Round 3 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Sunday

All of the pre-season talk centered around Sturt and Norwood being the chief contenders for a Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final berth. 

Only three rounds have been played but Woodville-West Torrens has certainly joined the conversation as it became the second undefeated team – alongside Glenelg – with a nail-biting two-point win against the Double Blues at Thomas Farms Oval.

Sam Jacobs’ charges displayed plenty of spirit throughout the afternoon as they transformed an 18-point quarter-time deficit into a 13-point half-time advantage on the back of a statement-making six-goal second term.

The visitors were able to contain the reigning premier, which had unfurled its 2025 premiership flag before the bounce, whilst edging ahead by as much as 19 points with Daniel Sladojevic’s major in the sixth minute of the last term.

But the hosts – playing in the absence of Magarey Medallist Tom Lewis who was a late withdrawal due to general soreness – came home hard with the next three goals, capped by a ripping long range effort from AAMI Rookie James White on debut.

Giant Eagles forward Connor Ballenden steadied things up for his side after converting his set shot from 30m after marking a Kade Herbert clearance before Sturt’s Sam Conforti have his side one last chance with a snap goal in the 30th minute.

The Double Blues surged forward with a long ball deep inside 50m only for it to be marked by former Sturt key back Liam Puncher, who took an eye-catching intercept grab.

Puncher was at it again as he put his fist through the Sherrin to send it towards the north-western pocket, where it was bottled up until the final siren sounded in the 34th minute.

The Eagles had midfield trio Riley Knight (22 disposals), Ted Clohesy (18 disposals, seven clearances, eight tackles) and Herbert (18 disposals, five clearances and a goal) make their presence felt in the centre square as Ballenden hit the scoreboard with five majors from seven marks.

Co-captain James Rowe and Sladojevic booted three goals each as the Eagles claimed their first win at Unley since Round 5, 2024.

Sturt finished with 11 more inside 50 entries and eight more clearances, leaving it to rue an inefficient first term in particular.

Magarey Medallist Will Snelling had 22 disposals on his return from concussion while Zac Becker continued to launch attacks with his 18 disposals as Conforti, Martin Frederick and Nick Sadler had 17 each.

Blues forward Josh Hone booted three goals while Morgan Ferres, Oliver Grivell and Loch Rawlinson chimed in with two each.

A match-turning third quarter was the catalyst for North Adelaide’s 17-point win against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.

Trailing by three goals at half-time, the Roosters produced a six-goal stunner in the third term to lead by two majors at three quarter-time.

Amidst the blitz from the visitors, Port managed just one major – to Kyan Smith – in the 11th minute as Josh Francou’s men swung the momentum in their favour.

Sheer weight of possession played a major role in the victory as North finished with 98 more disposals and 56 more marks, however, this only translated into eight more inside 50 entries.

And it was a former Magpie in Oliver Francou who proved to be a significant factor in the Roosters triumph with 32 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances while experienced pair Angus Schumacher and Harrison Wigg had 31 touches each.

Key position player Cody Raak moved like a midfielder to tally 28 disposals and 11 marks as former Sturt captain James Battersby collected 24 disposals, nine marks and three clearances for North.

Lively small forward Charlie Dickeson shone in just his thid Hostplus SANFL League match, booting four goals from his 13 disposals and four marks.

Schumacher and the recalled Reed Van Huisstede kicked two goals each for North.

With former North mentor Jacob Surjan at the helm of the Magpies for the first time against his old side, the hosts had Will Lorenz chalk up 24 disposals while Jack Watkins tallied 22 in his first SANFL game after being demoted from AFL duty.

Jake Weidemann battled hard wherever he was thrown to finish with 19 disposals and eight marks while Xavier Walsh showed plenty of promise in a new-look forward role as he booted a career-high four goals for Port.