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MATCH PREVIEWS
BY PETER CORNWALL
NORWOOD V ADELAIDE
Adelaide has been playing like the side that made the past two SANFL preliminary finals in dispensing with top-five teams Glenelg and Central, so this clash between two sides on a roll shapes as a huge arm-wrestle. The Redlegs are looking more and more imposing –Matt Ling returned from a threematch suspension and racked up 29 disposals and eight marks in a 74-point demolition of West – to make it a hat-trick of crushing wins and remain a game clear at the top. Crows mentor Matthew Wright has been loving the pressure his men have been applying around the footy and they will need it against Norwood, renowned for its toughness in the clinches under coach Jade Rawlings. It all starts in ruck and both these sides have a huge weapon here. Norwood’s 198cm Harry Boyd uses strength and his insatiable desire to win the ball and clearances to overpower opponents and he earns a staggering 41 hit-outs a game. Adelaide’s 204cm Kieran Strachan uses his height to advantage and also continually
sets his side on its way, winning an average of 36 hit-outs. Both have good skills for ruckmen with Boyd averaging 19 disposals and Strachan 17 but it’s in the clearances Boyd has the edge, 9-4. Can the Crows stop Boyd’s dominance and snare their own hat-trick of wins?
PORT V GLENELG
On the back of fighting wins these strong rivals will be up for the battle at Alberton. The Bays bounced back from a loss to the Crows to gradually get the better of the Eagles but they sure had to earn the 12-point success. The Magpies had pretty much the better of North all day before kicking away from midway in the third quarter to win by 29 points. Ruckman Dante Visentini (16 disposals, nine clearances, 30 hit-outs), Tom Clurey, Jed McEntee, Hugh Jackson and Dylan Williams all shone as this side looked anything but a bottom team. In fact, the Magpies will be hoping to get the better of an old rival and start to make their way up the ladder. The Tigers won’t want a bar of that, of course. They refuse to concede, as they showed against
the Eagles. They may have started out kicking into a strong wind but there was no way they would have expected to concede four goals in the first 14 minutes. Against the highest-scoring team in the league that might have been a worry but the Tigers put the clamps on for the rest of the first quarter before claiming the lead with a five goalsto-one second term. A strong finish – albeit with an inaccurate 3.6 in the last quarter – while keeping the Eagles to just eight goals for the game gave coach Darren Reeves reason to be happy. But he will be looking for a sharper start here.
EAGLES V STURT
After the Eagles came from the clouds to beat the Blues by eight points in Round 5 at Unley, wrecking Sturt skipper James Battersby’s 200th game, they were 4-1, Sturt 2-3. But since then Woodville-West Torrens has won three out of seven, the Blues all seven. And this time the Dublas gave double premiership defender Guy Page the celebration he deserved in his 200th game – but only after South threatened to be the party poopers, leading by a
Port Adelaide’s Lachlan Charleson slots through a goal and celebrates with Hugh Jackson in the Magpies’ win against North Adelaide at Prospect. Photos: Cory Sutton
point at the final break at Unley. Battersby revved his team-mates up, pleading they, “just do it for this bloke … he’s the heart and soul of this club, the most competitive bloke you’ll see” and they rammed on three goals in three minutes to start the final quarter to take the game away from the Panthers. Unsung backman Rory Illman said the injury-hit Blues played “a bit like Pagey” to take charge when it counted. And Illman should know –his crashing in to win the hard ball, desire to always put team first and determination not to be beaten could hardly have been more inspirational. It was an impressive win for second-placed Sturt considering some last-minute juggling including the loss of Magarey Medal hopeful Will Snelling. The Blues needed a new ruckman and 199cm Hugo Kittel hit a number that wouldn’t have been achieved too often by a debutant, collecting a remarkable 49 hit-outs – to go with eight disposals and seven tackles. The Eagles, who led for much of the day and fought hard in a 12-point loss at the Bay, Riley Knight racking up 26 disposals, eight clearances, 11 tackles and two goals, will be looking to honour club great Luke Thompson’s 250th SANFL game in the way the Blues did Page proud, setting up another epic tussle.
CENTRAL V WEST
The Bloods just don’t seem to be able to take a trick and it was so sad last week when State defender and wonderful clubman Josh Ryan announced his retirement from footy to look after his long-term health after suffering another concussion against Glenelg last month. Last year’s popular Neil Kerley Medallist will continue to work at Westies as their graphic designer but it’s been another horror blow for the club considering captain and fellow key defender Kaiden Brand has not played since suffering a concussion late in 2022. Westies were tracking well with four wins from their first eight games but a 74-point loss at the hands of top side Norwood made it four losses in a row and coach Adam Hartlett lamented “nothing
seems to be working at the moment”. Hartlett, his players and West’s off-field team have won many admirers over the past 18 months as the club rebuilds and they will continue to do so with the fight and determination that these days is usually a strong part of their DNA. Central, likewise, has been up for the fight as it has been on the up-and-up over the past two years, so, like the Bloods, the Dogs will be hurting after last week’s surprise six-goal loss to the Crows. Magarey Medallist Harry Grant, who finished with 27 touches and eight clearances, threaded through the first goal of the game from tight in the pocket but Central supporters had little to cheer about for the next hour as Adelaide banged on seven goals in a row. While the result wasn’t anything like a shock against a stronger Adelaide line-up, the margin was. So Paul Thomas’s men will be itching to get back out there and show that’s not what they’re about. Their mission sounds just like West’s.
