From the Sidelines with Spyro - Opening Round Review

It was an opening day that won’t soon be forgotten — the day American Football South Australia took over the Barossa. You could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air; the wait was finally over. Football was back.

The season couldn’t have started any better for the UniSA Eagles and the Adelaide University Hogs, with both programs putting on dominant performances to kick off their campaigns 1-0 in both the Junior and Senior divisions.

The day began with a touching moment of remembrance — a minute’s silence to honour South City Chiefs junior James O’Grady, who sadly passed away earlier this year. From everyone at AFSA, our heartfelt thoughts and condolences remain with his family, friends, and loved ones.

Juniors: UniSA Eagles defeat South City Chiefs (24-0)

It was the rematch of last season’s Junior State Championship, and it was the Eagles who were successful in seeking revenge on the Chiefs in commanding fashion. They started fast and never looked back. They took an early lead after a punting miscue from the Chiefs that gave the ball to the Eagles inside the 5-yard line setting them up with 1st & Goal. It was punched in with ease on a quarterback keep.

The Chiefs couldn’t put a responding drive together, turning it over on downs, while the Eagles capitalised and scored again. The Chiefs had a chance to bring it back to a one-score game right before the halftime break after a 14-yard completion set them up in the red zone, but they couldn’t cash in with a score.

It was more of the same in the second half, with the Eagles scoring twice and completing the shutout of the Chiefs. It’s only the first game, and while you can be confident that the reigning champions will bounce back, this was all about the Eagles and a massive win in a game they definitely had circled in preseason.

Seniors: UniSA Eagles defeat South City Chiefs (58-0)

The score in this one tells the story. It was a dominant display from a team who were looking for early signs of improvement from last season. It was raining touchdowns for this Eagles squad, and they were soaring high from the opening kick-off, they were out to make a statement, and did just that.

As for the Chiefs, while the scoreboard wasn’t flattering, the effort and determination from a side that was absent from the seniors program last season cannot be understated. Their team attitude—both on the field and on the sidelines—even with the game well out of reach, was special. It’s a culture that will give them the belief that they can cause a few upsets this season.

Juniors: Adelaide University Hogs defeat Port Adelaide Spartans (16-0)

In the penultimate game of the day, the Adelaide University Hogs kicked off their season with a win, taking care of the Port Adelaide Spartans by two scores. The Hogs controlled the ball for most of the game, capitalising on their opportunities when they presented themselves. The Hogs will be thrilled that, after one game, they have already matched their win total from last season.

For the Spartans, it was a disappointing outing on opening day, being shutout by the team they had defeated twice last season. They’ll need to regroup and put this one behind them quickly, as they match up with the Eagles in Week 2 looking to avoid an 0–2 start.

Seniors: Adelaide University Hogs defeat Port Adelaide Spartans (21-8)

After three games, it was time for the main event. The Adelaide University Hogs and Port Adelaide Spartans took the field for Saturday Night Football under the bright lights — the highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Great Southern Bowl. Unfortunately for the Spartans, the Hogs once again emerged victorious, though this contest was far more competitive than last year’s championship game. It was a 36-point improvement for the Spartans, who turned last season’s 49-point shutout loss into a hard-fought 13-point defeat.

It didn’t look promising on their opening drive, as early penalties kept them behind the chains and the Hogs came away with an interception. However, the Spartans’ defence responded strongly, preventing the Hogs from capitalising on the favourable field position and forcing a turnover on downs. The Spartans’ offence then found its rhythm, methodically driving down the field while chewing up the clock. They had a golden opportunity to take an early lead but failed to convert on four attempts from inside the red zone.

It was the definition of a game of inches — both defences were relentless, suffocating their opponents’ offences. Still tied at 0 midway through the second quarter, it was the Hogs who struck first, punching in a touchdown on their first trip to the red zone to take a 7–0 lead into halftime.

What followed was a defensive battle worthy of a championship rematch. The score remained 7–0 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Spartans were the first to crack as the Hogs added two touchdowns to extend their lead to 21–0. Credit to the Spartans, though, who refused to be shutout again. They marched down the field for a touchdown and converted a two-point attempt to make it 21–8.

Then came the wildest play of the day — trailing by 13, the Spartans executed and recovered an onside kick, breathing life back into the contest. Unfortunately, their comeback hopes were dashed as they were unable to find the end zone again.

The Adelaide University Hogs remain the team to beat, beginning their title defence with a statement win. The Port Adelaide Spartans, however, can hold their heads high after a vastly improved performance against the reigning champions, showing they’ve closed the gap since last season’s lopsided finale.