GFFL A Grade Round 11 Preview (2025)

Ladder Tightens as Momentum Swings in Round of Upsets

The Great Flinders Football League delivered one of its most unpredictable rounds of the season last weekend, with two out of three winners knocking off higher-ranked opponents and throwing the finals race wide open. As it stands, just one point separates Lock (2nd), Elliston Districts (3rd), Tumby Bay (4th), and Cummins Ramblers (5th) — with only four rounds remaining in the home-and-away season.

Momentum is everything now, and Round 11 presents another fascinating set of matchups — with a coast-clash in Kapinnie, a title contender returning from a long break, and a top-four battle loaded with history and pressure.

Cummins Kapinnie (6th) vs Elliston Districts (3rd) at Kapinnie

Cummins Kapinnie return home buoyed by their Round 10 win over Eyre United — a result that kept their finals hopes flickering. Sitting sixth, Cougars know they need to be near-perfect from here to climb into the top four, and knocking off a side above them would be the perfect way to start that run.

Their challenge this week is a big one: Elliston Districts have found their groove and come into the match fresh off an impressive win against Tumby Bay. The Roosters are playing confident footy, mixing tough inside work with clean transition, and will be looking to solidify their place in the top three.

Cummins Kapinnie’s key will be controlling the tempo and forcing Elliston Districts into a contested slog, while Elliston Districts will aim to exploit open space and test the Cougars’ legs late in the game. It’s a must-win for the home side — but don’t underestimate the fight they’ll bring to their own turf.

Cummins Kapinnie

Ins: Levi Konitzka, Thomas Phelps, Charlie Shepperd

Outs: Josh Horgan, Dylan Doudle, Archer Hill

Elliston Districts

Ins: Oska Richards, Jack Tonkin, Jack Cavuoto, Joseph Kennedy

Outs: Jaxon Bennett, Matt Williams, Finlay Hull, Lachlan Forward

Lock (2nd) vs Eyre United (7th) at Lock

Lock return to action this week after an extended break, having not played since Round 9 due to the Kinlough Cup, SA State Country Championships, and a scheduled club bye. Now refreshed and ready, the Roos will be looking to hit the ground running as they host Eyre United.

Sitting second on the ladder but with the pack closing in, Lock will want to reassert themselves quickly. They’ll be focused on regaining their rhythm and sharpening their structures ahead of a big run home.

Eyre United, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of 2025. While the Saints have shown moments of competitiveness, they’ve yet to string together four full quarters. This is another tough ask, but it’s also another opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition’s best.

Lock will be favoured heavily on home soil, but they’ll need to shake off any rust early. For the Saints, improvement and belief are the goals as they continue to develop their young list.

Lock

Ins: Tynan Keeley, Billy Byass, Isaac Grima, Ty George, Guy Morton, Travis Beard, Luke Durdin, Jed Durdin

Outs: Andy Mercer, Jak Kennedy, Macaulay Glover, Andrew Hetzel, Tait Hetzel, Tim Boehm, Dusty Wheare, Doug Pearce

Eyre United

Ins: Jonno Forrest, Isaac Telfer

Outs: Mitchell Peters, Winston Telfer, Malachi Fatchen

Tumby Bay (4th) vs United Yeelanna (1st) at Tumby Bay

This clash is dripping with significance. Both sides are coming off surprising losses — Tumby to Elliston Districts and United Yeelanna to Ramblers — and both will be desperate to make a statement heading into the final stretch. The Eagles’ defeat last week was their first of the season, and while they remain top of the ladder, the gap has narrowed.

For Tumby Bay, this match carries extra weight — not just for ladder position, but for history. The Blues haven’t beaten United Yeelanna in A Grade since 4th May 2013, when the likes of Nigel James and Brayden Calderwood were named in the best players. That’s over a decade of frustration they’ll be desperate to end — and with a home crowd behind them, there’s no better time.

Tumby will need to be at their absolute best. Their midfield must stand up, their defence must hold firm, and their forwards need to make the most of every opportunity. The Eagles, meanwhile, will be keen to reassert themselves and prove last week was just a blip in an otherwise dominant season.

This game could have major ramifications for the top four — and with recent form lines shaken, expect fireworks from the first bounce.

Tumby Bay

Ins: Jackson Murphy, Tom Kelly, Ned Prosser, Justin Bugeja, Swayne Ackland

Outs: Brodie Higgins, Tom McDonald, Dylan Eatts, Rylan Jefferson, Brodie Richter

United Yeelanna

Ins: Casey Carr, Xavier Watson, Aaron Watson, Gaetan Gerber, Liam Gerber, Dane Habner

Outs: Jason Ridley, Fletcher Chatfield, Daniel Borchardt, Archer Haylock, Oscar Paull, Ben Glover

With only four rounds remaining, every result carries massive weight. Whether it’s breaking hoodoos, climbing the ladder, or simply staying alive in the finals hunt, Round 11 is shaping up as one of the most important weekends of the season. Get around it — and we’ll see you at the footy.