Meadows has hit the ground running with a hard fought 10-point win over local rival Macclesfield in round one action of the Hills Football League (HFL) Country Division. Playing at home, Macclesfield were favourites and they started well to lead by 15 points at the first break. The visiting Meadows combination fought back in the second term to reduce the margin to just seven points at half time. The Bulldogs came out all fired up in the all-important third quarter as they slammed on 6.5 to 2.4 to take a handy 19-point lead into the final term. Despite keeping Meadows to just a solitary behind in the final stanza, Maccy could only manage one goal themselves as they went down 8.12 (60) to 10.10 (70). Karoonda recruit, Daniel Stock led the way with five goals for the victors while Luke Andruszkiewicz slotted three majors for Macclesfield. Andrew Coombe, Luke Watson, Braeden Bezzina, Luke Smart and Mathew Beinke were named as best players for Meadows while Andruszkiewicz, Riley Daykin, Carey McLeod, Jack Clark and Isaac Lallard were the best performers for Macclesfield.

Kangarilla also pulled off an upset victory with a comfortable 34-point win at home against Bridgewater-Callington. The win was set up by an excellent first half as the Double Blues led 10.4 (64) to 6.3 (39) at the long break. The Raiders won the third term to give themselves a sniff at three quarter time as they trailed by a manageable 20 points. Kangarilla steadied to kick three goals to one in the final term to win 16.11 (107) to 11.7 (73). On his return to Kangarilla from Victor Harbor, Michael Ross was best on ground with four goals. Thomas Hall and Jamie Grosser were the other multiple goal kickers for Kangies with three majors each. Alistair Fleming kicked three goals for the Raiders while Zac Hean was named their best player.

Ironbank-Cherry Gardens made the long trip to Birdwood where they recorded a solid 31-point victory over the Roosters. Birdwood got off to a good start to hold a 16-point lead at the first change. The visitors did all the attacking in the second quarter as they took the lead at half time by two points but it could have been much more as they were very inaccurate with 3.7 for the term. That dominance continued in the second half with Ironbank-Cherry Gardens kicking seven goals to two to eventually win 10.17 (77) to 6.10 (46). Best players for the Thunderers were Todd Pfeiffer, Joel van Paridon and Daniel Desengo while the goals were shared around with two each to Josh Vandermeer, Jeremy Johncock, Elijah Ware and Matthew Raitt. For the Roosters Sean Williams kicked three goals and Christian Elliott two while Cameron Muster, Jed Russell and Justin Sheedy were named in the best players.

Gumeracha celebrated the first game since their drought-breaking premiership victory in 2019 with a 29-point win in the Grand Final rematch with Kersbrook at Gumeracha. Kersbrook started well, kicking four goals to one in the first term to lead by 17 points. From that point on it was all Gumeracha as they kicked 12 goals to five for the final three quarters to win 13.11 (89) to 9.6 (60). The returning Scott Mumford provided a good target up forward as he kicked five majors for the Magpies. Mumford last played for Gumeracha in 2017 when he kicked 83 goals. Danny Leith, Charlie Graeber, Mumford, Braeden Hutt, Matthew Redden and Matthew Marsden were good contributors for the reigning premier. Aaron Killian, Matthew Gardner and Ryan Xanthopoulos were named in the best players for the Brookers.

Round 2 fixtures (home team named first)

Bridgewater-Callington v Gumeracha

Kangarilla v Birdwood

Macclesfield v Torrens Valley

Ironbank-Cherry Gardens v Kersbrook

Meadows has the bye