10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed

Here are the 10 things we learned from this weekend’s country and suburban action.

ROC SOLID

Rostrevor OC showed its mettle in a tough and important win over fellow D1 finals contender St Peter’s OC at home on Saturday, edging out the visitor 11.3 (69) to 9.8 (62).

ROCS needed a win to remain in the top five after a tough away loss to Salisbury North last weekend and the side responded with an inspired performance in the contest, attacking the footy relentlessly and moving it well in congestion to create enough goalkicking opportunities.

Onballer James Warton was at his best for the hosts to win a number of important possessions, while big utility Finn Wakelin was also influential around the ground with his aerial presence.

Third spot SPOC fought hard throughout the contest with Henry Nelligan and Tye Bedford producing some highlight moments but the visitors could not prevent ROCS from hitting the scoreboard when it mattered.

KOOKABURRAS EYEING TOP TWO

Golden Grove moved closer to securing a top two spot in division one with a huge 21.10 (136) to 6.11 (47) win over Payneham Norwood Union at home.

The form team of the competition, the Kookaburras were relentless in every area, dominating in the contest, shutting down a number of Falcons moves and creating goals through slick ball movement.

Superstar key forward Lachlan Pascoe had another massive game in the air and in front of goal, booting 11 majors for the day, while Aidan Thatcher was also highly influential at the back.

The win now sees the side move clear of SPOC in second spot by percentage and just two points below top side Port District, while PNU has slipped back down into the bottom two after the percentage hit.

SAINTS CLOSE IN ON TOP THREE

Goodwood Saints has closed in on a top three spot by topping third place Henley 10.11 (71) to 9.11 (65) at home on Saturday.

The hosts were led by star signing Reed Stevens and dominant utility Jade Cleeland as they overcame an early deficit to stay in touch and eventually win by a kick in a dramatic contest.

It was a neck-and-neck affair the entire way between two of division two’s top sides, but the Saints produced enough with their contested work in the final quarter to create three big goals, with forward Tyler Harris and Nash Klemm coming up big when needed.

A much-improved side under Ben Johnston this year, the Saints have impressed with their defensive versatility and midfield strength and now sit just percentage away from a double chance in finals.

DRAGONS SEAL TOP SPOT

Westminster OS has all but sealed the division three minor premiership with a big 20.12 (132) to 7.10 (52) win over Hope Valley at home.

Star forward Nicholas Leck (six goals) and star onballer Andrew Bradley were influential throughout the four quarters as the hosts completely dominated the contested ball and moved it seamlessly to set up their forwards for endless opportunities in front of goal.

The visitors fought well early but could not sustain their effort and quickly found themselves trailing by nine kicks at half time in what was a relentless display by WOS.

The Dragons now sit atop div three by six points and percentage with just three games left.

LIONS SETTING THE TONE

Fitzroy has continued its bounce back from a disappointing loss to St Pauls OS with its second straight win to remain on top of the D6 ladder by two games, this time topping Houghton Districts 15.18 (108) to 9.8 (62) at home.

The Lions set the tone early with nine scoring shots to just three in the opening term and held firm with a three-goal lead until the fourth quarter, booting six goals to just one to close out the affair.

Forward Dion Doolan was at his best for the hosts, booting a bag and setting up a number of teammates for opportunities, while Laurence Laanekorb was also a standout around the ground with his aerial and ground level contest work.

Fitzroy has been the best team in the division in the contest so far this season and a powerful forwardline led by Doolan and big man Josh Rosenthal should ensure the Lions contend deep into September.

CATS NEARING SEASON-BEST FORM

Coorong Cats look set to find a new level ahead of the River Murray FL finals, thrashing sixth spot Mannum 29.12 (186) to 6.3 (39) away from home on Saturday, adding to a 184-point win over Mallee Districts the week before.

Led by playing-coach Daniel Menzel, the visitors dominated in every area, winning plenty of the contested footy, gaining valuable metres and locking the Roos in their back 50 for repeat opportunities in front of goal.

Menzel booted 10 goals to take his season total to 60 in 13 games, while star signing Seb Kerrish was also influential around the ground with his valuable run and carry and damaging delivery.

The Cats experienced a hiccup last month against Imperials but have since turned the corner and look to be at their unstoppable best with finals fast approaching.

CMS CROWS TAKING FLIGHT

CMS Crows have won their fifth straight game in the Yorke Peninsula Football League by topping finals contender Central Yorke 19.12 (126) to 10.11 (71) in an impressive display away from home.

Captain Finn Betterman was a star through the midfield, while recruit Jack Matchett was highly influential up front with four goals as the Crows soared to a 66-37 lead at the main break and never looked back.

The Cougars have been dominant in the middle this year but were nullified by Betterman and company and forced to defend for the majority of the game.

The Crows’ surge has put them right in touch with top spot in the YPFL but should also guarantee a double chance in the finals.

With Matt Goldsworthy set to return in September, the club should be a big chance of making the big dance.

NOBES HITTING HIS STRIDE

Former South Adelaide gun and dominant local footy key forward Daniel Nobes has seemingly hit his straps for new club Willunga in the GSFL, booting another eight goals as the Demons topped Langhorne Creek 23.10 (148) to 5.10 (40) at home to remain top of the ladder.

Nobes was unstoppable in the air, taking a number of big contested marks before calmly slotting home in front of goal, while versatile star Sam Renney was also a weapon for the hosts.

If Nobes can continue his strong form, Willunga should match up well with premiership contenders Victor Harbor and McLaren come finals and will be very hard to beat.

DAVEY THE MADIGAN MEDAL FAVOURITE

Solomontown star Corey Davey has cemented his spot as the favourite for this year’s Spencer Gulf FL medal, dominating in a demolition job of reigning premier Prop/Risdon.

The star captain was at his best around the ground, winning the footy in the air and at ground level and booting three goals as his Cats side stormed past the Lions to win 21.12 (138) to 8.9 (57).

Solomontown has been on a mission this season after losing to the Lions in last year’s grand final and with Davey dominating in most games so far, he could very well be the name on everyone’s mind during the 2025 medal count.

RAMPAGING RAMS GO TOP

Nairne Bremer has gone clear on top of the Hills Football League ladder with a statement 18.15 (123) to 6.4 (40) win over Mt Barker at home.

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The Rams were on fire in the contest from start to finish, building a 45-12 quarter-time lead through relentless contested footy work and quick and efficient ball movement.

Key forward Jamie Drew booted seven goals to move to 43 on the season, while midfielders Tate Coleman and Dylan Whimpress also stood out for the hosts with their clean and creative play around the ground.

Hahndorf and Mt Lofty will be major threats in the HFL again this season but the Rams are close to establishing themselves as the flag favourites ahead of September.

Originally published as 10 things we learned in local SA footy this weekend revealed