Katunga’s Sam Arho kicked two goals in a seven-goal victory over Dookie United on Saturday.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Four rounds have passed in Picola District Football League and already the current landscape looks vastly different to seasons gone by.
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For the past few years, the top three or four spots on the ladder contained the usual suspects: Waaia, Strathmerton, Tungamah and the likes.
But in 2025, an hourglass flip seems to be at play.
Berrigan — which finished 10th in 2024 — occupies top spot and, though it has played one extra game than all other sides bar Tocumwal, the Saints’ 23.25 (163) to 5.4 (34) belting of Blighty on Saturday points to a vast improvement by the red, white and black.
Ex-Mooroopna forward Chris Nield suited up for the Sainters, booting 12 majors for the match.
Picola United has taken second spot thanks to a 33.22 (220) to 1.4 (10) demo job on Mathoura, while reigning premier Waaia maintains third following its 174-point destruction of Rennie.
Picola United’s Blake Jorgensen (left) kicked 10 goals against Mathoura at the weekend.
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
Connor Brown had a day out in front of the sticks for the Bombers, booting a perfect 10, while Charlie Burrows chimed in with five.
Rounding out the top four is Deniliquin Rovers, another side that failed to reach finals in the past season, after it defeated Jerilderie 20.6 (126) to 11.7 (73) on the road.
Fifth-ranked Katandra kept its unbeaten run going with a 19.13 (127) to 8.6 (54) victory over Tocumwal, seeing Josh Kezerle and Bailey Bell crank five goals apiece in a comfortable away result for the Kats.
Katunga finally etched its name on the winners’ list on Saturday, taking down PDFL newby Dookie United by 48 points.
The Swans have had an uncharacteristically slow start to the season, but after putting out a 6.4 opening term while holding the Thunder scoreless, Katunga went on to clinch a 16.14 (110) to 9.8 (62) triumph.
Similarly, Tungamah got off the mark with a 17.15 (117) to 7.7 (49) win over Strathmerton, the Bears saluting after tricky losses to Katamatite and Katandra in rounds one and two.
Six goals from Tim Looby — who booted 123 in 2024 — weren’t enough to hand Strathmerton its second victory of the season, leaving the Bulldogs in a precarious, albeit totally salvageable, 10th spot.
On the netball courts, Katandra and Tocumwal couldn’t be separated after 60 minutes in a thrilling tie.
The Bloods led at every change, yet despite trailing by two goals at three-quarter time, Katandra rallied to share the spoils 39-all and hold third place on the ladder.
Dookie United claimed its second win of the year thanks to a 61-43 victory over 2024 grand finalist Katunga, shifting up into sixth to sit level with the Swans on points.
Tungamah caused a stir for its first four points of the season, taking down Strathmerton 51-35, while Waaia succumbed to second-ranked Rennie 45-40.
Around the courts, Picola United clinched a 13-goal result against Mathoura, Deniliquin Rovers put Jerilderie to the sword 69-21, while Berrigan beat Blight by 41 goals.
