Glenunga and Old Ignatians book spots in division two Adelaide Footy League grand final

Glenunga has put together a huge third term to beat Sacred Heart Old Collegians and solidify its spot against an impressive Old Ignatians in the division two grand final.

Minor premier Glenunga’s remarkable rise up the Adelaide Footy League ranks has reached its highest point yet after booking a spot in the division two grand final.

The Rams put together a huge third term in their preliminary final matchup with Sacred Heart Old Collegians to record a 14.8 (92) to 6.10 (46) win at Glenelg Oval on Saturday.

Glenunga was without key target Michael Wundke but forwards Sam Parsons and Michael McMahon filled the void seamlessly, kicking nine majors between them.

McMahon stood up in a tight first two quarters, giving his side a three-point lead at the main break.

Sam Parsons is taken high against SHOC. He was integral in Glenunga’s big win. Picture: Dean Martin

Coach Nathan Grima said that while they had the lead, his team needed motivating at half-time.

“I gave the boys a bit of a serve at the half, I thought we probably didn’t deserve to be up at that stage,” Grima said.

“I couldn’t fault them in the second half, we applied great pressure and capitalised up front through McMahon and Parsons who are top quality players.”

The rev up helped – the Rams holding SHOC to just one point in the third term and capitalising on their contested ball work and efficient disposal to register multiple majors.

Sam Abell and Harry Prosser were especially effective on the wings, while James Wundke dropped behind the ball to take big contested marks late.

“To finish the way we did was really impressive. We had a few outs this week and a lot of young guys in so I’m really proud of the boys,” Grima said.

Glenunga’s Jack Matchett under pressure from SHOC’s Elijah Laube. 4 September 2021. Picture: Dean Martin

“We’re all about full team efforts and when we go away from that we break down pretty quickly. It was good to see a strong response.”

SHOC was more than competitive in the first half, playing strong rebound football and just failing to grab the lead before the main break.

Grima was relieved to see his team ultimately halt the opponent’s game plan and book a spot in the grand final.

“You’d be lying if you didn’t say it was a great feeling to get the win and make it to the big one,” he said.

IGGIES DOMINATE START TO FINISH

Old Ignatians took a big early lead over PHOS Camden and never looked back, recording a 9.15 (69) to 5.8 (38) win and set up an exciting grand final against Glenunga.

Iggies held the Phantoms to a single point in the opening term, their mids controlling the contest and not allowing their opponent any space.

Old Ignatians coach Damian Boots said he placed emphasis on winning clearances early.

“We really wanted to focus on our pressure and clearance work,” Boots said.

“It was really important to win those areas and get the ball forward.”

Old Ignatians Coach Damian Boots was thrilled with his team’s performance against PHOS Camden. Picture: Matt Loxton

Dominic Grant was impressive up front with three majors, while Matt Brunoli had a major impact around the ground.

Boots said it was hard to split any of his guys, with each player executing their role to perfection.

“It was an amazing team effort. Our back six was terrific all day and everyone played their role,” he said.

“We’ve talked about building to play our best footy at the right time of year and I feel like we’re at that level now.”

The side will need to be at its best again against Glenunga in the big dance, but Boots, who was coach when Iggies lost to the Rams in the 2019 division three grand final, looks forward to the challenge.

“They’ve been the benchmark for the whole season and they’re excellently coached by Nathan (Grima),” he said.

“This is the first time our club has ever been to a division two grand final so we’re very proud of that and looking forward to the opportunity.”