SOUTH V NORTH
The Panthers sure didn’t lose any fans in their fighting 21-point loss at the hands of Sturt but the Roosters frustrated their supporters in a 29-point home defeat against bottom side Port.
South, closing in on a first win since knocking off Adelaide in Round 9, did just about enough to beat the Blues with 34 more disposals, 20 more marks and five more inside50s but couldn’t make it count when it counted, finishing with 7.12 in windy conditions after leading by a point at three-quarter-time. Kobe Mutch continued his stellar form, while Sid Draper returned after overcoming a stress fracture in his shin to show what the Panthers had been missing.
The Roosters are missing a great club stalwart in on-ball star Sam Mayes, who is sitting out the remainder of the season after suffering concussion symptoms after a training knock. He is keeping involved in a coaching capacity, helping the defensive unit. There also was shock news with Reed van Huisstede suffering a minor stroke while working and he is working through his recovery. The health of the duo is the most important thing but it’s fair to say things haven’t been going to plan for North. It wasn’t the home loss to Port that was the shock, it was the 29-point margin. There has been a significant margin between the Roosters’ best and worst this season. It would be fair to expect something nearer to their best this week.
Glenelg’s three-goal matchwinner Luke Reynolds grabs a strong mark in opposition to the Eagles’ Jack Firns at the Bay. Photo: David Mariuz
South Adelaide’s jubilant SANFLW team and coach Rick Watts celebrate their hard-fought five-point grand final win against Norwood at The Parade last Saturday night. Photo: Cory Sutton
Best – South: Hickey, Moon, Schirmer, Nield, Couch, Maxwell. Norwood:
BRAVERY, GRIT AND GLORY
BY PETER CORNWALL
There’s a fine line between pleasure and pain. The Panthers knew all about that last year, the pain almost unbearable after their heartbreaking last-gasp grand final loss against Central District, sunk by three points by the final kick of the game. This year, when the siren sounded to end another hugely competitive SANFLW premiership decider – and season – South Adelaide only felt pleasure. While the result was different, still there was that fine line. Just like last season, minor premier and grand final favourite South was holding onto a narrow lead – five points this time – in the late stages of a pressure-packed grand final. As Norwood, having surged back to within less than a kick after trailing by 17 at the long break, kept attacking and held the ball inside its forward 50 for continued repeat stoppages, the tension in the Panthers’ coaching box must have been unbearable. But bravely South kept turning the Redlegs out.
Acting captain Jordann Hickey had been huge under the strain all night – she finished with 21 disposals, 10 tackles, seven clearances and the medal for best-onground – but it was her stunning tackle on the Redlegs’ dangerous Kiana Lee in time-on that finally signalled the flag this time would be heading back to Noarlunga.
The emotion – all the more intense because of last year’s finish – bubbled over as the siren sounded to declare South SANFLW’s first triple premiership-winning club. The fine line between glory and despair was on show in this grand final early on. Norwood last month celebrated the anniversary of its men’s ‘history makers’, who in 1984 became the first team to win a premiership from fifth place, and the Redlegs’ women took up the attack from the first bounce as they eyed becoming the first SANFLW side to win a flag from fourth. South steadied but, after 16 minutes of intense pressure, there still was no score. Then Lee, dominant for the Legs in their two finals wins that earned a spot in the decider, snapped what looked to be a miracle goal from an impossible angle – but the ball bounced backwards from just before the goal-line for no score. Within a minute Panther Mel Anderson’s stunning long-bomb shot on the run from just outside 50m bounced through for a goal. The fortunes of the two sides had swung on a couple of bounces, South leading 1.0 to 0.0 at quarter-time. Both sides had their patches in the second quarter as well. Norwood had plenty of the ball but was often forced into quick handballs, while South had more control with its kicking and marking – and made more of its chances, Shae Archbold goaling after nine minutes, then Lauren Clifton grabbing a courageous mark and kicking truly from close range after 16. But, incredibly, the Panthers weren’t going to score again.
In the fourth minute of the third term, dangerous Adrienne Davies burst through to give the Legs their first goal after her long shot bounced through. The pressure was intense and it went up further when Norwood star Tahlita Buethke cut the margin to five points 12 minutes into the last term. The Redlegs
sensed a Bulldogs-like miracle, throwing everything at South. But with ruck ace Soriah Moon and key defender Esther Schirmer almost impassable and Hickey, Nikki Nield and Caitlin Couch tackling ferociously, the Panthers weren’t letting it slip this time.
Coach Rick Watts was emotional and relieved as he and Hickey accepted the premiership trophy. “We went through it last year and it took some bravery and grit to even step out again and try to go through it again, and be vulnerable, but you girls did it,” he said of his squad. “I am just so incredibly proud of you.”
South’s best-on-ground medallist Jordann Hickey isn’t giving Norwood co-captain Stephanie Simmonds an inch.
Jubilant Panther Nikki Nield celebrates with acting captain Jordann Hickey. Photos: Cory Sutton
VICTOR’S FOOTY FESTIVAL
There’s joy – and heartbreak – as the siren sounds to end last year’s SA Women’s Country Championship grand final with Central having secured a three-point win against Eastern.
More than 250 of the State’s best country footballers are descending on Victor Harbor for one of the largest annual regional sporting events – the 2024 Think! Road Safety SA Country Football Championships.
