Chook Harslett Covers 13 South Australian Regional Footy Leagues in “The Chook Report”
The Peckers by 18-points this ANZAC Round at Hamley Bridge
SA REGIONAL FOOTY Livestreaming was lucky enough to catch the big 2025 Grand Final rematch between Mallala and Two Wells. It was a high-speed, high-quality contest, with the Magpies (Mallala) getting the job done by 12 points in a beauty.
In other round one results, Hamley Bridge, Balaklava and Virginia all came away with round one wins.
All comps do ANZAC Round really well and show the respect it deserves. Lining up for ANZAC Round this week in the APFL is United at home against Mallala, Virginia hosting Two Wells, Angle Vale up against Hummocks Watchman Eagles, an finally the clash that boasts two of last weeks winners, Hamley Bridge…hosting Balaklava.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – the Peckers by 18 points.
SA REGIONAL FOOTY Livestreaming Heads to the Barossa For Round Two
Last week leading into round one we predicted the Kapunda Bombers taking on the Barossa Districts clash might’ve been a “must watch”. Well it turned out to be a good guess…in a high scoring/close clash the Bombers got over the line by 5 points (101-96).
The remainder of the first round had South Gawler, Gawler Central and Freeling getting the W next to their name on the ladder.
In this week’s round of matches the ANZAC Day round traditions continue. SA REGIONAL FOOTY Livestreaming Service heads to the Angaston Oval to cover the huge clash between Angaston, who will open their 2026 season after having the BYE last week. They’ll take on the Nuriootpa Tigers, who’ll be keen to rectify last week’s hiccup.
The Freeling versus Kapunda game will be the only winner versus winner match up from last weeks results – get to Freeling for this beauty! South Gawler will host Willaston, and Tanunda will take on Barossa Districts at home. Expect a good, close round throughout.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – Nuriootpa to take advantage of Angaston having a round one BYE, and the Tigers getting match ready/hardened to win by 12 points in a ripper.
Another Well-Contested Season Ahead for Eastern Eyre
A Round 1 thriller, with Central Eyre United pinching a 3-point win over the Kimba Tigers in a cracker, while Ranges got off to a flyer with a convincing 50-point win over Ports at Port Neill.
From the people I spoke to after Saturdays matches, both games were at a very high standard, high speed and with plenty of new faces/recruits. 2026 is going to be a great, well contested season as per usual in the EEFL.
Port Neill and Cleve are the locations for the second round of Eastern Eyre action. Cowell will have their first hit-out when they take on the Ranges. This will be a tough encounter – the Ranges showed last week that they’re ready for action with a good win over Ports.
Ports will be keen to show up more than they did in the first round when they host Central Eyre this weekend. I’m calling this one Game Of The Day- it’ll be close, with nothing but a “gut-feel” telling me Ports will get the W. But I certainly won’t be surprised if the feel is wrong.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – Ports by 16 points.
Two Games, One Location at Roxby Downs
This will be the first chance to see the quality of the Far North comp with round one kicking off on Saturday.
Anzac Day will see East Roxby take on the Devils starting at 2.30pm, followed straight after by the Miners taking on the Hornridge team in a rematch of 2025’s Grand Final, where the Miners took the Premiership.
During the 2025 minor round, the Hornridge side had only lost one game. The seven-point Grand Final loss to the Miners will no doubt be front of mind this weekend.
A unique but usual situation with both A Grade games being played at the one location…a great way to spend your day with two quality games of footy.
There’s Dancing in the Streets of Tumby
After expecting a close contest with last years premiers Lock taking on Elliston Districts, the Roo’s dominated at their home ground to notch up a huge 73-point win
In other games there was “Dancing in the Streets” of Tumby Bay with an away win against United Yeelanna. Not only a great game with a close nine-point win BUT it was the first time since May 2013 that Tumby has beaten the Eagles!
In the final game of round two, Cummins was always a sure bet for a win. Cummins Ramblers took on Cummins/Kapinnie Cougars with the Ramblers getting the win by 31 points.
