Beyond Blue and the Beyond Blue Cup, which is set to be up for grabs on Friday against Mitch Creek’s South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Mental health is a massive issue in our society and it’s sensational to see how much understanding there is in sport these days.

If they bring it home, you bet they’ll feature next week.

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Logan O’Hoppe (Adelaide Giants)

A win is always good, but when it’s a record breaking win, it’s even sweeter.

The Adelaide Giants smashed their highest ever ABL score with a 25-4 win over Geelong-Korea on Friday night, eclipsing the 23 that held the previous record.

It was also the largest win in their history.

19-year-old O’Hoppe got the nod as he hit a grand slam to help contribute largely to the score, as did Rixon Wingrove.