To be played this weekend across Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay ovals, this year’s championships kick off under lights on Friday night – a first for the event. A feature of the weekend is the Round 14
Hostplus SANFL League regional match between South Adelaide and North Adelaide in the Panthers’ regional zone at Victor Harbor Oval. The championships will see representative teams from six regional zones face off – Central, Eastern, Eyre Peninsula, South East, Northern and Southern Districts. Eastern will be hoping to defend its historic 2023 crown in the men’s championships, while Central will be seeking back-to-back glory after also taking out its first women’s championships last year.
The best performing players of the carnival will be recognised in the men’s and women’s teams of the
championships. A men’s State Country team also will be finalised next week, ahead of the annual SA Country v WA Country clash, to be played on July 28 at Adelaide Oval as the curtain-raiser to the Adelaide v Hawthorn AFL match.
“The championships are a great opportunity to celebrate all the great things we love about country footy and leave a lasting legacy for everyone involved,” SANFL head of community football Shawn Ford said.
The event comes on the back of Victor Harbor being named SA’s Top Tourism Town for the second consecutive year in recognition of the town’s amazing visitor experiences and commitment to developing tourism.
Since the championships were hosted in the region in 2021, Victor Harbor Football Club has not only seen the installation of a turf wicket and upgraded lighting but more recently behind-goals netting, funded through the first round of the SA Football Facilities Fund. Since the completion of new changerooms at Encounter Bay
Peter Argent
Football Club in 2020-21, venue upgrades include new interchange benches, an electronic scoreboard and the renovation of the function room and spectator viewing area.
City of Victor Harbor chief executive officer Victoria MacKirdy said the Council was pleased to see the championships return to the region.
“We are extremely excited to welcome the championships back to Victor Harbor. The championships were last here in 2021, delivering an estimated economic impact of $1.25 million to our region,” MacKirdy said.
“While footy fanatics are visiting our stunning coastal city, I encourage them to explore the many wonderful things on offer across Victor Harbor. Our town has changed a lot in recent years and there is plenty to discover.”
The Think! Road Safety SA Country Championships event also is a vital platform to increase awareness and drive home the vital message and education about road safety.
If you can’t get to the championships, watch every match from the carnival for free on SANFL Now.
Photo:
Eyre Peninsula (Western)
Districts
Districts
Eyre Peninsula (Western) 1999 Eyre Peninsula (Western) 2001 Mid North 2003
Southern Districts
2004
Southern Districts Matt Joraslafsky (SD) Adam Merrett (SE) 2005 Southern Districts Justin Henscke (SD) Todd Miles (C) Leighton Wilksch (C) 2006 Central Adam Merrett (SE) Ryan Darling (C) 2007
Southern Districts Damien Stevens (MMB) Tyrone Hill (SD)
2008 Murray Mallee Todd Miles (C) Ryan Bennett (MMBB) 2009 Southern Districts Mitchell Portlock (SD) Greg Bain (Eastern) 2010 Southern Districts Josh Vick (SD) Ben Yeomans (C)
2011 Eyre Peninsula (Western) Matthew Woolford (N) Levi Konitzka (EP)
2012
Southern Districts Tyson Wait (MSE) Tom Johnson (SD)
2013 Central Michael Liebelt (Central) Patrick Barrett (Eastern)
2014 Murray South East Liam O’Neil (MSE) Jack Kenny (EP) Ben McIntyre (MSE)
2015
Southern Districts Jack Kenny (EP) Campbell Combe (Northern) Xavier Watson (EP)
2016 Murray South East
Brian Fenton (MSE) Campbell Combe (Northern)
2017 Murray South East Jack Kelly (MSE) Domenico Costanzo (Central)
2018 Western Jesse Kemp (Western) Scott Merrett (MSE)
2019 Central
2021 Southern Districts
2022 South East
Xavier Watson (Western)
Sidney Masters (Western)
Leigh Ryswyk (Central) Troy Parker-Boers (Eastern)
Jordan Fuller (N)
Bailey Marshman (SD)
Matt Willson (SE) Luke Mitton (SD)
2023 Eastern Samuel Callins (Eastern) Harlee Chandler (EP)
SA COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS HONOUR ROLL – WOMEN Year
2018 Eastern Jiarna Zerella (Eastern)
2019 Southern Districts Tegan Nottle (Central)
2021 Northern Ella Little (MSE) Dakota Williams (Central)
2022 Southern Districts Madison Bennett (SD) Nikita McRostie (Central)
2023 Central
Mardi Masson (EP)
Elizabeth Wilson (Central) Mardi Masson (EP)
MEN’S PREVIEW 2024 SA COUNTRY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY PETER ARGENT
CENTRAL
Former Mallala and successful BSR Tigers mentor Liam Whitwell is the new coach of Central, a grand finalist last year in Nuriootpa. A teacher by trade originally from Kimba, Whitwell won Mail Medals while part of the Mallala Magpies’ successful era and then as playing coach of the NEFL Tigers at the end of the past decade.
