Touch Football South Australia congratulates our Men's Open team on their efforts at the 2025 NTL Championships, held over the weekend in Coffs Harbour. The squad showed great determination, pride, and resilience throughout the tournament and represented the SA Heat colours with passion.
While the results may not have gone our way, the team’s growth and performance across the three days were a testament to their commitment and teamwork.
Tournament Results
Day 1:
- Round 1 vs Sydney Mets | Loss 0-13
A tough opening match against a fast-starting Mets side saw five early tries conceded. Despite the result, Andrew van Gilst impressed with his defensive work on the link channel. - Round 2 vs Hunter Western Hornets | Loss 1-11
Facing another strong opponent, the Heat managed to settle after a rapid start by the Hornets. Joel Nolan played a key role in organising the team’s defensive structure and set up the team’s first try with a long ball to Laine Alexander. - Round 3 vs UQ Rebels | Loss 2-14
A stronger first half saw the Heat match the pace early. Tries came through a sharp sweeper play from Jayden Chambers setting up William Hutton, and a trademark chicken step from Laine Alexander. However, fatigue took its toll late in the game.
Day 2:
- Round 4 vs Southwest Sharks | Loss 2-13
The Sharks, led by Dylan Hennessey, made an early statement. The Heat replied with a quickie from Chambers to Alexander and a well-executed scoop sequence initiated by Quentin Mocard and finished by Joel Nolan. - Round 5 vs Victoria Storm | Loss 5-7
A tightly contested game where small errors proved costly. SA Heat produced five strong tries including efforts from Andrew van Gilst, Toby Gabrisch, William Hutton, Patrick McGavin, and a late finish from Hutton off a Joel Nolan scoop.
Day 3:
- Men’s Open B Grade Final vs ACT Raiders | Loss 0-6
The Heat were overwhelmed early by a more experienced ACT side. Despite the slow start, the team showed great grit to hold the Raiders scoreless in the second half.
Individual Honours
Players' Player: Laine Alexander
Coaches Award: Jayden Chambers
Special Coaches Mention: William Hutton
MVP: Joel Nolan
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to our international representatives, Quentin Mocard and Laine Alexander, for donning the Heat jersey with pride. We also acknowledge Dean Philp and Stephen Daenke, who were originally selected but had to withdraw due to the rescheduled dates. Thank you to Quentin and Kieran Ong for joining the squad at late notice and stepping up for the team.
A massive thank you goes to our leadership group – Joel Nolan and Patrick McGavin – for their guidance, and to Tyson Blanco for leading the tour with energy and professionalism. A special shout out to our trainer, Nic, for keeping the team healthy and ready to play throughout the tournament.
In addition to the players, we would also like to recognise the efforts of our South Australian referees Jon Hall and Amanda Sheeky, who both officiated across multiple divisions throughout the weekend. Their professionalism and dedication to the game continue to make SA proud on the national stage.
A shoutout also goes to Claire Harton, another South Australian who represented our state with distinction at the event.
Thank you to all players, coaches, referees, and support staff who made the trip possible. We are incredibly proud of the team’s efforts and look forward to continued growth and success in future national events.
Well done to all involved!
Go SA Heat!