Round three action will bring Elliston Districts up against the Cummins Ramblers at the Minnipa Oval. After a rough start to the season against Lock last week, Elliston will be keen to re-set and re-start their season. This one’s likely to be Game of the Day.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – I’m tipping Elliston Districts to get the job done… JUST. It’ll be close all day but I’m think 15 points will be the final margin.
In other ANZAC Day action Cummins Kapinnie Cougars will host United Yeelanna with both teams searching for a W. The Eagles are likely to get the chocolates from this great contest.
In the final game, Tumby Bay will be playing its first home game for the season and should get the job done against Eyre United.
Footy Kicks Off on Kangaroo Island
Round one will see 2025 premiers, Western Districts, open up the 2026 season with a clash against Parndana. Last year Western Districts went through the whole season undefeated and this year they’ll be obviously hoping to continue their dominance.
I’d expect them to get the job done on ANZAC Day, but round one brings surprises, new recruits, new faces…so stay tuned.
Last year’s runners-up Wisanger have the bye, leaving Kingscote to take on Dudley United to round out round one on Anzac Day. Like plenty of others, it’ll be interesting to see what changes in personnel come out with in the case of KIFL — where Western Districts are the undisputed measuring stick from 2025.
ANZAC Round Determines Which Side is the “Best in Clare”
If you were tipping in the NEFL’s first round, you probably would’ve done alright. As anticipated, B.S.R., Southern Saints, R.S.M.U. and Min Man bagged the W, with the only surprise possibly being Min Man’s. winning margin of 92 points. But it was only round one, so no real concerns. All other games were much closer contests in “Umpire Appreciation Round”.
ANZAC Round will see the North versus South Clare “Derby”. With both teams coming off heavy losses, and both wanting to be the best in Clare – it’ll be a goodie.
In other games B.B.H. will take on the might of B.S.R. in the battle of the letters. Riverton Oval will see the R.S.M.U. team host Blyth/Snowtown. And, in what I think will be the game of the day, will be the clash of two winning teams from round one, with the Southern Saints hosting Min Man at the Eudunda Ova.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – (with no confidence) Min Man by 21 points.
ALSO… a heads-up — if you’ve been part of RSMU in any way, don’t miss the 50-year amalgamation reunion. Saturday May 9, from 7pm at the Saddleworth Pavilion. A great night lined up with top catering and live music. For tickets and details, head to the RSMU Football & Netball Club Facebook page or contact the club
This Weekend – Kangur V Combe – Game On
Any surprises from round one? Probably the margins of the win. Jamestown/Peteborough’s star-studded recruiting saw an instant result with a whopping 136 point win.
In the other two games the winning margin was only 11 points for last years champs Crystal Brook over Broughton Mundoora. The larger margin of 70 points in B.M.W.’s win over Orroroo was a little surprising from an outsider looking in.
What wasn’t surprising was names like McInerney, Gregurke, Latchford, Tonkin, Gerloff, Combe, Combe, Jackman, Kangur, Kangur, Dolling and Hewitt all mentioned in the better players throughout the round. All high quality players, and many of them new additions to this seasons comp…exciting times ahead.
Round two will see Southern Flinders at home (Laura) taking on Broughton/Mundoora. The Tigers had a tough gig last week and will definitely bounce back. I don’t expect them to knock off the B/M Eagles but I’m expecting a quality clash with both sides keen for their first W.
Orroroo will host Jamestown/Peterborough, and with the Magpies high profile recruits, who all turned it on last week, I’m thinking it will be a beauty.
And in the final game of ANZAC Day Round it will be Kangur versus Combe (BMW v Crystal Brook) at the Wilmington Oval…GAME ON!!! Such a great sprinkling of class players within both teams. The Game Of The Day clash will be well worth heading to Wilmington for.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – Someone get me a coin…Last Years Premiers, The Roosters, by less than 10 points
Three Big Games Kick Off Season 2026
Ready, Set, Go…Round one of Port Lincoln Football League will see another re-match of 2025 Grand finalists with premiers Lincoln South up against Marble Range at the magnificent Centenary Oval. Kicking off at 2.40pm it will be the Game Of The Day, and although I don’t like tipping in round one, you can bank on the fact this will be a beauty to kick start the season.