This year’s personnel comes from the Barossa, Light and Gawler, Adelaide Plains and Yorke Peninsula competitions and features a number of highly-credentialed midfield options. They include Moonta’s Ryley Maitland and Southern Eagles leader Nathan Allen, triple Mail Medallist Steve Burton from South Gawler and three form BLG players, Nuriootpa’s Nick Gregurke and Tanunda ball magnet Lewis Cowham, who has SANFL experience with Central District. Shay Linke, still just 20 and back home with the Tanunda Magpies, will be a strong target in attack, along with Jono Ross and Jack Carpenter, who can play at either end. SA State representative Jakob Thompson and athletic Lachlan Arnold will be the ruck contingent, while former Crows top-up player Tyson Irlam will be in a key leadership role. Central Tigers defender Ryan Williams and Lion Joseph Fenwick are exciting under21s.
EYRE PENINSULA
Highly-decorated Matt Lienert from Kimba and District is returning as coach for the second season. His assistant is Murray Kelsh, while another long-time servant of west coast footy, Xavier Watson, is the runner, and Rohan Scott and Roger Puckridge are selectors. Look out for Cruz Polkinghorne – the older sibling of Norwood AFL draft prospect Jay – from the Western Eyre competition. Harlee and Jesse Chandler, whose brother Kade plays with Melbourne, will add flair and exuberance, while Don Denton is a highly-polished key defender. From the Mortlock Shield’s title-winning Lincoln City, the former AFL-listed
Eastern’s Sam Sanders and coach Adam Klun lift the cup after last year’s history-making championship success in Nuriootpa.
Ben Jarvis and Johann Wagner will make good targets in attack, while Daniel Minney and Josh Slade have experience at SANFL level. Players to watch from the Great Flinders competition include former State country cricketer and footballer Jackson Murphy, Jaxon Bennett and a member of the Crettenden clan, Stephen. From the Eastern Eyre competition, Jordan Clements, a former Marble Range premiership player now donning a Kimba Districts jumper, has been in elite form. Clements impressively is playing his 11th championship, six for Central Zone and five with Eyre Peninsula, which has always provided competitive sides but is looking for its first success since 2018.
EASTERN
Triumphant under Adam Klun last year in Nuriootpa, winning the final in impressive style for a breakthrough title, Eastern will again be in his capable hands. The zone includes the two Hills divisions, the now expansive River Murray Football League and the Riverland competitions. Players from the interleague game between the Hills and RMFL have put their hands up including defender-midfielder Dylan Whimpress, from Nairne Bremer, who won best-on-ground honours in its 2023 grand final victory. With the ability to also play in the midfield, Josh Smithson and Ben Moroney from the Southern Mallee
Suns and under-21 talent Jaden Ward from Tailem Bend are expected to impact up forward. Murray Bridge Imperials’ former Sturt livewire Jack Penfold, Coorong Cats’ Alex Stidiford – last year’s RMFL Mail Medallist – and Blake Tabe from Mannum will provide plenty of drive through the middle. Ramblers’ Alex Pfeiffer will be a key defender, while siblings Joel and Troy Parker-Boers from Hahndorf were standouts last year and are backing up again. A player to watch from the Riverland is Sam Butterworth, the hosts’ best player in the interleague match with the BLG, while Zac Gartery from Renmark will lead the ruck division.
NORTHERN
Matt Promnitz returns for a second season in charge of Northern, which expands from Whyalla to Broken Hill and now includes the North Eastern Football League. This association includes clubs like Brinkworth-Spalding-Redhill Tigers, Blyth-Snowtown, the two Clare teams, South and North, RivertonSaddleworth-Marrabel-United Hawks, Eudunda-Robertstown, Mintaro-Manoora and BurraBooborowie-Hallett Rams. Promnitz is looking for a strong injection from the league with Jackson Lee (BSR), Dustin Launer (SS) and Lachie Hoile (RSMU) having SANFL league experience. Taaj Nicholls from Mintaro-Manoora was
best under-21 footballer of the Nutrien Cup carnival. Matt Longbottom brings plenty of experience to the group, while inside midfielder Marc Purcell, a long-time servant from Broken Hill, is again coming down to the championships, along with Silver City goalkicking ace Cody Schorn. Will Combe, the younger brother of Magarey Medallist Campbell, won last year’s Northern Areas Mail Medal, while Kane Bowley and Will Hewett, from Broughton Mundoora, are strong servants at this level. Brayden Kirk, who played league footy with Port and North Adelaide, will add to the squad’s experience and polish. Roopena’s Kyle Crompton, Jack Luders, who has a strong family history in the game, and Clayton Mesecke are shining lights in the Whyalla competition. Former South Adelaide Panther Nick Kraemer, a Proprietary-Risdon talent from the Spencer Gulf competition, will be a pillar in defence. Combe and Longbottom will share Northern’s leadership role.
SOUTH EAST
Nick Davis from the expansive Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League is coach for the second year, assisted by a highly-experienced pair of former title-winning players Clint Gallio, who will be a playing assistant, and Tom Renzi, with Peter Mitchell and Scott Duncan the other selectors. Bordertown’s Troy
Blackwell, who represented Southern last season while playing at Langhorne Creek, will don the red, black and white South East jumper this year. Well-travelled former SA Country captain Matt Willson, from the Naracoorte Demons, is a generational Country Champs player and medallist as best player in 2022, when South East was victorious in Whyalla. He will skipper the side again. Dual team of the championships tall forward Jacob Eats is vice-captain. Creative Harry Tunkin, one of the South East under-21 players, has returned home from Glenelg’s junior program and is playing with Millicent Saints in the Limestone Coast Football Netball League. The former PAC College star has been in cracking form and was best-afield in the interleague clash with the MSEFL. Kalangadoo’s Tye McManus and Sam Wallis from the Mount Burr Mozzies are expected to have an impact. Patrick Chay from the Hatherleigh Eagles has been potent in front of goal this year. Campbell Watts from Kingston and Kade Varcoe from Millicent are State Country representatives.
