Adelaide Footy League One-Percenters: Prince Alfred Old Collegians back in the finals frame
Adelaide Footy League powerhouse Prince Alfred Old Collegians reveals the catalyst for its dramatic season turnaround as it aims for a second premiership in a row. That and more in One-Percenters.
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Welcome to One-Percenters – a wrap of the talking points from the round in the Adelaide Footy League.
Each edition we will bring you tidbits from the last weekend – they might be eye-catching results, milestones, comebacks, big wins, broken droughts or inspiring stories.
If you know or have heard something quirky or interesting in the Adelaide Footy League, email your suggestions or photos to daniel.renfrey@news.com.au
Here is what caught our attention in round 14:
PRINCES MAKE LATE CHARGE
A midseason team sit-down was the catalyst for Prince Alfred Old Collegians’ strong turnaround through the last month, according to coach Craig Pitt.
The Old Reds sat in division one’s relegation zone at the middle point of season 2022 after a frustrating start to the year, but four wins in the last five games have seen the 2021 premiers skyrocket into the top four.
“I guess it looks like a big turnaround from the outside but internally the fact we’re finally stringing wins together hasn’t been too unexpected,” Pitt said.
“We were in pretty much every game early in the season but faded out late and made some costly errors.
“We had a good sit-down as a team at the halfway point and just highlighted the areas we were breaking down in – it’s really important we’re all on the same page and figuring out how we can improve and how we can meet standards.”
Princes defeated Rostrevor Old Collegians by 76 points on Saturday to make it four wins – Payneham Norwood Union, Old Ignatians, St Peter’s Old Collegians and Rostrevor OC – of its last five, with a three-point defeat to top team Port District their only loss.
The strong form of stars Jack Trengove, Chris Curran and Hayden Jolly has played a hand in the team’s run, and coach Pitt also sung the praises of promising youngster Mitch Larsson.
“It probably wasn’t our best performance of the year but it was nice to know we can still record a big win even if we’re a bit off the boil,” Pitt said of the ROC game.
“We’ve got some supreme players who are probably in our best every week and I’ve also really liked what Mitch Larsson has brought for us – he’s only 21 and is taking the next step to become one of the best players in the league.
“I think what we’ve been seeing is the star guys really stepping up and the younger players beginning to follow suit to match that level.”
The side will face Tea Tree Gully in round 15 as it aims for another finals finish and possibly a second flag in a row.
While Pitt was excited about the prospect of another deep run, he said the team was taking the remainder of the year game by game.
“We want to play finals heading into every season but we’ve probably broken it down a bit since midseason and started taking it one game at a time,” he said.
“Anyone can beat anyone on any given weekend in division one so we just need to stay focused, enjoy our form and hopefully build on it.”
ANOTHER MEMORABLE INDIGENOUS ROUND
Yet another spectacular Indigenous Round game took place on the weekend, with Walkerville travelling to Pooraka for a special battle between finals contenders.
While Pooraka got the last laugh, winning 21.11 (137) to 9.10 (64), the event was enjoyed by both sides.
Both the Bulls and the Cats wore indigenous guernseys and a Welcome To Country was also performed before the first bounce.
“Taking part in an Indigenous Round game was something very important to our club, its players, coaches, officials and families, so when Pooraka asked if we’d like to join them we jumped at the opportunity,” Walkerville coach Ryan Madden said.
“Recognition and respect of our First Nations people sits at the heart of the club, and it was a great opportunity to acknowledge our current and past Aboriginal players while wearing a guernsey designed by indigenous player James Brennan.
“It was our first Indigenous Round game and it gave us the opportunity to show our respect and gratitude to the Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land we train and play on each week, so it was one of the most important games we’ll play this year.”
VOTE FOR GOAL AND MARK OF THE WEEK
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