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Dogs Trio Star

By Peter Argent 

In the inaugural clash between SA and the North Eastern Australian Football League (NEAFL) Northern Conference at City Mazda (Richmond) Oval, last Saturday, May 11, the three Bulldogs participants state captain Paul Thomas, dynamite small man James Boyd and first gamer Brayden O’Hara all further enhanced their credentials as SANFL footballers. 

The NEAFL is combination of teams from the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales, brought together in 2011 that includes Brisbane and Sydney AFL clubs reserves’ side, which is effectively a state league competition from these states. 

After a tight first half, in front of a modest crowd of 1498 patrons SA charged away after the long interval to win by a massive 14-goal margin.  This was after just 10 points separated the combatants at half time. 

The final scores were the SANFL 21.14 (140) defeating the NEAFL 9.4 (56) 

“Jason Cotter coached smartly in the first half,” SA state coach Michael Godden said. 

“After the second quarter we adjusted defensively and started to hit targets when moving the ball forward. 

“Our spread was better and the results came on the scoreboard.” 

Coach Michael Godden had all three Central District footballers high among the South Australian team’s best players. 

“Especially after half time the run that Paul (Thomas) gave us from half back was vital,” he continued. 

“Our half back line of Schmidt, Ferguson and ‘Thomo’ were vital during that third quarter, which set up the win. 

“James Boyd won plenty of the contested ball and also linked up well. 

“He would have had upwards of 30 possessions (he had 33 – 23 kicks and 10 handballs) and has again proved himself as a top grader at state level. 

“I really liked Brayden O’Hara’s game, although he was a little too team orientated at times in the first half. 

“He really stood up to this level and was a good contributor, playing mainly on the wing. “ 

Next year the SANFL will take on the VFL in the annual interstate game, which is expected to be a sterner test.  

CDFC's SANFL State Team Representatives, Paul Thomas (Captain), Brayden O'Hara and James Boyd. Photos by CDFC Sponsor and Freelance Photojournalist Peter Argent/PLA Media

Unerringly accurate the North Eastern Australian Football League (NEAFL) under 22 side coached by former Brisbane Lions Norm Smith Medallist Shaun Hart, snatched victory from the SANFL under 20s, mentored by 2012 Central District reserves premiership coach Jeff Brown, with Willaston key position player/ruckman Cooper Stoll  and Gawler Central lad Caleb Edmead in the final squad. 

This inaugural match between these combatants resulted in a six-point win at City Mazda Stadium (Richmond Oval) to the visitors. 

 The final scores were NEAFL U22s 15.2 (92) defeated SANFL under 20s 11.20 (66).

“Yes our inaccuracy hurt us in the end,” Brown said. 

“We had most the play early and during the middle of the game, but they got us out the back at times. 

“When the NEAFL was kicking for goal, even the wobbly ones went through.

“Caleb was close to our best, giving us real grunt through the midfield. 

“He won some good contested ball and finished with 3.5. 

“Cooper Stoll fell in and out of the game a little more, but did compete manfully when he went into ruck. 

“He needs to take more contested marks around the ground for his size.” 

Footnote - The senior side,  played the NEAFL team from their Northern Conference, while the under SA 20s played a NEAFL under 22 combination from both the Northern and Eastern Conferences. 

Caleb Edmead shrugging off a would be tackler and looking forward in the SA Under 20's v NEAFL Under 22's match

Cooper Stoll getting a kick away

Coach Jeff Brown in action Photos by CDFC Sponsor and Freelance Photojournalist Peter Argent/PLA Media