Tigers tame Rovers in wet conditions

LOXTON handed Renmark a sixth-straight defeat on Saturday, as they protected home ground in wet conditions to stay in touch with the top three.

It was a slow start for both sides, with only a goal each in the first stanza as Renmark took a two-point buffer into the first break.

A reset from Loxton saw them dominate the second quarter, with goals coming from Grady Armfield, Jesse Will and two to young gun Harley Campbell.

The Rovers lone goal came through Liam Jackson midway through the quarter, as the Tigers took a 14-point lead into the long break.

The third stanza was even for the most part. Early goals to Renmark captain Zac Gartery were answered minutes later by Will, his second for the game.

Back-to-back goals within a minute to Armfield saw the margin extend to 26 points, with late behinds sitting the margin at 28 points at the final change of ends.

Renmark bought the fight in the final term but were unable to add scoreboard pressure, kicking one goal and four behinds in the quarter.

Loxton capitalised with two goals through Kaiden Evans and Tristan Jackson to run out 31-point winners at home.

Loxton coach Nathan Brown said he was pleased with how his side responded after the quarter time break, being able to adapt to the conditions.

“We discussed as a team at the break, I thought we overused the ball early and our decision making wasn’t great,” he said.

“The message was to keep it simple, wet weather footy is a territory game so the plan was to move the ball forward and lock the ball in our forward half.”

The inclusion of Armfield was a welcomed boost for the Tigers team, after missing rounds five and six.

“We have missed him the last couple weeks, and we lost both those games so we are more than happy to have him back,” Brown said.

“His ability to win the contest is exceptional, and his footy IQ helps him outsmart his opponents. As a coach, it is fantastic to have these guys in your side.”

Back on the winners list and with a positive record at four wins and three losses, things are looking up for the Tigers after a strong start to 2026.

“It is a good feeling at the club, there is lots of belief in what we are doing,” Brown said.

“We have been hit with injuries early and are starting to get some players back which has bolstered the side, which has been great for us to continue pushing for these wins.”

For Loxton, Armfield was a standout player, being a presence in aerial contests and kicking three goals, while Daniel Bibby was impactful through the middle of the ground. Harley Campbell used his versatility to have an impact through the middle of the ground and up forward, kicking two goals in the win.

Declan Johnson adapted to the conditions and was a standout for the Rovers on the ball, while Morgan Edwards and Hayden Stevens competed well on the half forward line. Reece Curtis was exceptional on debut for Renmark.

This weekend, Loxton travel across the river to Berri, as they look to claim a second win in a row.

Renmark return home to host Waikerie, with both sides looking to bounce back after losing two games in the last three weeks.

Both matches begin form 2.40pm.