Adelaide Footy League: SMOSH West Lakes completes surprise grand final win over Morphettville Park

An Adelaide Footy League club has emerged as a new power in women’s footy after an unlikely finals run and an upset grand final win. The coach reveals the catalyst for his side’s success.

An unlikely Adelaide Footy League power has risen in the women’s competition and its new premiership coach has now revealed the secret to his team’s 2022 success.

SMOSH West Lakes, which lost four of its first six games this year and narrowly avoided missing out on a double chance in finals, defeated widely-favoured reigning premier Morphettville Park in a thrilling grand final on Saturday, just two weeks after losing to the Roos in the second semi.

Astrid Gooley – best on ground – dominated in the ruck against league best and fairest Celestina Dona, while Kiana Lee, Charlotte Dolan, Grace Martin and Jorja Eldridge impressed in the contest and up front in a thrilling 32-26 win.

SMOSH West Lakes celebrates its division one women's grand final victory on Saturday. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

The side went to another level just before the finals, beating Payneham Norwood Union to finish top three and then defeating second place Happy Valley twice in the postseason to book its spot in what turned out being an arm-wrestle grand final.

“That loss to Broadview, it was a really bad performance and I think it woke us up and gave us a bit of a kick,” coach Brad Day said.

“We were able to assess what went wrong, reset and get that win against Payneham Norwood Union which was an impressive performance.

“I think the group just really came together after we made the top three and even though we lost to Morphettville Park we played them super well, which gave us confidence that we could beat them in the grand final.”

SMOSH West Lakes coach Brad Day (left) celebrates as the siren sounds. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

SMOSH West Lakes ruck Astrid Gooley was awarded best on ground for her dazzling display against the Roos. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

The Lions’ performance against Happy Valley in the preliminary final showed what the team was capable of, the hosts holding the Vikings goalless for the final two terms and dominating through the middle and up front.

Day said the feeling of being able to follow that win with a premiership performance over Morphettville Park was unmatched.

“To bounce back from the second semi loss, play like we did and win the flag, there was just so much elation and relief,” he said.

“We played brilliantly against Happy Valley but I really didn’t know what to expect before the grand final, just because the condition of Mitcham Oval probably made it all a bit unpredictable.

Lions coach Brad Day said he was confident ahead of the big dance. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

“We were confident after the previous loss to them though because we knew it wasn’t a bad game to lose, it gave us the chance to play again and learn from the game.”

The club’s reserves also won their grand final on Saturday, defeating Payneham Norwood Union by one point.

“We’ve got a fantastic women’s program and it starts with the juniors and goes all the way up,” Day said.

“It’s only going to get better from here and I think competition-wide there is just so much talent.

“It was such a fantastic day for our club and we’re very proud of everyone involved.”