Exciting round of matches in Round 1 2025

Ramblers and Cougars Deadlocked in Thriller on Historic Day

In a fitting result for a historic day at Cummins Oval, Cummins Ramblers and Cummins Kapinnie Cougars played out a dramatic draw as they officially opened their new shared clubrooms. In a fiercely contested and emotional game, neither side could be separated when the final siren sounded.

The opening quarter set the tone, with both teams attacking the contest with real intensity. Ramblers struck first when Jack Fitzgerald delivered a beautiful pass to Jimmy Richardson, who converted. Despite playing into a strong breeze, the Cougars had plenty of opportunities but could only manage five points. Bryce Cant kicked truly after receiving a smart pass from Richardson to give Ramblers an early edge. Thomas Phelps was superb in defence for the Cougars, but the Magpies took a 13-5 lead into quarter time.

The Cougars fought back early in the second term with a free kick to Reuben Hill, who converted to cut the margin to just two points. Against the breeze, Kade Wait’s pinpoint pass found Richardson again, who slotted his second. Tight, physical football followed, but Richardson’s third goal gave Ramblers breathing room. Boyd West had two chances to close the gap but missed both, and while Henry Turnbull snapped a clever goal late, Ramblers led 26-20 at halftime.

The third quarter saw the Cougars come hard. Jack Green goaled eight minutes in to bring the margin to one point before Boyd West put them in front for the first time. But Ramblers responded — Wes Bilney’s trademark drop punt regained the lead, and two more goals from Richardson, including one after monstering Tait Bieniasz in a marking contest, pushed Ramblers out to a 14-point buffer at the final break.

The final term was a tense, grinding battle. Lachlan Treloar dominated the ruck and contested marks for Ramblers, keeping them in front as neither side could score a goal for over 16 minutes. Eventually, Lochie Letton snapped brilliantly from the scoreboard pocket, cutting the margin to eight points. A late free kick to the Cougars saw Charlie Turnbull calmly slot the goal to tie the scores with only seconds remaining.

The siren sounded shortly after the next centre bounce, with the scoreboard reading Ramblers 7.6 (48) to Cougars 6.12 (48) — a fitting result on a special day for both clubs.

James Richardson was outstanding for the Magpies, kicking five of their seven goals to deservedly win the ANZAC Medal for best on ground.

McLeod Masterclass as Tumby Bay Overpowers Eyre United

Tumby Bay showed their class with a powerful performance against Eyre United, running out dominant winners by a massive margin after an even opening at Ungarra Oval.

Eyre United, kicking with the breeze in the first quarter, matched Tumby Bay early. Grant McLeod kicked the Blues’ first before Jonah Fatchen responded for the Saints in a fiercely contested term. Jackson Murphy was superb across half-back for Tumby, while Jonno Forrest worked tirelessly for Eyre United in the midfield. At quarter time, Tumby Bay held a slight advantage, 3.4 (22) to Eyre United’s 2.0 (12).

The second quarter saw Tumby Bay stamp their authority. Goals to Burgoyne and Miller opened the floodgates before Josh Johnston gave Saints fans something to cheer with a classy finish. The match tightened up with some fierce physical clashes, but Tumby Bay soon pulled away, piling on nine goals for the quarter. A standout highlight was a superb ruck tap from McDonald setting up Murphy for a long-range goal. At halftime, the Blues had built a commanding 78-24 lead.

The third term was a grind early, but a clever snap from Grant McLeod reignited Tumby Bay's dominance. The McDonald brothers continued to control the ruck, helping the Blues' midfield to maintain momentum. Eyre United battled hard but could only add four points for the quarter, trailing 28-109 at the final break.

Tumby Bay flexed their muscles in the last quarter, adding another eight goals. McLeod was simply unstoppable, finishing with 13 goals in a masterclass up forward. Rylan Jefferson added a brilliant snap to cap off a complete team performance.

Grant McLeod was awarded the ANZAC Medal for his outstanding display.

Final score: Tumby Bay 25.10 (160) defeated Eyre United 4.4 (28).

Eagles Take Control Early to Hold Off Roos' Late Surge

In near-perfect conditions with a tricky southern breeze at Lock, United Yeelanna underlined their premiership credentials with a strong 33-point victory over Lock. Despite a spirited final term from the Roos, the Eagles' fast start proved decisive.

United Yeelanna made their intentions clear from the outset. Casey Carr opened the scoring four minutes in, followed by a well-taken goal from Liam Gerber at the 11-minute mark. A downfield free gifted Matt Crettenden another major, and with goals to Brayden Martin and Michael Crettenden late in the quarter, the Eagles held a commanding 5.6 (36) to 0.0 lead at the first break. Luke Durdin was a standout in defence for Lock, repelling several dangerous attacks.

The second term saw Lock begin to lift their intensity around the contest. Despite United Yeelanna starting the quarter with a behind and a goal to Michael Crettenden within the first few minutes, the Roos found some momentum. Aaron Beard kicked Lock’s first major at the 15-minute mark, followed by a well-earned goal from Kory Beard late in the quarter. Although the Eagles still looked cleaner and more dangerous across the field, Lock's fight was evident. At halftime, United Yeelanna held a 32-point advantage: 6.8 (44) to 2.0 (12).

United Yeelanna continued their dominance in the third quarter but failed to fully capitalise on their forward entries, managing 2.4 for the term through Liam Gerber and Stephen Crettenden. Lock’s defenders, led superbly by Luke Durdin, worked tirelessly under immense pressure. Lock could only add two points for the quarter, as the Eagles' midfield, featuring Xavier Watson and the Gerber brothers, controlled much of the play.

Kicking with the breeze in the final term, Lock came out determined to make a statement. Within the first 15 minutes, they slammed through three goals, courtesy of Jed Durdin, Billy Byass, and Kory Beard, narrowing the gap. However, a steadying goal to Michael Crettenden at the 19-minute mark restored order for the Eagles and shut down any hope of a comeback. Despite Lock’s strong finish, United Yeelanna had done enough early to secure the win.

Shaun Maxfield’s consistent performance through the middle of the ground was recognised with the Sergeant Albert Lock Medal as best on ground, capping off another strong team showing from United Yeelanna.

The final score saw United Yeelanna victorious, 9.12 (66) to Lock’s 5.3 (33).