Edwardstown defeats Flinders Park with golden point to make Adelaide Footy League reserves grand final

In what could be a local SA footy first, a club has dramatically won its way through to the grand final after 26 minutes of extra time. Watch the winning kick.

An Adelaide Footy League club could have made local SA footy history with a golden point win after two halves of extra time.

Edwardstown had played 26 minutes of extra time in its division three reserves preliminary final against Flinders Park on Saturday when the umpire announced the next score would win the game in a ‘golden point’ situation.

With the sides level at 61 points each, forward Harry Parker took a diving mark in the pocket, went back and slotted home a winning behind, sending his teammates into a frenzy.

Captain Rhys Bourn – who was playing his 150th senior game – said the experience was still sinking in.

“I’m still in shock, still soaking it all up, there was just nothing left in the tank for either side and for it to end like that was unbelievable,” Bourn said.

Edwardstown's Harry Parker lines up for the winning kick. Picture: Edwardstown Football Club

Edwardstown players celebrate the preliminary final-winning golden point against Flinders Park. Picture: Edwardstown Football Club

“I’ve never seen anything like it in local footy – two halves of extra time and a golden-point period to decide a preliminary final, it’s pretty unheard of.

“To be able to captain a win like that on my 150th as well was nuts.”

Towns got off to a fast start against the favoured Flinders Park side, booting the first four goals before their opponents gradually got themselves back in it.

A late goal from the Reds tied the scores at 55 apiece by the end of regulation, resulting in two halves of extra time.

Edwardstown reserves captain Rhys Bourn in action. Bourn celebrated his 150th game on Saturday. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

Neither side gave an inch in extra time, Flinders Park taking the lead and Edwardstown’s Rhett Davis replying with a major to level the scores back up.

After 20 minutes of extra time it was determined a period of ‘golden-point’ would be played out, with the first team to score booking a spot in the grand final.

“We were pretty nervous at times there and when the umpire announced it would be ‘next score wins’ in a golden-point situation I guess we were a bit taken aback, that’s something you usually hear in a practice match, not in a preliminary final,” Bourn said.

“Blokes were cramping up, there was nothing left in the tank and there were probably around 10 moments where we might’ve thought wow we’re going to lose it here but we managed to hang in there and get that winning point.

“It was just a massive buzz, a massive relief and we’re really excited to be playing a grand final this coming weekend.”

The Edwardstown A Grade and reserves will both take on Golden Grove in their respective division three grand finals on Saturday.