Glenunga vs Prince Alfred OC division one grand final preview
An emerging AdFL power will attempt to win its first ever div one premiership this weekend as it takes on a juggernaut aiming for a second flag in three years. Full grand final preview and players to watch.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two local SA footy powers will go head-to-head this weekend in one of the most exciting Adelaide Footy League division one grand final match-ups in recent history.
Top two sides Glenunga and Prince Alfred OC will meet for the sixth time in two seasons in Saturday’s big dance, with both outfits aiming for historic achievements.
Glenunga, coached by former AFL and Central District defender Nathan Grima, will play in just its second div one grand final as it aims for its first top tier premiership.
DIV TWO PREVIEW AND PLAYERS TO WATCH
PAOC, led by playing-coach and former Glenelg gun Craig Pitt, will attempt to claim its second flag in three seasons in what will be a third consecutive big dance.
“We realise how special this opportunity is for the club and everyone involved, just to get to a div one grand final is massive,” Grima said.
“We know we’re going to have to dig a bit deeper this weekend against a very good opposition, but we’ve got that extra bit of motivation to achieve something for the first time in the club’s history.”
Glenunga has been on a tear during the latter stages of the season, with 11 consecutive wins leading in to the grand final.
The Rams have been led by star recruit and Keith Sims OAM Medallist Abe Davis through the middle and up front, and have held teams to an average of 43 points – the best defensive result in division one history.
The side will be coming off of a two-week break after defeating Princes in the qualifying final.
“Not much changes for us, we’ve prepared how we usually do and we’re going to back our game style in again,” Grima said.
“Both sides have two completely different styles which makes it really exciting. We’re a really good contested and defensive side, and they probably use the footy better than we do.
“I can honestly say that if we played them 10 times in a row, we’d probably win about five, that’s what it’s like against top sides.
“We’ve beaten them twice in a row so to beat them a third time is going to take a really big effort but we’re confident. We’ve enjoyed the lead up and the prep and now it’s about achieving that ultimate reward for the entire club.”
The Old Reds were close to pulling off a result over the Rams in their away qualifying final, with star players such as Jack Trengove, Andrew Bradley and Chris Curran all standing up.
Playing-coach Craig Pitt said he was confident the team could build on its momentum after a big preliminary final win over Tea Tree Gully despite losing co-captain Tom Humphries to a suspected second ACL.
“We want to win for everyone, not just Tom – It’s really disappointing that he’ll miss out but we’re definitely keen to do it for him and everybody else who is involved at the club,” Pitt said.
“We’ve played Glenunga three times this season so far and twice at their ground. We feel we played them pretty well last game but we probably haven’t been able to match them for long enough.
“It should be a great contest in good conditions and on a bigger oval this weekend and we’ll back our own game style – we’re definitely confident.”
The club fell short to Port District in last season’s grand final after defeating Payneham Norwood Union in the 2021 big dance.
Pitt said that while his team had learned from the loss, it was not something they’d dwell on heading in to Saturday.
“A lot of the younger players definitely learned from that experience but we’re looking at a different opposition and we’ve also got a pretty different team,” he said.
“We’re just glad we’re back in another grand final and ready to achieve a different result this year.
“It’s huge for our whole footy club. Lots of people put in so much work to get to this stage and to have this opportunity is a great feeling – it’s what we all play footy for.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ABE DAVIS
(Glenunga)
This season’s division one medallist, Davis has been a machine in the middle, the ruck or up front for the Rams this season.
Has the ability to break the game open and will draw a lot of attention from PAOC.
NICK WUNDKE
(Glenunga)
Produced a sensational display in the ruck against Princes in the qualifying final and should be one to watch again this weekend.
Boasts brilliant skills by hand and foot and remains composed under pressure.
CHRIS CURRAN
(Prince Alfred OC)
A Rolls Royce off of halfback for the Old Reds, Curran’s ability to pick off attacking balls and distribute out of the backline is second to none in the competition.
His pinpoint distribution will be essential to any success his side has on Saturday.
JACK TRENGOVE
(Prince Alfred OC)
Has raised his level significantly during finals and has added the ability to run out games and hit the scoreboard late to his game.
A ball magnet in the middle who does everything well.
Ranked: Local SA footy’s top 30 coaches of 2024
From former AFL and SANFL stars to local legends, we’ve ranked local SA footy’s top 30 coaches of season 2024. See who made the cut.
Live stream: Raiders, Comets double up for Football SA finals tilt
Adelaide Croatia Raiders and Adelaide Comets will be among the teams to watch on Sunday at one of Football SA’s biggest days of the year. Watch six games LIVE across three fields. Check the schedule.