In other games, Boston and Mallee Park clash at Poole Oval at 6:30pm — an interesting one, especially with the off-season upgrades at the ground. A close contest looks on the cards.
The final game of the round is Sunday at 2:40pm at Centenary Oval, with Waybacks taking on Tasman/Imperial.
Three games, three beauties to kick off what shapes as a tight 2026 season.
Are Sollies Cats Still the Measuring Stick in SGFL
The strong rumours around the SGFL is that the comp…across the whole comp….has picked up good quality recruits, particularly the Port Augusta teams.
Social Media posts welcoming new players have been frequent, and new “ins” generally means a few “outs” too. Strong talk out of the League says the Sollies Cats might still be the “measuring stick” – time will tell.
Round one will see Central Augusta take on West Augusta at the Central Oval at 4.40pm. Ports will be at home against South Augusta (2.25pm ), and the rivalry will continue with the final game between the Lions (Prop./Risdon) taking on the Sollies Cats at the Memorial Oval in Port Pirie (4.40pm).
Western United Chases 50 On The Trot
Anyone hoping Western United’s 48-game winning streak might end in 2026… sorry. It rolls on.
A massive 120-point win over West Coast Hawks at Streaky Bay.
Hawks recruit, ex-Crow Brodie Smith, had plenty of it, but Western United’s class was on show again, with plenty of familiar names among the best.
In other games, Ceduna Blues had a big win, while Wirrulla edged out a close one to complete round one.
ANZAC Round sees Western United take on Ceduna Blues — both coming off 100+ point wins, so confidence will be high.
Western United are chasing 50 straight, and it’s a Grand Final rematch after last year’s 97-point result in their favour. Hard to tip against them at Penong, but this should be much closer.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – Western United by 30.
The other two games look tight. Wirrulla host West Coast Hawks, with a slight home-team advantage will go in favourites after last week’s win.
In the final clash, Koonibba head to Thevenard, with both sides chasing their first win — it’ll be a toss of the coin.
Chook Tips Roopena to Turn The Tables
Friday night kicks off round one, with North Whyalla taking on Weeroona Bay at 8pm at Memorial Oval. Both sides will be keen to get off to a better start after finishing bottom two last season. Weeroona Bay, in particular, after going winless in 2025. Both are rumoured to have improved over the off-season, so it should be a good watch.
Saturday sees Roopena take on Central Whyalla in a rematch of the 2025 Grand Final, which Central Whyalla won by a mere point.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – Hard to tip with no form, but I’ll go Roopena to turn the tables — by 6 points.
The final game has South Whyalla hosting West Whyalla at Bennett Oval on Saturday at 2:40pm. Third vs fourth from last year to round out the first round.
As always, a strong start is key — for players, coaches and supporters alike.
Moonta Wins Over Crows in a Nailbiter
Moonta’s five-point win over 2025 premiers CMS Crows was def the game of the round and possibly the year— a cracking Grand Final rematch from September.
In other games, Ardrossan played their first match of 2026 after a round one bye. With their well-publicised numbers issues, it was always going to be tough, and Kadina proved too strong after a solid off-season of recruiting. Bute and Paskeville also picked up wins.
Round three sees the CY Cougars host Ardrossan and Wallaroo take on Moonta.
The ‘Games of the Day’ look to be CMS Crows vs Southern Eagles at Curramulka, and Bute heading to Paskeville — a couple of big bird battles.
Chook’s Tip of the Round – I’m expecting two close ones — both under three goals. Paskeville by 17, Crowies by 9… but I’ll probably be wrong. Should be great contests either way.
By the end of the weekend, all comps covered by SA REGIONAL FOOTY Livestreaming will be up and running — and 2026 is shaping as another cracking season of country footy.
