2025 GFFL – Round 4 Preview

Round 4 of the Great Flinders Football League promises to be a pivotal weekend with three crucial clashes that could begin to separate contenders from pretenders. With the ladder starting to take shape, each side will be out to stamp their authority heading into the heart of the season.

Elliston Districts (4th) vs Cummins Kapinnie (3rd) – Minnipa

Elliston Districts

Ins: Jack Tonkin (debut), Jaxon Bennett, Fraser Smith

Outs: Logan Elliott, Cooper Van Doorn, Brandon Rosalia

Cummins Kapinnie

Ins: Levi Konitzka, Thomas Phelps

Outs: Bradley Phelps, Josh Horgan

A highly anticipated battle awaits at Minnipa as Elliston Districts host Cummins Kapinnie in a clash between two top-four hopefuls. Both sides sit at 1–1, separated only by Cougars having a draw in Round 1 while the Roosters had a bye, and will be desperate to secure a win to keep in touch with the unbeaten leaders.

Elliston Districts will be buoyed by their physical brand of footy and a strong home crowd. Their midfield, led by the likes of Rhys Kelsh and Matt Williams, has shown glimpses of dominance, but they’ll need to match Cummins Kapinnie’s pace and ball use.

Cummins Kapinnie have been impressive through three rounds, with their defensive structure holding up well under pressure. Expect veteran Thomas Phelps and Harry Ford to play a key roles down back, while the know-how of Jack Green through the middle could give them the edge.

A fierce contest is expected, and the expansive Minnipa oval could favour Elliston Districts’ style. But if Cummins Kapinnie can control the tempo and spread from stoppage, they might just pinch the points away from home.

Prediction: Cummins Kapinnie by 10 points.

Eyre United (7th) vs Lock (5th) – Ungarra

Eyre United

Ins: Robert Beenham

Outs: Anthony Webb

Lock

Ins: Jed Siebert, Ty George, Tait Hetzel

Outs: Aaron Beard, Blaze Kay, Jed Durdin

It’s been a tough start for Eyre United, but Round 4 presents a real opportunity to build some momentum when they host Lock at Ungarra. Sitting winless, Eyre United will be desperate to notch their first victory and shake off a series of competitive but ultimately unsuccessful performances.

They’ve had encouraging signs from young guns like Archie Coote and the tireless efforts of Tom and Jonno Forrest in the midfield, but the Saints have struggled to convert pressure into scoreboard impact.

Lock, sitting mid-table at 1–1, are a better side than their record suggests. Their ball movement has been slick at times, and they’ll look to veteran leaders like Kory Beard and Lachy Heath to steer the ship. The challenge will be to bring four quarters of intensity against a hungry Saints outfit on their home deck.

If Eyre United can find more consistency forward of centre, an upset isn’t out of the question. But Lock’s experience and depth may prove the difference in the second half.

Prediction: Lock by 22 points.

United Yeelanna (2nd) vs Tumby Bay (1st) – Karkoo

Tumby Bay

Ins: Brodie Richter, Mackenzie Best, Marley Butler

Outs: Brodie Higgins, Isaac Lebrun, Ned Prosser

United Yeelanna

Ins: Archer Haylock (debut), Zac Glover, Clayton Colbert

Outs: Matthew Crettenden, Tom Davis

The match of the round sees two undefeated giants clash at Karkoo, with Tumby Bay heading west to face United Yeelanna in what could be a grand final preview. Both sides have looked dominant early, with Tumby Bay’s attacking flair up against United Yeelanna’s trademark physicality and discipline.

United Yeelanna’s midfield, led by the dynamic Adam Murnane and the ever-reliable Xavier Watson, has been punishing around stoppages. They’ll look to assert control early and deny Tumby Bay their usual run and carry.

Tumby Bay, however, are flying. Their ball movement has been a highlight, and with players like Tom McDonald and Grant Mcleod in electric form, they’ll be hard to contain. The Blues have also shown they can win in tight moments, which could be crucial in what’s expected to be a hard-fought clash.

Karkoo will be rocking, and this one could go down to the wire.

Prediction: Tumby Bay by 6 points.