BROUGHT TO YOU BY SGFL
Round 13 of the Spencer Gulf Football League celebrates MULTICULTURAL ROUND
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The player(s) with the most votes at the end of the home and away season will win the Coaches Award Player of the Year (SGFL).
To see the SGFL Coaches Award Top 15 after Round 12 click here
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Umpire Abuse Must Stop
Umpires are essential to our game, yet too often they are subjected to unnecessary criticism, questioning, and abuse. This behaviour is unacceptable — and it’s driving good people away from officiating.
If this continues, we risk losing the very individuals who make our sport possible.
We are calling on all players to show respect for umpiring decisions, and on teammates to take responsibility for one another. Step in when lines are crossed. Hold each other accountable. Support the officials who give their time and effort so we can all play.
Respect for umpires is not optional — it’s fundamental to the integrity and future of our game.
Let’s work together to protect them.
Another reminder, we are still looking for umpires. Boundary, Field and Goal. Yes, it is a paid job. Contact SGFL if you are interested.
MULTICULTURAL – Round 13
Cats vs Dogs at Memorial Oval
Match of the Round
The Cats and Dogs meet for the third time this season with the ledger locked at one win apiece, setting the stage for what promises to be the match of the round. Port claimed the first encounter in Round 3 with a hard-fought 15-point victory, before the Cats hit back in Round 8, winning by 16 points. With the Cats sitting on top of the ladder and the Dogs second, there is plenty more than bragging rights on the line. The Cats enter the clash full of confidence after a commanding win over fifth-placed West Augusta and are riding a five-game winning streak. In contrast, the Dogs will be looking to respond after a shock loss to bottom-placed Central, a result that has left them with plenty to prove. Across the ground, the Cats appear to have the stronger and more balanced line-up, but the outcome could well be decided in the ruck. Cats returning giant Mason Munzberg has been in outstanding form since coming back from injury, while Port’s Matt Faulkner will be determined to match him. Their battle could provide the decisive edge for their respective midfields. With the season series tied at one-all, first versus second, and two of the competition’s premier ruckmen going head-to-head, expect a fierce contest that could have a major bearing on the race for the minor premiership.
Cats by 2 goals in a close one.
West Augusta vs PropRisdon at Chinnery
Both the Hawks and the Lions enter this clash looking to bounce back after disappointing losses last weekend. The Lions make the trip to Port Augusta for the second consecutive week, this time taking on the Hawks at The Nest in what shapes as a crucial contest for both sides. This game could well be decided by the backlines. The Lions boast one of the competition’s most in-form defenders in Eckert, while the Hawks’ dependable “Rock” Colson produced a standout performance last week, restricting Cats star Sumner to a solitary goal. Despite trailing by 11 goals at half-time against South, the Lions showed plenty of character by outscoring their opponents seven goals to two after the main break. West Augusta, meanwhile, were comprehensively outplayed by the ladder-leading Cats, suffering a 12-goal defeat. The Lions will again look to the outstanding form of Eckert, Patterson, Fuller and Wallace, while the Hawks will rely heavily on Colson, Lebios and captain Jamahl McKenzie to lead the charge. If West can find greater support across the ground, they are every chance of making life difficult for the visitors in what promises to be a hard-fought encounter.
Lions in a close one
Central vs South
The Bloods produced the upset of the season last weekend, stunning the Dogs after racing to a commanding six-goal lead by half-time. Port fought back strongly after the main break, outscoring the Bloods seven goals to three, but the damage had already been done. South also burst out of the blocks against the Lions, establishing an early lead before holding on for an important victory. The Bloods have enjoyed outstanding consistency from Tyler Wall-Waddell, Stuart, McKeough and BJ Martin, whose form has been the driving force. South, however, boast an equally formidable engine room led by Luke Paparella, Ritter (S), Beattie, Bok, Gade and Tiggemann, all of whom have the ability to curb the Bloods’ midfield influence while winning plenty of the football themselves. The Bloods’ midfield has been in outstanding form, but they will need to be at their very best to match South’s depth and quality around the contest. Expect a fierce, hard-fought battle where the team that gains the upper hand through the middle is likely to walk away with the two points.
South by 2 goals.
