Adelaide Footy League preview: Sacred Heart OC takes on Broadview in division two grand final

A rivalry between one team representing a prestigious footy college and the other a working-class community underpins what will be an historic victory years in the making for either club.

Across three games during the 2022 season just 30 points separated two clubs who have developed a healthy rivalry as teams with almost polar opposite foundations.

Sacred Heart Old Collegians, representing a prestigious college, take on Broadview, a working-class community club, in the Adelaide Footy League division two grand final at Norwood Oval.

And regardless of the result, a victory will be an historic moment for either club in the midst of long-running A Grade premiership droughts.

Broadview’s last flag was a division two victory win in 2009, and SHOC’s a 2001 division three triumph.

Both clubs made significant moves in the offseason to bolster their squads and compete for promotion and a premiership, and with promotion now sealed there’s only one thing left to play off for.

SHOC's Alex Cailotto battles Broadview's Jesse White in this year's second semi-final. Picture: SHOC Football Club

For Hearts there is a sense of unfinished business after the club missed out on the big dance last year, losing to Glenunga in the preliminary final.

Coach Steve Kay’s side lost to Broadview by 14 points in the second semi-final but he remained confident his players could produce a strong performance.

“They (Broadview) played some outstanding footy that game so we have to give them credit but we’re really confident that if we can start well in a high-pressure situation it’ll go a long way to winning,” Kay said.

“From a team perspective it would be really satisfying to win the flag after so long and after what has been a really strong season, and I know the rest of the club would be super proud of us as well.”

SHOC defeated North Haven by 52 points last Saturday to book a spot in the big game, with star ruck/forward utility Alex Cailotto dominating in the ruck and up front.

Sacred Heart OC star Clayton Symonds has been a threat through the middle and in front of goal. Picture: SHOC Football Club

With key players like midfielder Cam Rankin, newcomer Clayton Symonds and half-back Seb Kerrish also in good touch, Kay said his side looked ready to make amends for its semi-final loss two weeks ago.

“Last week was a real confidence booster – we were able to put four quarters together and everyone played their role which was great to see,” he said.

“We’re calling on that sort of performance from the players again.

“We know it’s going to be a fast and intense game and we think we’re able to match it with anyone in that sort of affair.”

Sacred Heart OC coach Steve Kay was confident his side could produce a winning performance in this Saturday’s grand final. Picture: Matt Loxton

Broadview coach Matt Burgess said his team had worked hard during its two-week break. Picture: Matt Oborn

Broadview has put a late season lull behind them this finals series, the Tigers winning through to the grand final in straight sets by beating Athelstone and then Sacred Heart OC.

Recruits Jesse White, Xavier Gotch, Jared Petrenko and Nick Liddle have all been performing at a high level for the club while captain Jay O’Leary continues to work tirelessly around the ground.

“We’re really excited – we’re playing some great team footy at the moment which is great,” coach Matt Burgess said.

“We don’t need anyone in particular to do anything too special we just need to keep playing team footy and hone in on what we do best.”

Broadview captain Jay O'Leary has been a standout leader in local footy throughout 2022. Picture: Matt Oborn

The Tigers have had an extra week off after their win in the second semi and while Hearts played North Haven in that time, Burgess said his side was focused on what they had to do.

“There were a few sore boys after the semi-final but we got a fair bit of work into them over that extra break and tried to emulate some match intensity,” he said.

“We’ve got enormous respect for SHOC as a team and club and we can’t wait for the challenge – we think our best stacks up against anyone and we’ll see on Saturday.”

First bounce is at 2.30pm.