Adelaide Footy League finals match reports: Prince Alfred OC defeats Goodwood Saints to book grand final spot
A div one power made its second grand final in as many years with an inspired display, while the premier of every other division was decided. Full Adelaide Footy League finals match reports.
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The last week of the Adelaide Footy League season is upon us after another weekend of riveting finals action.
An exciting division one preliminary final between Goodwood Saints and Prince Alfred Old Collegians took place at Richmond Oval, while 2022 premiers were decided in divisions two to six.
Here are The Messenger’s reports from every division:
DIVISION ONE - PRINCES PUNISH SAINTS
Prince Alfred Old Collegians will have the chance to win two division one premierships on the trot this Saturday after defeating Goodwood Saints 12.12 (84) to 4.4 (28).
The Old Reds led by 10 points at three-quarter-time of what was an arm wrestle preliminary final but managed to pile on eight goals to just one in the final term to seal the impressive win.
Coach Craig Pitt said he was proud of his side’s performance and excited to be in another grand final.
“Both teams were really good defensively and it was a tug-of-war pretty much the whole way through but we managed to lift our work in the contest and our run in the fourth and they (Goodwood) struggled to stem the flow,” Pitt said.
“We’re very happy with how we ran the game out and of course thrilled to get through to a grand final and get a chance against Port District.”
Goodwood started the fastest in the first term but only held a narrow lead at the first break and were kept scoreless by PAOC in the second term as the Princes began to gain control.
The trend continued through the final two terms and the Old Reds used their speed and fitness to eventually overrun Goodwood.
Will Dalwood, Jack Trengove and Sam Buckham all worked tirelessly throughout the game, while Mitch Larsson booted three goals to lead all forwards.
“We felt we got on top pretty early in the second quarter but we weren’t clean with our disposal inside 50,” Pitt said.
“Fortunately we managed to rectify that in the last quarter and get the return we deserved on the scoreboard.”
Princes will now face Port District at Norwood Oval in Saturday’s grand final.
Pitt remained confident his side could get the win despite their recent three-point loss to the Magpies.
“It’s going to be a great game and we’re feeling really good after our last couple performances,” he said.
“We just need to focus on what we want to do and get our own game style going.
“If we can do that we’ll give ourselves a really good chance.”
DIVISION THREE - BURRAS TOO GOOD FOR TOWNS
Golden Grove completed an undefeated season by defeating Edwardstown 9.8 (62) to 1.5 (11) in the division three grand final at Elizabeth Oval.
Towns were held to two behinds in the opening term and scoreless in the final term as the Kookaburras piled on five last quarter goals to close out the result.
Jake Pitman was awarded best on ground for his work through the middle, while Max Kozlik was a standout up front with four majors.
A second half move of Lewis Johnston from the backline to half forward also paid off for Golden Grove, the star player taking multiple big marks and kicking two goals in the final term.
The Kookaburras also held star Edwardstown forward George Cornish goalless for the game.
DIVISION FOUR - KINGS CROWNED IN BIG DANCE
Pembroke Old Scholars completed an impressive division four season by defeating underdog Hope Valley 19.5 (119) to 9.6 (60) in the grand final at Woodville Oval.
The Kings booted five goals to two in the second term and eight goals to two in the fourth quarter to claim a big win and take out the flag.
Playing-coach Mark Evans was dominant for Pembroke OS, booting two goals and working hard in the contest through the entire four quarters.
Brother Tom Evans was also impressive with four goals to lead all forwards.
Star midfield recruit Max Thring was a bull inside, crashing into contests on the ball and delivering with precision to teammates.
DIVISION FIVE - HOUNDS COMPLETE GF UPSET
Hectorville produced a remarkable 38-6 opening quarter to set up an upset win over top side Lockley in the division five grand final, ultimately winning 12.7 (79) to 8.8 (56).
Jak Goudman-Glasson - who booted five majors - was unstoppable to start the game and captain and joint division best and fairest Jake Mazzone was also invaluable in the middle.
Jake Pokoina was integral for the Hounds as the underdog controlled the contest and quelled almost every Demon attack through the early-going, rebounding efficiently from defence to hit the scoreboard up front.
Star Lockleys forward Ben Haren was held to just two goals as Hectorville dominated possession and aerial contests.
DIVISION SIX - TRINITY OS REACHES PERFECTION
Trinity Old Scholars dominated from start to finish as it won the division six premiership over West Croydon 13.15 (93) to 7.6 (48) and finished the season unbeaten.
The Lions built a four-goal lead in the first term and never looked back, vice captain Cam Matters (four goals) booting multiple majors and dominating in the contest to help his club to the win.
Cam Hankinson was also a standout for his side, winning plenty of the footy in the air and on the ground while also providing an assured presence behind the ball.
Star West Croydon forward Luke Woodcock started positively but was well held and kept to just two goals for the game.
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