SOUTHERN
Already a five-time premiership coach – two with the Reynella Wineflies, a couple at McLaren and a reserves flag with Sturt – Gianni Petrucci is keen to see if he can add an SA Country Championship crown
to his raft of coaching accolades. A greater number of players in the squad are from the annual Barry Pilmore Cup game between the Great Southern and Southern Leagues, played on the June long weekend and won by Southern by 23 points. “Our leadership for this tournament is coming from stalwart Flagstaff’s playing-coach Sam Tharaldsen,” said Petrucci, a teacher by trade and the head of the Cardijn College, Marcellin Campus. Callum Tonkin, a ruckman from Encounter Bay, is likely to be in the leadership group, as is midfielder Matt Dominish from Langhorne Creek Hawks. “My assistant coaches are Andrew Cook, who was with me at McLaren and is now coaching the Happy Valley Vikings, along with Darren Shillabeer’s bench coach at Myponga Sellicks, Justin Richardson.” Siblings at the Mudlarks this year, current Mail Medal favourite Ben Kennedy and his younger brother Sam will add flair and bite to Southern’s midfield group. Longterm Willunga Demons talent Harrison Mills, who has played at this level in 2021 and ’22, is another to keep your eye on. Having played with the Parramatta Goannas across the previous three seasons, versatile Jordan Etto has been in strong form for Flagstaff Hill Falcons and will be looking to excel at Victor.
Dangerous Jack Penfold on the burst for Eastern in last year’s championship final win against Central.
Northern Zone’s Will Hewett, from Broughton Mundoora, is a strong servant of the SA Country Championships.
WOMEN’S PREVIEW
BY PETER ARGENT
CENTRAL
Undefeated for the past two years and reigning champion after winning at Nuriootpa in 2023, Central zone is under the guidance of Shaun Ribbons for the third successive season. The inaugural Central District SANFLW coach, Ribbons is senior coach of Nuriootpa Tigers. “We are effectively a Barossa, Light and Gawler team this year, because the other two leagues don’t have substantial women’s competitions,” Ribbons said. “While we may not have the top-end stars we had last season, the breadth of talent in the squad is exciting. A key to our success over the past couple of seasons is the squad has gelled quickly. Title-winning captain Ella Mickan, a former Central District league footballer with a strong family heritage at the Kapunda Bombers, is likely to get the honour of captaining the Central zone in 2024.”
Ribbons is looking forward to using Willaston talent and BLG leading goalkicker Lillian Bornholdt, along with Angaston ace Rachael Smith and Renai Richardson from Nuri as key targets in attack, while Sasha Branson from the Light Football Club (a combination of Light District rivals Kapunda and Freeling) will lead the ruck. Central District development players Ellie Ward and Akeira ‘AJ’ Whichello, along with Snowtown’s Jazz Elsworthy and South Gawler Lion Anya Jackson, will be drivers in the midfield, while Kate Grady and Courtney Smith –older sister of Central District premiership skipper Shelby – will be linchpins in defence.
EASTERN
Blackwood female football coordinator Damien Venning is back in charge of the Eastern zone for a second year after his side finished runner-up to Central by less than a straight kick last season. “It was a great experience and we’ve had a couple go on to play SANFLW league football from that squad,”
said Venning, a playing life member of the Hills Football League. “The majority of our squad will come from the established Hills League and we have a couple of Riverland girls returning. The Riverland competition had its grand final last week.” Currently playing at Blackwood, Sarah Campbell is from the Waikerie Magpies, while Kayla Mudge, from Barmera Monash, will have a key defensive role and another to watch is small forward Amy Shapley, from Berri. Mount Lofty’s Holly Alston, a co-captain in the Barossa, will be standalone skipper this year, with Venning impressed with her ability to engage and connect. Gemma Grivell, an 18-year-old from Hahndorf Magpies, is noted for being highly skilled, while the returning Brooklyn ‘Brooky’ Correll has added the ballwinning insidemid aspect to her game. Blackwood talent Tamika May, who was in the development program at West
Adelaide, will have roles up forward and in ruck.
EYRE PENINSULA
Last year’s campaign was deemed a success, with a number of goals ticked off, including a big win on the last day, lifting the zone a spot on the ladder. And there were a number of outstanding individual achievements. Michael Paech, returning to coach his second campaign, said: “This year, with assistant coach Dave Gray and selector Vic Gregory, we have assembled what we believe to be the most experienced women’s Eyre Peninsula team to compete at the State Country Championships. We have included several players who have continued playing football in our off-season for various clubs in other leagues, including Adelaide. There have been a few changes to this year’s line-up which will give us a nice balance of competitiveness, skill, experience and run and carry. The talent pool
Central co-captains Taryn Wills and Ella Mickan, along with coach Shaun Ribbons, lift the cup after last year’s championship success.
from the league this year was vast compared to even a year ago, which is exciting for the future of EP women’s footy and it made the selection process a long one. A few young guns to keep an eye out for who play with flair and skill are Sharmaine Crosby, Chevi Battams and Nicola Morgan. The everreliable and wise beyond their years with their football IQ, Michaela Wright and Mardi Masson, the 2023 under-21 player of the championships in the Barossa, will be ones to watch again as they have leadership roles in this talented group.”
