Round 9, 2025 GFFL preview

Great Flinders Football League – A Grade Round 9 Preview (2025)

Final Hit-Out Before Two-Week Break as Finals Race Heats Up

Round 9 of the Great Flinders Football League signals the end of the first major stretch of the 2025 season, with all clubs set to enjoy a two-week break following this weekend’s games due to the Kinlough Cup and SA State Country Championships. It’s the last chance to bank premiership points and head into the break with momentum — and for a few clubs, that means everything.

As the ladder starts to take shape, each contest has something on the line — whether it’s finals contention, building confidence, or holding form. Expect all six sides to come out firing.

Cummins Ramblers (5th) vs Tumby Bay (3rd) at Cummins

This looms as the match of the round, with Ramblers starting to build some real form and Tumby Bay looking to cement their place in the top three. After a slow start to the season, Ramblers have hit back with two wins in their last three games and will be confident on their home deck. With their midfield starting to find rhythm and key forwards finding the goals, they now sit just one win outside the four and are very much in the finals race.

Tumby Bay, meanwhile, remain one of the competition’s most polished outfits when they’re on — their ball movement and ability to score quickly can break games open in a matter of minutes. But they’ll be tested by a Ramblers side that will look to bring physical pressure and high energy, especially early.

If the Ramblers can match Tumby at the contest and convert their chances, this could go right down to the wire. A win for Tumby would keep them on track for a top-two finish — but an upset here would light a fire under the back half of the season.

Last time they met in R2, TB 8.11-59 defeated CR 8.10-58

Cummins Ramblers

Ins: Kade Wait

Outs: Damon Morrish

Tumby Bay

Ins: Fletcher Shields (debut), Tyree Burgoyne, Mackenzie Best, Nigel James

Outs: Jackson Murphy, Jesse Jackson, Rylan Jefferson, Liam Carr

Eyre United (7th) vs Elliston Districts (4th) at Ungarra

Eyre United continue to search for their first win of the 2025 season and will view this week’s home game at Ungarra as a real opportunity to test themselves against a finals-calibre opponent. While results haven’t gone their way, the Saints have been more competitive in recent weeks and are showing signs of development, particularly through their younger brigade.

Elliston Districts currently hold fourth spot and will be eager to lock in a crucial win before the break. With Kapinnie and Ramblers chasing from below, the Roosters can’t afford to slip. Their strength lies in their ability to play fast, attacking football when they get on top — and if they can establish dominance around the ball, they’ll be tough to contain.

Still, Eyre United won’t roll over. They’ll aim to slow the game down, bring the heat at the contest, and make Elliston earn every goal. For the Roosters, a fast start will be key to quieting the home crowd and building confidence ahead of the break.

Last time they met in R2, ED 20.15-135 defeated EU 3.3-21

Eyre United

Ins: Jonathon Telfer

Outs: TJ Hannemann

Milestone: 100 games for Anthony Webb

Elliston Districts

Ins: Brandon Rosalia, Kody Rosalia, Fin Hull, Matt Williams, Cooper Van Doorn, Brody Kenny

Outs: Jaxon Bennett, Fraser Smith, Jack Ramage, Jason Thompson, Zane Coleman, Kieran Vermeulen

Lock (2nd) vs Cummins Kapinnie (6th) at Lock

Lock return home to face a dangerous Cummins Kapinnie outfit that’s shown they can push top teams when they’re at their best. The Roos remain a genuine premiership threat, having only dropped two games all season. Their physical, contested style suits the Lock Oval, and they’ll be determined to keep the pressure on ladder-leaders United Yeelanna with another strong performance.

Kapinnie are a side that’s better than their 2–6 record suggests. They’ve taken it up to several top teams but haven’t yet been able to finish the job. With a young core and plenty of talent, the Cougars will be hoping to bring four quarters of effort and pinch a much-needed win that could reignite their season.

Lock, however, won’t want to give an inch. Their midfield depth and ability to lock down in defence makes them hard to break through, especially at home. Expect them to control the tempo and look to squeeze the Cougars early.

Last time they met in R2, L 13.8-86 defeated CK 5.7-37

Lock

Ins: Lachlan Heath

Outs: Travis Beard, Luke Durdin

Cummins Kapinnie

Ins: Adam Green, Levi Konitzka, Archer Hill

Outs: Brodie Laube, Thomas Phelps, Josh Horgan

With two weeks off to follow, Round 9 is the perfect chance for clubs to send a message and shape their second half. Whether it’s building form, holding a top spot, or simply finding a win — there’s plenty to play for across all three grounds. Good luck to all clubs, and enjoy the upcoming Kinlough Cup and State Country Champs.