The local footy leagues kicked off on Saturday, with intriguing results and even a draw headlining Round 1 action. Read all about the Great Southern, River Murray and Hills Football Leagues here:
GREAT SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE (full results here)
The opening round of the Great Southern served up its fair share of drama with a draw between two contenders and a huge upset headlining Saturday’s play.
Defending champions McLaren Districts and prelim finalists Myponga-Sellicks played out a see-sawing 75-all draw, the first draw in the league since the Mudlarks drew with Strathalbyn in Round 18 of 2022.
Encounter Bay then stunned last year’s runners up in Willunga, with the Eagles leading at every change to record a shock 23-point win at home.
The other three games were thrashings, with Victor Harbor, Mount Compass and Langhorne Creek cruising to huge wins.
HILLS FOOTBALL LEAGUES (full results here and here)
Hahndorf have handed out a small dose of revenge for last year’s grand final defeat in Division 1 of the Hills Football League, after they beat Nairne Bremer by 26 points in Round one action on Saturday.
The Magpies jumped out to a 32-point lead at quarter time and never looked back, with the Parker-Boers trio of Troy, Zabien and Joel named as three of the best four on the field in the win.
Other results saw Mount Barker and Mount Lofty pick up key wins, while Uraidla Districts won a one-point thriller over Lobethal.
In the Country Division, Gumeracha has sent a huge statement in their quest for a three-peat, beating prelim finalists Macclesfield by 56 points.
RIVER MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE (full results here)
The River Murray Footy League’s defending champions in Jervois have survived their first challenge in their premiership defence, beating Mypolonga by 8 points in a tense grand final rematch in Round 1 action on Saturday.
Lachie Thomas was named best on for the Bluds as they held off a firm challenge from the Tigers, with spearhead Josh Scott kicking 4 goals in the win.
Other matches from the round saw Imperial make a huge statement by thumping last year’s minor premiers in Southern Mallee by 57 points, while the Coorong Cats beat Rambler by 83 and Mannum snuck by Tailem Bend to win by 7.
