Adelaide Footy League division one grand final – Port District defeats Prince Alfred Old Collegians by 18 points

A defensive masterclass in the Adelaide Footy League division one grand final gave Port District its first A Grade premiership in three decades. Full match report.

Port District won its first A Grade premiership in 30 years with a dominant defensive display against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Norwood Oval in the division one Adelaide Footy League grand final.

The Magpies held the Old Reds to just seven points through the first two terms on their way to a historic 9.9 (63) to 7.3 (45) win.

First year coach Josh Ramsey’s side implemented a suffocating forward press throughout the majority of the game, preventing key PAOC players Chris Curran, Hayden Jolly and Jack Trengove from having an impact.

“You can perform well defensively all year through the minor round but to do it in a grand final is a whole other story so for the boys to defend like that was just fantastic,” Ramsey said.

Port District players and fans celebrate their drought-breaking grand final win. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“Our ability to pressure and win the ball back to put scores on the board was really important.

“It’s just such a massive win for the club, I can’t really put into words how we’re all feeling.”

Old Reds veteran Tom Bartlett kicked the first goal of the game with a spectacular smother and finish in mid air but that was the only major PAOC would register in the first two terms as best on ground backman Cooper Gaffney and 2022 recruit Tom Schmusch locked down opposing forwards.

Sam and Tom Gray were also influential for Port, battling hard behind the ball and in the contest to win possession and deliver to key forward Dale Pearce who had two goals for the game.

Magpies flanker Zac Hawkins was one of his side’s most damaging players in the div one grand final. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Princes launched a late comeback after trailing 43-19 at the final break, playing-coach Craig Pitt moving himself up front and kicking two goals to bring the deficit down to 13 points, but it was too little too late as the Magpies held firm and launched a perfect rebound attack to give Sam Gray the sealer.

“I think late in the game they probably had no option but to try to go through us and they managed to get through the middle a couple times but it didn’t matter much after the work we’d managed to do all day,” Ramsey said.

“Gaffney was unbelievable – his ability to read the footy and win one-on-ones or intercept and then distribute is elite.”

The win summed up a remarkable achievement for Ramsey’s side, the league leaders completing what they set out to do at the start of the year.

Port District key Dale Pearce battles Prince Alfred OC’s Jordan Neal in the ruck. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“I met with the footy club 11 months ago and it didn’t take me long to realise how passionate they are and how passionate the supporters are,” Ramsey said.

“To be able to do this for them makes me so proud and happy.”

Old Reds playing-coach Craig Pitt said he was proud of his group but conceded defeat to a stronger outfit on the day.

“They were fantastic today and they’ve been fantastic all year so it’s thoroughly deserved,” Pitt said.

“Our boys did it the hard way from fifth this year.

“We couldn’t get the win but I know there are big things coming for us in the future.”