NORTHERN
Former North Adelaide development player Bec Deer is new coach of the Northern zone. She will have a dual role of coach and key player, having been an SA Country Team of the Championship selection on three occasions and having been playingcoach for the Broken Hill interleague side which played the Sunraysia competition on July 5. Broken Hill lost by just 12 points, Deer among the best players.
Abby Stevens is another key component and leader, while Central Broken Hill Magpie Sasha Harrington will play in the midfield, along with Makayla Berg from North Bulldogs and Tamika Reid from Port Augusta. Samantha Ramm from the Mid North is another leader. Indo Winton from the Spencer Gulf competition will provide run from defence, while others to watch include youngster Elke Page and Izzie Adams, along with Imogen Miles and Imogen Evans from Whyalla. “I played here when we won the title – so did Abby and a couple of others,” Deer said. “There is a greater spread of players from across the zone these days. I will get support in my coaching role from North Adelaide, which is greatly appreciated.”
SOUTH EAST
The team for the 2024 championships will be coached by
Northern’s Tamika Reid among the action in last year’s championships in the Barossa.
Southern’s talented Zoe Flesfadar shining for South Adelaide against Glenelg in this year’s SANFLW development league grand final.
Kybybolite Tiger Chris ‘Snowy’ Boston, with his assistant being from just across the border, Casterton Sandford’s Scarlett Jarrad. “We have a good blend of new talent and players who played last year,” said Boston, a lifetime player at Naracoorte Demons. “It is a pretty expansive competition this group of girls come from, called the Limestone Coast Women’s League, covering the entire South East region. We are out of season, as our grand final was played in early April, but we’ve had a handful of trainings, including a session under lights last Friday, in preparation for our first game. Midfielder Erin Horsnell will be our captain, while centre half-forward Kellsie Turner is her deputy.”
Keys in the engine room include No. 1 ruck Chloe Finnigan, from Casterton Sandford, along with senior players Dellie Brown and North Gambier Tiger talent Tess Andrews.
Another who loves the contest is Kybybolite’s best-on-ground in this year’s LCWFL grand final win, Jedah Huf. Limestone Coast leading goalkicker Chloe Newton will be an important target, while teenager Ella Boston has many of the family genes, knowing where the big sticks are. Libby Altorfer, a player who likes the physical side of the game, will have a key role in defence.
SOUTHERN
Port Noarlunga women’s mentor Phil Marks, the defensive coach for Bruce Dawes at West Adelaide this year, is new coach. “The keys in my eyes are to have a straightforward game plan and for the squad to gel quickly,” Marks said. “I believe our strengths will be our speed and our youth, along with having a handful of natural leaders. Among them are Carli Morton, from Port Noarlunga, and Goolwa’s Kalani Bates, who both have SANFLW experience with North Adelaide. Katelyn Ross, from McLaren, and Bree Chapman, my captain at Port Noarlunga, are another couple you could put in that group. Between 80 to 90 per cent of the side come out of the interleague game between Southern and Great Southern over the June long weekend. Great Southern got up by 16 points and Willunga’s Bella Rigby was outstanding.”
Players to watch include diminutive 17-year-old talent Zoe Flesfadar, who was best-on-ground in South Adelaide’s development league grand final win this year, along with Phillipa Worthley, a running intercept defender. Southern also has the experience of Ali Bailey, from McLaren, and dual SANFLW development league premiership goalkicking forward Jess Kirk, who has already played six games in Willunga Demons’ milestone 150th season.
CENTRAL
MEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Liam Whitwell
WOMEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Shaun Ribbons
EASTERN
MEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Adam Klun
WOMEN’S SQUAD
COACH:
EYRE PENINSULA
MEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Matt Lienert
WOMEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Michael Paech
SOUTH EAST
MEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Nick Davis
WOMEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Chris Boston
Erin Horsnell (C) Mundulla
Hinemoa Biddle-Maitland Casterton Sandford ...............................
Dellie Brown Kybybolite
Zoe Hawker Mundulla
Sophie Wight South Gambier
Jarrah Altshwager South Gambier
Berkin Penola
Libby Altorfer Casterton Sandford
Gambier ........................................
Shandeen Balshaw Penola
Taylor Ryan Kybybolite
Jedah Huf Kybybolite
Fiona Young (Emg) North Gambier
Kate Maddern Mundulla
Kellsie Turner (VC) Mundulla ...................................................
Mel Maddern Mundulla
Chloe Finnigan Casterton Sandford ...............................
MEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Matt Promnitz
WOMEN’S SQUAD
COACH:
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
MEN’S SQUAD
COACH: Gianni Petrucci
WOMEN’S SQUAD
NORWOOD
ADELAIDE
COACH: Hamish Hartlett COLOURS: Black and White
COACH: Darren Reeves COLOURS: Black and
Benjamin
EAGLES
COACH: Sam Jacobs COLOURS: Gold, Green and Blue
COACH: Martin Mattner COLOURS: Double Blue
COACH: Paul Thomas COLOURS: Red, White and Blue
COACH: Adam Hartlett COLOURS:
SOUTH
COACH: Jarrad Wright COLOURS: Navy and White
NORTH
COACH: Jacob Surjan COLOURS: Red and White
SANFL MEN’S LEAGUE ROUND 13 WINNER
IZAAK TWELFTREE
NORWOOD
The versatile Redlegs forward was a key figure in his team’s strong win against West Adelaide, kicking four goals from 21 disposals, seven marks and six tackles.
