Pembroke OS and Hope Valley are the “real deal” coming into finals. The Lions have dropped off the pace leaving Walkerville and Mitcham as the only challengers
By Liam Wormald

Kilburn v Pulteney

Kilburn have won their first game since round one, after they defeated Pulteney by 21-points at Blair Athol Reserve. The win sees the Chics move to eighth position, with a solid finish to the season allowing them to build towards a strong 2021 campaign. After a positive start from the Chics, with five goals in the first term, the Navy Blues struggled to claim the lead, with the Chics leading by 19-points at the major break. In the second half the inspired Chics remained composed and consolidated their second win for the season. Darren Francis who never leaves the goal square as he’s fat and doesn’t like running, was pivotal in the victory, with four goals, along with Brayden Ley and Marcus Linsen who both kicked two, while Bradley Clark, Tripodi and Heath Fitzpatrick all booted two majors for the Navy Blues. Billy-John Parks and Rhys O’Keeffe showcased their dynamic skills for the Chics, while the Navy Blue’s Jayden Fischer and Stephan Monda had persistent efforts. 

Hope Valley v Gepps Cross

Hope Valley have continued their impressive form, with an 18-point win over Gepps Cross at Hope Valley Oval. The Demons remain in second position, with just percentage separating them and the third placed Hawks. It was the Rams who made the early-running, with a 15-point quarter time lead, before the Demons found fluency up forward and kicked six-goals in the second quarter to lead by 19-points at half-time. There was little separating the two teams in the second half, with the Rams unable to retain their three-quarter time lead, as the Demons attack saw them claim the two points in the final quarter. Matthew Min continued his ripping form with seven majors for the Demons, with assistance from Brodie Packer who kicked two, while Jeff Ladd booted five and Graham Hampton scored two for the Rams. Jordan Thurgood and John Martin set the standard for the Demons, while Jack Wood and Callum Camp were resolute for the Rams. 

Mitcham v Woodville South 

Mitcham have claimed their sixth consecutive victory, after they beat Woodville South by 66-points at Thomas Farms Oval. The game commenced with the Hawks demonstrating superior goalkicking accuracy, which saw them lead by 10-points at the major break. When play resumed in the second half, the Hawks showed why they are serious finals threat, with ten goals in the second half, while holding the Cats to just one goal. Maxwell Smyth bagged four goals in another impressive performance, while Daniel Cross and Alexander Gillett kicked two each for the Hawks. For the Cats Jason Westley was the only multiple goalkicker with two. James Daly and Stewart Lawson played great games for the Hawks, while for the Cats Lachlan Garland and Simon Tyler had solid games. 

Walkerville v Morphettville Park

In a low-scoring encounter Morphettville Park defeated Walkerville by 16-points at Walkerville Recreation Ground. The win sees the Roos remain a chance for finals, with just percentage keeping them out of the top four. In the first half, the Panthers struggled to match the Roo’s intensity, causing them to trail by 14-points at half-time. The Roos made the Panthers rue their misses in the third term, as they maintained their lead heading into the final quarter in which neither team kicked a goal. In a great display of goalkicking accuracy, Matthew Duldig kicked five goals for the Roos, while Luke Westbury led the Panthers attack with two majors. Byron Murphy and Sam Walker were prolific for the Roos, while Daniel Woolford and Slorach put in a proud effort for the Panthers.  

SMOSH West Lakes v Pembroke OS

In the final game of the round Pembroke OS defeated SMOSH West Lakes by 17-points at West Lakes Shore Oval. Pembroke OS remain undefeated, with their biggest test coming next week when they face Hope Valley in a top of the table clash. Both teams struggled to score in the first half, with the Kings holding a slender eight-point lead at the long break. In the second half the game became even tighter, with the King’s lead just four-points heading into the final term, before holding on in the last quarter, despite inaccurate goalkicking. Thomas Evans was the leading goalkicker for the game with three for the Kings, while Alex Hughes was one of six Lions players to kick one major. Nathan Worrall produced another best-on-ground performance, with help from Jaiden Pengelly for the Kings, while Karl Muller and Alex Hughes were sound for the Lions. 

Round Nine Game Previews
Gepps Cross v Mitcham 

Mitcham will look to continue their winning streak when they play Gepps Cross at Duncan Fraser Reserve on Saturday. Currently sitting third on the ladder, a win to the Hawks could see them secure a top-two position. While the Rams will put in a competitive effort, the synergy of the Hawks should see them claim their seventh straight victory. Mitcham by 15 points.

Morphettville Park v SMOSH West Lakes 

In an intriguing clash Morphettville Park will host SMOSH West Lakes at Kellett Reserve this Saturday. As both teams are still a chance to play finals, there will be plenty of passion in this contest. This should be a close game, with both teams having in-form players in each area of the ground. Morphettville Park by 18 points.

Woodville South v Kilburn

After defeating Pulteney, Kilburn will be eager to finish their season with consecutive victories, when they play Woodville South at Ledger Oval. Following their disappointing loss to the Hawks, the Cats will be keen to redeem themselves with a win over the Magpies. The Cat’s lack of scoring options could hurt them, as the Magpies showed positive signs in round eight. Kilburn by 22.

Pulteney v Walkerville 

Pulteney will host Walkerville this Saturday at Morgan Oval in the hope of finishing the season strongly. As their finals position remains in jeopardy, the Panthers will be eager to consolidate fourth position and play in another final’s series. The Navy Blues will come out determined, but the even team spread of the Panthers should prove too strong. Walkerville by 55 points.

Pembroke OS v Hope Valley

In the match of the round, Pembroke OS will face Hope Valley at Haslam Oval on Saturday. This top of the table clash is set to be highly entertaining, with many predicating it to be a grand final preview. The scoring power of the Demons led by Matthew Min, will see the Demons hand the Kings their first loss of the season. Hope Valley by 12 points.

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