2023 Adelaide Footy League - Division 5

[The Bedge]

CLG by 19 points
Kilburn by 134 points
Pulteney by 71 points
West Croydon by 3 points
Gepps Cross by 103 points

[The Bedge]

DIVISION FIVE
2022 grand final: Hectorville 12.7 (79) d Lockleys 8.8 (56)

JB Dicker Medallist: Ben Haren (Lockleys), Daniel Mason (Gepps Cross), Jake Mazzone (Hectorville)

Leading goalkicker: Ben Haren (Lockleys) – 109

Major ins: Corey Solly (Gaza to Kilburn), Scott Galbraith (Southern Flinders to Kilburn), Aaron Wiles (AFL Canberra to Kilburn), Lucas Di Sotto (Peake and District to Woodville South), Izak Richards (Flinders Park to Woodville South)

Major outs: Jock Van Kempen (Colonel Light Gardens to PHOS Camden), Blake Dodson (Colonel Light Gardens to Payneham Norwood Union), Chris Knapp (Eastern Park to Loxton), Matt Nielsen (Pulteney to Adelaide Uni)

Clubs: Blackfriars OS, Colonel Light Gardens, Eastern Park, Elizabeth, Gepps Cross, Kilburn, Pulteney, Trinity OS, West Croydon, Woodville South

Kilburn has been the most active division five club throughout the pre-season and could reap the rewards this year after adding star midfielders Corey Solly and Scott Galbraith, as well as Canberra utility Aaron Wiles, while Woodville South has also been proactive after relegation from division four.

Colonel Light Gardens may be one of the big droppers this year after losing key on-ballers Jock Van Kempen and Blake Dodson to division two, while Eastern Park will also need to recover from losing Chris Knapp to the Riverland.

Gepps Cross has not been as busy in the off-season but should be a major chance at taking the minor premiership after holding on to div five medallist Daniel Mason and onballer Matt Sawilski.

THREE BIG PREDICTIONS

Mason the standout again

Daniel Mason is fresh off of a fantastic 2022 and should lead by example for the Rams yet again this year.

The star onballer has the ability to win countless contested possessions and should be the standout for his club in another medal bid.

Mansell hits 100-mark

Gun Eastern Park forward Shawn Mansell booted 70 goals in just 14 games last season, including a spectacular 20-goal display against St Paul’s OS.

If he can play every game this season, he’ll go close to reaching the tonne.

Hawks drop back down

West Croydon impressed in the division six finals last season to earn promotion to division five but the club may be hard-pressed to remain in the div after a reasonably quiet pre-season.

PREDICTED LADDER

1. Gepps Cross
2. Woodville South
3. Kilburn
4. Pulteney
5. Eastern Park
6. Colonel Light Gardens
7. Trinity OS
8. Elizabeth
9. Blackfriars OS
10. West Croydon

PLAYERS TO WATCH

COREY SOLLY (Kilburn)

Solly has arrived at Kilburn after impressive seasons with Gaza and should boost the Magpies’ troops significantly.

A versatile weapon who can slot in the middle or play in key positions.

DANIEL MASON (Gepps Cross)
Last season’s joint division five medal winner, Mason is due for another big year at the Rams.

A dominant midfielder who can set-up teammates or boot goals himself.

SHAWN MANSELL (Eastern Park)
Mansell produced one of the most exciting individual displays in the Adelaide Footy League last season and will be the Demons’ key point of attack again this year.

[Brodlach]

Surely it’s Kilburn to lose?


CLG will be interesting with a new coach and a turnover of players.

[Mr Beefy]

No Robbie Young to Gepps X mentioned, is he still there?

[one day I will]

Player HQ has Robert Young so I assume it’s him. And Dom Barry!!!

[#bleedredandblue]

Shawn Mansell has retired so I think he will fall just short on the ton haha

[Mr Beefy]

Player HQ has Robert Young so I assume it’s him. And Dom Barry!!!

I knew he was there, just suggesting the write up was useless

[Lightning McQueen]

Player HQ has Robert Young so I assume it’s him. And Dom Barry!!!

I knew he was there, just suggesting the write up was useless

Zero research, just like the majority of the write ups, you’d get more from the local pubs, better still, jump on here.

[one day I will]

What an outstanding side Gepps Cross A grade were Saturday. Wowee!!!!
Early call, but I reckon they could go undefeated this year unless they get injuries.
Didn’t give us an inch all day.
The big experienced bodies on every line connected so well and continually worked for each other.
Not the ideal start for us but we will move on and hopefully be more competitive this week.

[Old_mate21]

Yeah but aren’t Elizabeth going to struggle this year? Big call this early on and I doubt it will happen. When was the last time a team went undefeated?

[Footy Chick]

Yeah but aren’t Elizabeth going to struggle this year? Big call this early on and I doubt it will happen. When was the last time a team went undefeated?

8 teams were undefeated premiers last year,

[Old_mate21]

Yeah I just checked. I even played against one of the sides. That’s how good my memory is haha.

[guru36]

Be interesting to see how Trinity go this week in both grades playing against Kilburn.Trinity had an easy run last year choosing to stay in div 6 going through undefeated in both grades can't see Trinity matching Kilburns aggression at the ball and the body Trinity will be scared to put there head over the ball and won't be able to win the hard ball leaving all their outside runners with no possessions predict Trinity looses in both grades bringing their undefeated run to an end big win in both grades for Kilburn

[JesseWhite]

Be interesting to see how Trinity go this week in both grades playing against Kilburn.Trinity had an easy run last year choosing to stay in div 6 going through undefeated in both grades can't see Trinity matching Kilburns aggression at the ball and the body Trinity will be scared to put there head over the ball and won't be able to win the hard ball leaving all their outside runners with no possessions predict Trinity looses in both grades bringing their undefeated run to an end big win in both grades for Kilburn

Grammar is your friend.

[The Bedge]

All matches are pretty interesting this weekend. Aside from CLG who should make light work of Elizabeth, the rest will be viewed closely to gauge an idea how teams are really stacking up.

Trinity have their first serious test in a number or seasons against the Chics.

Woody South host West Croydon, I thought the Hawks recruited very well over the summer and would be mid table. Both sides seeking a win to open their account.

Blackfriars survived a persistent Blues last week to win, but face Gepps who are firming in the betting as a contender. A win for the Rams.

Eastern Park host Pulteney - like WS and WC both looking to get their first win of the season - the loser may well be staring down the barrel of a long season.

I'd expect 3 teams to be on 2 wins and 3 teams on 0 wins after this weekend.

[bertiebeatle1]

Zedman rumoured to have a 10 year extension on the table after the 2-0 start.

[Brodlach]

Tough day for the Eastern Park B Grade, only named 16. They had 3 teams last season

[Yeahright]

Tough day for the Eastern Park B Grade, only named 16. They had 3 teams last season

Trinity are very lucky they didn’t come up to D5 last year, back to back losses for the first time in a long time to an average pultney side. Also very interesting result with West Croydon an CLG an Gepps X an Epfc, a lot closer than many expected. Obviously no depth at Epfc will hurt them unfortunately. also good on the eagles getting a the win over Blackfriars

[Old_mate21]

EPFC will always compete in A grade, I wouldn’t expect an easy game if you are going up against them. Will be a fairly even comp except Gepps Cross who will obviously go through undefeated.

[RunNCarry13]

You’re a Mong, old mate. Stick to eating cupcakes and sitting behind the screen.