COLES MINI LEAGUER OF THE WEEK
Noah McMahon
Which SANFL match are you attending?
Central v West
Your local football club?
Golden Grove
What position do you play on the footy field?
Midfield and back
Favourite SANFL team?
Central District
Favourite SANFL player?
Billy Iles
What do you want to be when you are older?
AFL player
What is the best thing about playing footy?
Chasing someone down holding the ball
If you were a superhero, what would be your name and super power?
Invisible Man
What would you do with $1 million? Go on a big holiday
What do you like doing when you’re not playing footy? Watch footy and play cricket
The best piece of advice given by your coach? Good players never win, good teams do
U18 MVP RD13
Returning from State duty, the versatile utility hauled in six contested marks while also hitting the scoreboard with three goals in the Tigers’ win against the Eagles.
THOMAS McKAY (GLENELG)
2024 SANFL RESERVES
COACH:
COACH: Craig Brooks
COACH:
GLENELG
COACH: Jared
STURT
COACH: Chris Trapp
COACH:
2024 SANFL RESERVES
COACH:
UNDER-18 WRAP
West Adelaide’s Mitchell Marsh produced a stunning matchwinning goal with two seconds to play as the Bloods snatched a dramatic four-point win against Norwood in Round 13 of the SANFL Under-18s. West trailed by two points at Hisense Stadium when Marsh pounced on a loose ball at centre half-forward and let fly on his left foot from 45m, watching it sail through before the final siren sounded to spark wild celebrations among his team-mates. It was just the second win of the season for the Bloods, who listed Joel Parker, Hamish Dow and Marsh high among their best players. The Redlegs rated the efforts of Fergus Myall highly, while Darcy Speyer and Jacob Newton found plenty of the ball.
Glenelg maintained its place at the top of the SANFL U18 ladder by holding on for a 10-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval. Leading at every change, the Tigers were made to sweat for the premiership points in the final term as the inaccurate Eagles (9.12) charged home by booting 4.3 to the Bays’ 3.0. Glenelg welcomed back the Camporeale twins – Ben and Lucas – from State duty and they collected 59 disposals between them but it was the performances of Jack Walters, Harry Plews and Thomas McKay (three goals) that drew high praise from the coaching staff. Eagle Jevan Phillipou impressed with 26 disposals and six clearances while SA under-18 teammate Harry Dodd and Isaac Edwards also stood up.
Sturt’s efficiency was the key to a comfortable 44-point win against South Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium.
Despite having 23 fewer marks and one less inside-
50m entry, the Double Blues led at every change as they benefited from slick ball movement while restricting the Panthers to one goal across the opening three quarters. Sturt’s Louis Kellaway and Oscar Merrett enjoyed the presence of returning SA U18 ruckman Alex Dodson, who finished with 19 disposals and 27 hit-outs. South’s Phoenix Hargrave, SA U18’s best in its last game against Victoria Metro, shone with 29 disposals and 10 marks.
North Adelaide shared the scoring load in an upset 55-point win against Central District at Prospect Oval. Ten Roosters hit the goalscoring list as the fourthplaced home side toppled the previously equal ladderleading Bulldogs. Prolific midfielder Sam Cumming was back to his ball-winning ways with 31 disposals and eight clearances, while team-mates Owen Kalic and Henry Turner were also prominent. Central’s Matt LeRay flew the flag for his side, finishing with 23 disposals and two goals.
West Adelaide’s Mitchell Marsh (left) celebrates his last-gasp winning goal. Photo: Peter Argent
SEASON STANDINGS 2024
LAST ROUND’S RESULTS
Central v Adelaide (X Convenience Oval)
Adelaide 11.9 (75) d Central 5.9 (39)
Crowd: 1519
Sturt v South (Thomas Farms Oval)
West v Norwood (Hisense Stadium)
Norwood 17.13 (115) d West 6.5 (41)
Crowd: 1556
North v Port (Prospect Oval)
RESERVES
SANFL HOSTPLUS MEN’S LEAGUE ROUND 13 ROUND 13 ROUND 13
Sturt 11.9 (75) d South 7.12 (54)
Crowd: 2216
Glenelg v Eagles (Stratarama Stadium)
Glenelg 9.13 (67) d Eagles 8.7 (55)
Crowd: 2318
Port 13.8 (86) d North 8.9 (57)
Crowd: 2381
U18
2024 STANLEY H. LEWIS TROPHY
