Adelaide Footy League grand final preview – Port District, Prince Alfred Old Collegians reach for glory

Two local giants will clash in the Adelaide Footy League division one grand final on Saturday and while one seeks its first flag in three decades, the other aims for two in a row.

Two of local SA footy’s biggest clubs – with polar opposite success stories – will go head-to-head in the division one Adelaide Footy League grand final this weekend.

Top side Port District will take on late 2022 bloomers Prince Alfred Old Collegians from 2.30pm at Norwood Oval to determine this year’s premier.

While the Old Reds aim for their second premiership in as many years after defeating Payneham Norwood Union last season, the Magpies will attempt to win their first A Grade flag since 1992.

Port District coach Josh Ramsey said a win would mean the world to his club.

“There are people still involved here who were involved in the last premiership – it’s just such an outstanding and supportive club and I think everyone deserves it,” Ramsey said.

“I want my players to win one for them but I also want nothing more than for the club to taste success, that’s our driving force and we want to be able to let everyone involved enjoy it.”

Port District coach Josh Ramsey said his team was ready to go for Saturday's div one grand final. Picture: Kym Stegmeyer

Ramsey joined Port District in the preseason after spending time at West Adelaide as assistant coach and following him soon after were former AFL and SANFL players and brothers Sam and Tom Gray.

The moves marked the intent from the club – to make a deep finals run.

Port made its mark from the outset, establishing a strong defensive setup and fast ball movement – a style Ramsey said won’t change on Saturday.

“We’ll make some adjustments based on how Prince Alfred like to play but by the same token our own system has got us to where we are and we want to adhere to that.

“Our team defence is really strong and we’re going to need to keep a whole team approach whether defending or attacking with our bottom six or seven guys really standing up to support the others.”

Sam Gray has been dominant for Port District this season and will be a key player on Saturday. Picture: Mason Parker

Ramsey’s side comes off of an extra week’s break after defeating Goodwood by 65 points in the second semi-final, a result which boosted their confidence heading into the big dance.

“We’re feeling really good physically and mentally heading in,” Ramsey said.

“We’ve got our fitness load in quite well over the last week or so, so we’re ready to go.”

Prince Alfred OC booked its spot with a convincing 84-28 win over Goodwood last weekend and will compete for yet another flag after experiencing a lull at the start of the year.

Star defenders Chris Curran and Adam Perryman have hit strong form for finals, while Hayden Jolly and Jack Trengove continue to dominate with ball in hand.

Prince Alfred Old Collegians playing-coach Craig Pitt (right) with star player Jack Trengove. Picture: Prince Alfred Old Collegians Football Club

Despite losing to the Magpies by three points last time out, Coach Craig Pitt was confident after his team’s big preliminary final win.

“I think it’s going to be a great game, last time we met there was one kick in it so we’d love to be on the other end of that result this time,” Pitt said.

“The confidence is high at the moment within the group, we’ve only lost two games since the bye and we’re playing some very good footy so we give ourselves a big chance.”

While the club has the opportunity to win back-to-back premierships, Pitt said it was not on the players’ minds.

“It’s not something you expect to happen at any stage and it’s very hard to do.

“It would be amazing but it’s a totally different group for us this year so it’s more about giving the guys this year something to celebrate.”