With a fierce contest facing Northern Districts, the team came fourth in the high quality competition.

Looking like a new and improved team from last year, Northern Districts won their first game in a close match against Central zone.

Spencer Gulf League president Ken McLean said the team was looking as good as ever.

“They’ve improved beyond belief from last year, which I think we can put down to a larger area for the district,” he said.

The momentum did not continue however, with Northern losing by an eight-goal margin against Southern Districts, who took out the competition.

“They were an impressive side, which is obvious by them taking the flag,” McLean said.

“We played well, but they were just too good for us at the end of the day.”

Their third match against South-East zone was also unprevailing, leaving them to finish in fourth place.

Although McLean said the loss was disappointing, he thought the improvement form last year was something to be excited about.

“We know where our level is at, and now we can move up from there,” he said.

McLean said the standout players from the competition were those rightly chosen for the State Country Team.

Daniel Seider from the Lions, Richie Hobbs from West Augusta and Matt Coates from Crystal Brook all made it into the prestigious team.

“They were definitely our best three players for the weekend,” McLean said.

Seider also walked away with the Barry Robin medal – the highest achievement received from the Spencer Gulf League.

Northern Districts coach Keith Nutt said there was a bit of a gap between the top three sides and the rest of the teams, but the standard of football seen was “tremendous”.

He said Northern put up a good competition, but it was good for them to see players from other leagues compete.

“It will be great for the players, to improve their footy and see what level they need to get up to for next year,” Nutt said.

RIGHT, BOOT IT: Jo Quigley lines up a kick as an opponent closes in.

BELOW, ALMOST: Peter Bowley reaches for the ball.