GFFL A Grade Round 12 Preview (2025)

Finals Loom as Mid-Ladder Logjam Intensifies

With just three rounds remaining in the 2025 Great Flinders Football League season, the battle for finals is reaching boiling point. Only one point separates four clubs — Elliston Districts (3rd), Tumby Bay (4th), Cummins Kapinnie (5th), and Cummins Ramblers (6th) — making every contest from here a virtual elimination final.

Last weekend produced another thrilling chapter in an already unpredictable season, and Round 12 has all the makings of a defining one. With the top two teams facing dangerous matchups and the mid-ladder rivals clashing directly, this could be the week the finals picture sharpens — or becomes even more chaotic.

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Tumby Bay (4th – 10 points) vs Cummins Kapinnie (5th – 9 points) at Tumby Bay

Tumby Bay and Cummins Kapinnie enter this match knowing a win could be the difference between playing finals or watching from the sidelines in a few weeks’ time. Just one point separates them, with Tumby currently clinging to fourth by one point — but a loss here could flip the script completely.

Tumby Bay were brave last week against United Yeelanna but couldn’t quite break their decade-long drought against the Eagles. Still, the Blues showed enough to suggest they’re right in the mix. Their run-and-gun ball movement is dangerous when it clicks, and playing at home could give them the edge.

Cummins Kapinnie, meanwhile, will feel like they’ve got momentum on their side. Their improvement over the last month has been steady, and they’ll take confidence from recent close contests and hard-fought wins. They’re a side that thrives on contested ball and pressure — two things that travel well.

This is truly a season-shaping clash. Expect a high-pressure, finals-style contest with neither side willing to give an inch.

Tumby Bay

Ins: Mackenzie Best, Marley Butler, Tom McDonald, Archer Trezise, Matt Hartwig

Outs: Josh Cave, Jack Pedemonte, Swayne Ackland, Jesse Jackson, Harry Lebrun

Cummins Kapinnie

Ins: Josh Horgan

Outs: Archer Appleton

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United Yeelanna (1st - 16 points) vs Elliston Districts (3rd – 10 points) at Karkoo

After bouncing back from their first loss of the season with a strong win over Tumby Bay, United Yeelanna are on top of the table and back in control. Their consistency across four quarters and unrivalled depth remain their biggest strengths — and at home on the smaller oval of Karkoo, they’ll look to stamp their authority once again.

But Elliston Districts won’t be intimidated. They sit equal on points with Tumby Bay. The Roosters’ mix of speed and grit has caused issues for top teams all year, and they’ll be hoping to take it right up to the ladder leaders.

For Elliston Districts, it’s about applying sustained pressure, challenging Yeelanna at stoppages, and converting every forward half opportunity. The Eagles, however, will look to control territory, win the turnover game, and wear down their opponents with elite fitness and structure.

This one is a potential finals preview — and a genuine test of where both sides sit heading into August.

United Yeelanna

Ins: Michael Crettenden, Ben Glover

Outs: Beau Maddern, Jed Murnane

Elliston Districts

Ins: Matt Williams, Jaxon Bennett, Scott Feltus, Connor Kennedy (debut), Lachlan Forward

Outs: Jack Ramage, Archer Van Doorn, Fraser Smith, Harvey Fleming, Mitchell Gum

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Cummins Ramblers (6th – 9 points) vs Lock (2nd – 12 points) at Cummins

If Ramblers are to play finals in 2025, this might be their most important game yet. They’ve been one of the form sides of the competition winning their last 4 games. A win would almost certainly push them into the top four, while a loss could see them needing to win out and rely on other results.

They’ll face a Lock side refreshed and focused after returning from a three-week break and getting the job done against Eyre United last round. The Roos sit second and have the inside track on a double chance, but they know the pack is closing fast.

Ramblers have shown they can match it with the best — most notably when they stunned United Yeelanna in Round 10 — but consistency has been their challenge. If they bring four quarters of effort, they’re a real threat. The home ground advantage at Cummins also gives them a lift.

Lock will look to impose themselves early and take the crowd out of the contest. Their tall targets and midfield depth make them dangerous, and if they get the game on their terms, they can be hard to stop.

Cummins Ramblers

Ins: Will Turner, Cody Modra

Outs: George Pedler, Joel Modra

Lock

Ins: Lachlan Heath, Dusty Wheare

Outs: Jed Durdin, Arley Byass

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Finals Are Coming…

With only three rounds to go, there’s no room for missteps. Every game, every quarter, and every contest will matter as the top six battle for just four finals spots. For fans, this is what winter footy is all about — and this weekend promises another round of drama, upsets, and season-defining moments.

See you at the footy!