Messenger Community News’ sports team’s latest look at Channel 9 Adelaide Footy League, Netball SA, SFL and more
OUR footy tips took a hit last week but the show must go on. Here’s your weekly lighter look at local sport
AFL in China for the first time, the Federal budget, a new French president and a remake of popular SA film Storm Boy, and finally an open date for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital – it’s been a busy week for South Australians.
So as the week rolls to an end and attention of many turns to weekend sport, hot pies, coffee Thermos and oranges at half-time, here’s a look at what’s been ticking along in grassroots sports.
Friday night lights
THEY were once Adelaide Thunderbirds teammates but Renae Ingles and Carla Borrego will soon be rivals in SA’s Premier League.
Thunderbirds wing defence Ingles will line up for Tango after the Super Netball season ends next month, while former Adelaide goal shooter Borrego is set to line up for Garville.
Both will aim to help their new clubs knock off perennial title contenders Matrics and Contax.
Matrics has won three premierships since 2010, including last year, while Contax has captured the other four.
Garville coach Jackie Blyth said Borrego was unlikely to suit up for the club until round two because she was playing in the UK.
The Premier League season begins at Netball SA Stadium tonight at 7pm.
All Thunderbirds squad members have been assigned to local clubs but a Netball SA spokeswoman said it was unknown how many would be available to play this season.
Tango coach Scott Waddington said Ingles would be on court in at least eight games and would help cover the loss of 2016 captain Leigh Waddington and Sarah Carver, who both retired at the end of last season.
Matrics lost premiership captain Sheree Wingard to retirement during the off-season, but coach Jacqui Illman said the club had plenty of youngsters coming through the ranks who would get chances to fill the void.
Contax coach Leanne Eichler said the pain of losing last year’s decider was in the past and players were eager for the season to start.
Video of the week
They call him the Big Show and here’s why. We know it’s not local but Glenn Maxwell’s cameo for Kings XI in the Indian Premier League is hard to go past.
Sons of guns
THERE are some familiar surnames in this year’s SA under-18 football squad.
The sons of former Norwood forward Andrew Pascoe (Lachlan), Crows cult hero Wayne Weidemann (Jake) ex-Adelaide midfielder turned radio identity Stephen Rowe (James) and dual premiership player Tyson Edwards (Jackson) were last week named in the Croweaters’ initial 46-strong team to play at the national championships, starting next month. Lachlan plays at the Redlegs, Jake and James are with the Eagles and Jackson lines up for Glenelg.
Whistle blower
BY ALL reports amateur footy league chief John Kernahan executive pulled up well from his guest umpiring stint during last week’s Umpire Appreciation Round. He ran the boundary in Goodwood and Payneham Norwood Union’s division one reserves clash at Millswood and struggled a bit to adjust to pace in the first quarter before finding his feet.
Keep on keeping on
MARION Football Club’s pre-season promises of “being competitive” in every match haven’t quite eventuated. The Rams have lost their first four games by a combined 708 points. But hats off to the club – they front up every week with a positive attitude which epitomises community spirit and the strength of local sporting clubs.
The Rams have a real chance to break through for a win against fellow cellar dweller OSB Lions this Saturday. The Lions, with a combined losing margin of 358, are also winless heading in to the match after coming off the bye last week.
Read the full yarn here: Staying positive
Milestone men
Well done to these footy players across various divisions who chalked up some big milestones last weekend.
400 games: Leigh Harding (Gepps Cross)
300: Colin Gilby (PHOS Camden)
250: Steven Caruso (Salisbury)
200: Dave Loveder (Henley), Wayne Smith (West Croydon)
150: Justin Rowe (Salisbury), Shane Tonellato (Edwardstown), Matt Wills (Pembroke OS)
100: Aeddan Hull (Salisbury), Jamie Curtis (West Croydon), Chris Ryan (Brahma Lodge)
Changing of the guard
THEY may not be household names outside of local cricket and college footy but these two are among the state’s most accomplished coaches.
Peter Judd coached Sturt District Cricket Club for 11 seasons and has stepped aside to be replaced by former Redbacks player and Tea Tree Gully mentor Ben Cameron.
Anthony Goodrich has moved on after 19 years as head of Sacred Heart College’s footy side. He coached Matthew Pavlich, Kane Cornes and Hamish Hartlett before they were drafted.
Read the full yarn here: Mentor with the magic touch
Wood on their opposition
FOOTY clubs across the land may be looking to Blackwood for inspiration.
The Woods have not dropped a game in the first four rounds across all senior and junior competitions in division one of the Hills Football League.
For those playing at home, that’s 21 victories from 21 matches.
Remarkably, the Woods aren’t even top in the A grade – they sit behind Ironbank on percentage and play fellow top-four side Echunga this weekend.
Heroes - Adelaide University
WE DON’T know what John Paynter said to his players as at three quarter-time but Adelaide University recorded a memorable come-from-behind win against Salisbury North in division one amateur footy on Saturday.
The Blacks, down by 31 points at the last break, kicked 10 goals in the final term to prevail 16.14 (110) to 12.17 (89).
Villains - South Adelaide women’s basketball
THE Panthers’ women’s basketball team had a shocker on Saturday night, getting thumped 94-48 by Forestville at Wayville.
Only one win separated the sides going into the match but it was never close. South was 12 points down at the first break and 28 at half-time. The Panthers were smashed 53-39 on the boards.
Looking ahead ...
The PA system attendant has a chance to redeem themselves this Saturday when the Eagles take on Glenelg.
Last week at Woodville Oval you could be forgiven for thinking some of the mini-leaguers were let loose in the booth and were pushing the buttons.
Before the game songs would start and stop, as well as play at varying volumes. During the first quarter of the Eagles’ home SANFL clash with Adelaide, the Crows’ club song played. Then tunes would randomly start and stop seconds later. The audio would stutter again during the breaks.
For the record, the Eagles recorded a comfortable 37-point win.
Noticeboard
THESE South Aussies are survivors and they want you to be part of their crew.
The SA Dragons Abreast dragonboat racing team, formed by breast cancer survivors, won two silver medals and one bronze at last month’s National Championships in Albury Wodonga in New South Wales but are on the lookout for more paddlers and drummers.
If you are interested in joining, contact secretary@sadragonsabreast.com.au or phone Dave on 0439 844 106
Originally published as Messenger Community News’ sports team’s latest look at Channel 9 Adelaide Footy League, Netball SA, SFL and more
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