Lucindale's unbeaten run has come to an end as Naracoorte's upset win over the Roos highlighted a round of close important games in round nine action in the Kowree Naracoorte-Tatiara.
Lucindale came in to the round having taken care of any team that they had faced so far this season and were favourites coming in to the clash with Naracoorte. Lucindale had fought their way to a two-goal lead by half time and would have fancied themselves to go on with it in the second half. Naracoorte had other ideas and kicked 9-2 to 3-5 in the second half to record a great victory. The Demons are in the five and will be looking to try and climb higher on the ladder as the season goes along. Keenan Jacobs, James MacDonald and Josh Gregg were major contributors in the victory. The Roos were well served by Bradley McCarthy, Anthony McCarthy and Nick Cane.
Bordertown kept their finals chances alive with a gritty seven-point win against Padthaway on Saturday. The game was close from start to finish and it was the Roosters who kicked straighter at goal that fell across the line. It was a big win for Bordertown to keep their slim finals chances alive. Thomas Whittlesea led the way with three goals for the Roosters. Jonte Dolling, Cameron Graetz and Tom Neville helped out with two goals each. Harrison Fromm, Joshua Searle and Tom Neville were the Roosters best players. Tobin Cox kicked three goals for the Lions in the loss. Kiefer Sharkie scored two goals to try and help Cox get the Lions across the line. Nathan McCarthy, Tom Moyle-Read and Will Verco were prominent for the Lions all game long.
Kingston and Keith had a hard-fought battle on Saturday with the winner gaining third spot on the ladder. The Saints were able to get across the line in a bruising encounter by 21-points in the end. Ethan Murdock kicked three goals in the victory and Jack Harding slotted two of his own as the Saints were able to work themselves hard to get the four points. Henry Lawrie, Ben Warner and Harrison Martin were strong performers in the victory for the Saints. Lewis Hender and Billy Wade found the going tough in the forward lines for Keith, both managed two goals each to keep the Crows in with a chance during the clash. Ryan Bartlett, Edward Dunstan and Jonathon Wilson were the Crows main contributors.
Mundulla had a strong 34-point win against Penola on Saturday. The clash was tight until three quarter time, before the Tigers pulled away in the fourth quarter to win by five goals. William Nankivell kicked three goals for the Tigers in the victory to lead the scoring. Nicholas Mosey, Brayden Redden and William Nankivell were Mundulla's best players. Penola fought hard to stay close as Kane Messenger and Drew Clayfield kicked two goals each for the Eagles to help keep the scoreboard ticking over. Scott Merrett, Jacob Pfitzner and Bradley Bryant were Penola's best players.
Border Districts stayed in touch with the top five after they recorded a strong 41-point victory against Kybybolite. The Eagles continue to hang around and in touch with the five by getting a win nearly every second week to give them a chance to make the Finals. Blake Helyar kicked four goals in the win. Fraser Adams, Mitchell Coles and Dre Stirling kicked two goals apiece to help get the Eagles across the line. Tyler Harris and Brad Castine kicked two goals each for the Tigers. Angus McKenzie, William Russell and Callum Masters were the Tigers best players.
Round Ten this week and again there are many important and interesting clashes.
Naracoorte host arch-rivals Kybybolite and these games always draw big crowds and are usually contested strongly. The Demons are flying after last weekend's win against the Roos and will be looking to consolidate their spot in the five with a win. The Tigers will fight hard and would love to spoil the Demons recent good run and a win would bring the Tigers to just one win outside the top five.
Padthaway host Border Districts in a big clash that the Lions need to win to stay in a reasonable reach of making the Finals. The Eagles also need to win as they could draw level to fifth spot on points by the end of the day if other results fall their way. Both teams have enough talent to challenge anyone on their day and this is a really hard game to predict. The Eagles will like their chances on the road though and to continue their rise up the ladder. The Lions though have Tobin Cox and he can win games off his own boot, so a close score will probably be the end result.
Lucindale host Penola and it is top vs bottom and the Roos will be confident of bouncing back on to the winners list. The Roos should have too much firepower for Penola, even though the Eagles pushed Mundulla all the way for three quarters on the weekend. Lucindale should win to continue their break on the chasing pack on the ladder.
Mundulla host Keith in what is an important clash. If Mundulla win, they will stay second on the ladder and if they lose, they could drop a spot and potentially be only two points ahead of 5th spot on the ladder. Both sides have had pretty good recent form and both have the firepower to do damage in a five-minute burst that can open a game up. Mundulla will be the slight favourites, but Keith will be determined to get across the line.
Kingston host Bordertown in a clash that both need to win for various reasons. Kingston wants to get in to second spot and keep the winning momentum going. Bordertown have slowly started to turn their season around with winning two of the last three to give them an outside chance of catching the top five. The Roosters stunned Kingston in round one with a stunning fourth quarter burst to win the game. The Saints haven't forgotten and will be ready for the challenge of turning that around this time when they play on Saturday.