IT was another week without VFL and QAFL action, but there were still plenty of big performances and exciting finishes across the SANFL, final round of the TSL, and the WAFL. We take a look at everything that happened in this week’s state league wrap.

South Australia (SANFL):

There were just two games of SANFL action over the weekend with Port Adelaide keeping the finals door open after defeating fifth placed South Adelaide by 13 points, while Central District was too strong for Adelaide, winning by 33 points.

At Alberton Oval, Port Adelaide were in control early leading by four goals at the first break, but a big second term meant South Adelaide trailed by just two points at half time. The Magpies extended their lead to three goals at the final change, before the Panthers came out firing to begin the last quarter kicking four straight majors to take the lead. Jake Weidemann took control soon after, kicking three goals, as Ollie Lord booted the sealer with just a couple of minutes remaining, leading the Magpies to a 15.7 (97) to 13.6 (84) victory.

Boyd Woodcock certainly put his hand for the AFL finals after amassing 43 disposals, 13 marks, seven clearances and one goal. AFL fringe players Tom Clurey (23 touches and seven marks) and Sam Powell-Pepper (21 disposals and one goal) will also be hoping for a recall, while Dylan Williams booted three goals for the Magpies.

For the Panthers, Liam Fitt (four goals) and Eamon Wilkinson (three goals) were potent up forward, while Bryce Gibbs (31 disposals) and Matthew Broadbent (29 disposals) continued to win the footy.

Adelaide’s trip to play Central District did not go to plan, with the Crows on the back foot from the beginning of the match. The Bulldogs kicked four goals in the first and second quarters on their way to a 33-point half-time advantage, and the Crows never troubled them in the second half as they won the contest, 11.9 (75) to 6.6 (42).

Nicholas Lange (three goals), Fraser Fort (three goals) and Aiden Grace (two goals) were all multiple goal kickers for Central District, while Kyle Presbury (25 disposals) and Dylan Morton (22 disposals) were the major ball winners. The Crows had six individual goal kickers, as Jay Boyle (25 disposals), James Borlase (23 disposals), Lachlan Sholl (21 disposals) and Oliver Davis (20 disposals) all recorded 20 plus touches for the match.

Tasmania (TSL):

The TSL season concluded with finals teams Launceston, North Launceston, and Clarence all recording big victories, while the Tigers had a bye in round 21, but will finish in fourth spot.

Jay Blackberry booted four goals, as teammates Jack Donnellan and Brendan Taylor kicked three apiece in Launceston’s 17.15 (117) to 5.4 (34) demolition of Lauderdale. A seven goals to one first half set up the big win as the Bombers could not keep up with the minor premiers. Brodie Palfreyman, Blackberry and Donnellan were among the best for the Blues, while ex-Lion and Cat Allen Christensen was impressive for the Bombers.

Meanwhile, North Launceston’s 10-goal first half saw them lead by 51 points at half-time as they went on to defeat Glenorchy 15.17 (107) to 5.6 (36). Magpies’ player Harrison Gunther was among the best on ground, booting four of his side’s five goals, while Brandon Leary (three goals) led a group of five multiple goal scorers for the Northern Bombers.

In the other match, six goals from Colin Garland led Clarence to 35-point win over wooden spooners North Hobart. A tight first half saw the Roos lead by one straight kick at the main break, before they hit their straps with a six goal to two second half. Connor Smith and Callum Kilpatrick were amongst the best in the Demons’ final game of the year, while Garland, Darcy Gardner and Oscar Paprotny had strong outings ahead of the Roos’ finals series.

Western Australia (WAFL):

There were close games all round in the WAFL this weekend, with a combined margin of just 11 points across the three games played.

A top-five battle between West Perth and South Fremantle went down to the wire, with the Falcons kicking the final two goals of the game to win by one goal. Tyler Keitel had another great game kicking four goals, while teammates Rudy Riddoch (three goals) and Conal Lynch (two goals) were also multiple goal kickers. Aaron Black continues to dominate across the middle of the ground racking up another 40 touches, with Shane Nelson (32 touches) also winning plenty of it again.

The Bulldogs were led by Jake Florenca and Tom Blechynden who both had 29 disposals, and Mason Shaw, Zachary Storm, Haiden Schloithe who each kicked two majors.

At Leederville Oval, it was the hosts who came charging home with a six-goal to three final term, however it was not enough as East Perth went down to East Fremantle by two points. Matthew Young was massive for the Royals slotting five goals, while teammate Edward Simpson booted three. Hugh Dixon and Dillon O’Reilly each had three majors for the Sharks, while Royals duo Rohan Kerr and Angus Scott led all comers with 30 disposals each.

Meanwhile, it was a battle of the two AFL affiliated clubs as Peel got the better of West Coast in another nail-biting contest. The Thunder kicked four goals to one in the final term to defeat the Eagles 10.16 (76) to 11.8 (74). Michael Randall was dominant collecting 36 touches and kicking two goals for Peel, while Stefan Giro (26 disposals), Tyrone Thorne (25 disposals, two goals) and Benjamin Hancock (24 disposals, one goals) were also impressive for the home team. Xavier O’Neill (32 disposals) and Brayden Ainsworth (31 disposals) were the major ball winners for the Eagles, while Bailey Williams was commanding with 58 hit outs and two goals.

Victoria/New South Wales/ Queensland (VFL):

The league was forced to cancel yet another round due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak across Victoria and New South Wales. On Monday, the AFL announced the final round of the season will be cancelled and the top eight teams (by percentage of matches won from games played) will hopefully be able to take part in a unique elimination finals format scheduled to start on the weekend of September 4.

Queensland (QAFL):

Following its own lockdown and restrictions, the QAFL finals series is set to begin this weekend with the top six teams facing off for premiership glory.

Picture credit: David Mariuz / SANFL