A week of massive wins as the top five sides played the bottom five sides. But this week is the game everyone’s been waiting on with Hectorville v Elizabeth
By Lachy Jones

Ingle Farm 0.0 (0) def by St Pauls 18.0 (108) via FORFEIT

Ingle Farm forfeited their second consecutive game for the year, gifting St Pauls a massive 18-goal default win and a much-needed percentage boost amidst a tight finals tilt with four other clubs. The Bulldogs dwindle on the bottom of the ladder, while St Pauls sit third. 

Blackfriars 21.18 (144) def Houghton 4.7 (31)

Blackfriars have kept a top two spot alive at home against a bottom-bound Houghton, extending the gap between the finals’ aspirants and the losing sides. With a massive first half, Blackfriars commanded an 85-point lead by the main change, that was only extended in the second half. The 113-point victory sees Blackfriars gain a percentage boost that sees them within 2% of second placed Elizabeth. Brendan Dunn was the best on ground for the victors, while Michael Spry and Antonio Scaffidi-Muta led the charge with four goals each. Houghton sit just a percent ahead of Para Hills in seventh, with their finals chances all but gone.

Para Hills 8.5 (53) def by Elizabeth 23.20 (158)

A wayward Elizabeth got the job done on the road against a terrible Para Hills outfit on the weekend, with the 105-point win a shadow of what it could have been if the Eagles kicked straight. Nonetheless, the win sees the Eagles sit second on the ladder by percentage, with a 5-2 record after seven rounds. Benjamin Taylor kicked seven goals in the win, while Grant Wanganeen (4 goals, 5 votes) was the best afield for Elizabeth. Heath Hegarty added five goals, as the Eagles put this one to bed by half time. The Kangaroos have mightily struggled this year, and with just a couple rounds left, they have yet to put together a comprehensive performance.

Hectorville 24.11 (155) def Mawson Lakes 6.3 (39)

The Hounds continued their dominant 2020 campaign with another huge win on the weekend, disposing of a hapless Mawson Lakes team by 116 points. Jake Mazzone (8 goals) makes it 17 majors in a fortnight after 9 last week, while William Thwaites booted five and was best on ground. The Hounds have yet to be properly challenged, with no losses to their name through seven games. Mawson Lakes had just three goals to three quarter time, before a short last quarter burst saw them kick a few late goals to outscore the home side in the final term. Mawson Lakes sit second last on the ladder with just one win to their name.

Trinity 15.17 (107) def Marion 6.7 (43)

In the closest game of the round, it was still a thrashing, with the home side Trinity handing Marion their third loss of the season in an unexpected result. Marion, who took it to Hectorville last week, have fallen mightily with a 64-point loss to a fellow finals bolter. Cooper Burt kicked five for the victors, while Dylan Winning was Trinity’s best. The timing for Marion’s form drop is poor, given finals around the corner and they have fallen a game behind the pack. Meanwhile, Trinity have gained the momentum boost they desired, and can take this with them heading into finals, if they make it.

Elizabeth V Hectorville

ARGANA PARK; Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm

Hectorville face arguably their biggest test yet, with a clash against second placed Elizabeth threatening to dethrone the Hounds. Undefeated so far, Hectorville travel to Elizabeth, who are in red hot form with finals close. Both sides are coming off 100 point wins last week, so this match will be telling of who is in better form.

Mawson Lakes V Trinity

MAWSON LAKES OVAL; Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm

After smashing premiership contenders Marion last week, Trinity suddenly are a chance to win it all with some new-found form that threatens to challenge the best of them. They travel to Mawson Lakes, who managed just six goals against the Hounds last week, so this match will be a test to show just how good Trinity are. If they can smash Mawson Lakes like Hectorville did, we will know for sure they are the real deal.

Ingle Farm V Blackfriars

ROWE PARK; Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm

This match has the unknown factor. Ingle Farm, for one, may not even show up; they have forfeited the last two weeks giving their opponents percentage boosts. But if they do show up, what form will they be in? They will be well rested and potentially with some new players, so anything could happen.

Marion V Houghton Districts

STURT OVAL; Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm

Marion have fallen short of where they thought they would be two weeks ago, losing two on the trot and in trouble as the finals draw near. This match at home against Houghton will be a chance to recollect some form, as they face a team that has registered just one win in 2020. Marion need a win here if they are any chance of playing finals and need some results to go their way.

St Pauls V Para Hills

ST PAULS COLLEGE; Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm

St Pauls have had a week off, after their opponent Ingle Farm forfeited. It could mean two things: either they come back strong after a rest, or they come back lazy after a rest. With just two regular season rounds remaining, Para Hills are yet to play good footy, but surely their time is near. With finals on the line, St Pauls cannot slip up.

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