Broadview defeats Sacred Heart Old Collegians by two goals to win 2022 Adelaide Footy League division two flag

Broadview used a gritty last quarter to narrowly defeat Sacred Heart Old Collegians in a nailbiting division two grand final, ending its premiership drought in the process. Read the report.

A resilient Broadview outfit held top side Sacred Heart Old Collegians at bay in the final term to achieve the club’s first A Grade premiership in 13 years, winning the Adelaide Footy League division two grand final 7.11 (53) to 6.5 (41).

The Tigers trailed at every break of what was a neck-and-neck affair at Norwood Oval but would kick three goals to one and quell tireless SHOC attacking in the final term to seal the victory.

Coach Matt Burgess said he was thrilled to win the flag and break the club’s drought.

“I’m just so proud of the boys and what we were able to do to get that win,” Burgess said.

“We hung tough and managed to pull it all together in that final term.

“It’s a huge achievement for the club and for the reserves to also get up in their grand final against PHOS Camden, it’s a massive day and means a lot to a lot of people.”

Broadview celebrates its division two premiership. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

The Tigers rued inaccuracy in front of goal early in the game after winning the momentum through the first term but only kicking two goals and four behinds.

Hearts then managed to get on top on the outside and use their run and carry through Seb Kerrish and Clayton Symonds to hit the scoreboard and gain the lead.

Broadview stayed in the game though, with Kobi Russell booting two big goals up front and captain Jay O’Leary also adding two goals in a big performance around the ground.

“We trailed at three points during the final break so we were confident in backing our fitness in and knew we could really run hard and regain a lead.

Broadview's Kobi Russell celebrates kicking a goal with teammate Nick Liddle. He kicked two important majors in his side’s grand final win. Picture: Tom Huntley

“The team talk was very measured at three-quarter-time, we were on top in clearances but I urged the guys to back themselves and take the game on a bit, which they did.

“There was just so much belief from everyone.”

The team talk worked, with the Tigers hitting the ground hard and gaining a two-goal advantage at the start of the fourth and managed to hold off their courageous SHOC opponent for the remainder of the game.

Onballer Nick Liddle – who won best on ground – picked the game apart in the final term with tireless work in the contest and elite ball-use, while stars Jared Petrenko, Jesse White, Xavier Gotch and Cooper O’Leary also remained influential.

Jay O’Leary (right) turned in a captain’s performance for Broadview.Picture: Tom Huntley

Tigers onballer Nick Liddle was awarded best on ground. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

“So many guys were outstanding – they just dug deep, put their bodies on the line and stayed so clean,” Burgess said.

“I can’t describe how proud I am of the boys, it’s the most tight-knit group I’ve been around and to get through that lull we had at the back half of the year and win the premiership is sensational.”

Both Broadview and Sacred Heart OC will move up to division one next season.