THE ROAD AHEAD
ROUND 1 Easter Weekend
Norwood 11.11 (77) d Sturt 7.8 (50)
Central 14.9 (93) d North 9.12 (66)
Adelaide 13.18 (96) d South 14.7 (91)
Eagles 20.13 (133) d West 10.9 (69)
Glenelg 23.12 (150) d Port 13.6 (84)
AFL GATHER ROUND SANFL 10.5 (65) d VFL 7.9 (51)
ROUND 2
Norwood 10.11 (71) d Glenelg 7.5 (47)
Eagles 21.12 (138) d North 7.4 (46)
Central 15.7 (97) d Adelaide 5.12 (42)
West 12.11 (83) d Port 11.13 (79)
Sturt 16.9 (105) d South 5.10 (40)
ROUND 3
Central 14.9 (93) d South 10.7 (67)
North 10.3 (63) d Sturt 8.9 (57)
Glenelg 16.10 (106) d Adelaide 10.8 (68)
Norwood 6.14 (50) d West 5.7 (37)
Eagles 12.11 (83) d Port 8.9 (57)
ROUND 4 Anzac Weekend
Sturt 11.16 (82) d Glenelg 6.8 (44)
West 17.10 (112) d South 6.9 (45)
Central 14.6 (90) d Eagles 11.9 (75)
North 12.12 (84) d Adelaide 10.8 (68)
Norwood 8.13 (61) d Port 6.7 (43)
ROUND 5
Adelaide 16.7 (103) d Port 8.14 (62)
Norwood 10.7 (67) d North 8.11 (59)
Central 9.12 (66) d West 6.9 (45)
Glenelg 9.16 (70) d South 6.7 (43)
Eagles 12.11 (83) d Sturt 11.9 (75)
Legend
ROUND 6
Norwood 10.12 (72) d Adelaide 7.12 (54)
Sturt 11.10 (76) d Central 6.5 (41)
North 18.11 (119) d Port 5.5 (35)
Eagles 11.11 (77) d South 11.6 (72)
Glenelg 10.10 (70) d West 6.7 (43)
KIA STATE GAME
ROUND 11
Norwood 18.14 (122) d Port 5.9 (39)
Sturt 10.15 (75) d North 9.9 (63)
Glenelg 16.12 (108) d West 8.8 (56)
ROUND 16
Saturday 27 July
Glenelg v Norwood SS Central v North XCO
Sturt v Port TFO
South v West FUS
Sunday 28 July
Eagles v Adelaide MTKO
Sunday 19 May SANFL 16.13 (109) d WAFL 5.16(46) BYE
ROUND 7 First Nations Rounds
West 13.9 (87) d North 8.8 (56)
Norwood 16.11 (107) d Central 8.9 (57)
South 17.15 (117) d Yartapuulti 7.2 (44)
Sturt 15.12 (102) d Kuwarna 6.5 (41)
Glenelg 11.12 (78) d Eagles 10.7 (67)
ROUND 8 First Nations Rounds
Sturt 6.15 (51) d Yartapuulti 4.3 (27)
Glenelg 11.12 (78) d Central 10.11 (71)
West 11.8 (74) d Kuwarna 7.12 (54)
North 14.10 (94) d South 8.8 (56)
Eagles 15.9 (99) d Norwood 8.12 (60)
ROUND 9 King’s Birthday Weekend
South 8.14 (62) d Adelaide 8.7 (55)
Central 8.12 (60) d Eagles 7.12 (54)
Glenelg 12.12 (84) d North10.12 (72)
Sturt 9.11 (65) d Norwood 5.7 (37)
ROUND 12
Central 12.6 (78) d Port 7.11 (53)
North 8.15 (63) d Eagles 6.4 (40)
Sturt 10.10 (70) d West 3.7 (25)
Adelaide 15.6 (96) d Glenelg 7.15 (57)
Norwood 9.16 (70) d South 4.7 (31)
ROUND 13
Adelaide 11.9 (75) d Central 5.9 (39)
Sturt 11.9 (75) d South 7.12 (54)
Glenelg 9.13 (67) d Eagles 8.7 (55)
Norwood 17.13 (115) d West 6.5 (41)
Port 13.8 (86) d North 8.9 (57)
ROUND 17
Saturday 10 August
Norwood v South CS
North v Glenelg PO
Sturt v Central TFO
Sunday 11 August
West v Adelaide AO Port v Eagles A
ROUND 18
Friday 16 August
Norwood v North CS
Saturday 17 August
West v Sturt HS
Central v Glenelg XCO
South v Eagles FUS Port v Adelaide AO
ROUND 10
Central 14.8 (92) d South 4.5 (29)
Port 15.7 (97) d West 10.17 (77)
Eagles 15.12 (102) d Adelaide7.7 (49)
ROUND 14
Saturday 13 July
Norwood v Adelaide CS
Port v Glenelg A Eagles v Sturt MTKO
Central v West XCO
South v North VH
ROUND 15
Saturday 20 July
West v Eagles HS
Norwood v Central CS
North v Adelaide PO
Sunday 21 July
Sturt v Glenelg TFO
Port v South A
ROUND 19
Weekend of Saturday 24 August
Glenelg v South SS
Central v Port XCO
Eagles v Norwood MTKO North v West PO
Sturt v Adelaide TFO
FINALS
Sunday 1 September Elim. & Qual. Final AO
Sunday 8 September Semi Final 1 & 2 AO
Sunday 15 September
Preliminary Final AO
Sunday 22 September
Grand Final AO
A - Alberton Oval, AO - Adelaide Oval, CO – Centenary Oval, CS – Coopers Stadium, Norwood, FUS – Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga, HS – Hisense Stadium, Richmond, JP – Johnstone Park, MTKO – Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville, PO - Prospect Oval, R – Riverland, VH – Victor Harbor, SS – Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg, XCO – X Convenience Oval, Elizabeth Oval, TFO – Thomas Farms Oval, Unley
PHOTOGRAPHY
P
Henry Rivera & Patrycja Whipp
Cory Sutton & David Mariuz COVER
The footy spotlight is on Victor Harbor this weekend for the highly-anticipated SA Country Championships and the South v North SANFL encounter.
Key: Bold = home team
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