Golden Grove goes entire Adelaide Footy League division three season undefeated
A rising Adelaide Footy League power became the first side to complete an undefeated season in its division since 1965. Can they be stopped next season? That and more in One-Percenters.
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Welcome to One-Percenters – a wrap of the talking points from the round in the Adelaide Footy League.
Each edition we bring you tidbits from the last weekend – they might be eye-catching results, achievements, milestones, comebacks, big wins, broken droughts or inspiring stories.
If you know or have heard something quirky or interesting in the Adelaide Footy League, email your suggestions or photos to daniel.renfrey@news.com.au
Here is what caught our attention during the weekend’s finals action.
GOLDEN GROVE GOES UNDEFEATED
Golden Grove became the first club to complete an entire division three season undefeated since Adelaide Uni in 1965 on Saturday when it topped Edwardstown 62-11 in the 2022 grand final.
The Kookaburras finished minor premiers with an 18-0 record and a percentage of 282.68 and then defeated Flinders Park and Edwardstown to take out the premiership and finish 20-0.
The club had planned for long term success at the start of the year and made two huge signings when it added former SANFL stars Lewis Johnston and Cam Shenton to its list.
Playing-coach Luke Barmby – who integrated a new and balanced playing style – said while the signings bolstered his side, a shift in culture had been more important for success.
“We were very pleased with our performance against Edwardstown on Saturday,” Barmby said.
“We managed to win a lot of contested ball and overrun them in the last term but it did take us a while to break them – they’re a strong side.
“The club obviously brought in some guys in the offseason but there was also an enormous change in the culture at the club – guys like Cam (Shenton), he’s a junior at the club and wanted to come back and get us back to where we belong and I think that mentality became infections.
“We want to create good people first and foremost and we also want to make sure there’s accountability within the group – everyone is accountable for each other and that comes through on game day.”
The Kookaburras were completely dominant through the season, with their lowest winning margin a 29-point victory over Flinders Park in the second semi-final.
Barmby said he expected the A Grade side to experience success, but was surprised by how dominant its season was.
“We’ve been strong in division three for a few years now but it’s definitely a surprise to go undefeated and do it so well,” he said.
“We probably had a bit more of a balanced approach this year because we worked on a lot of defensive stuff.
“We knew our best would be tough to beat and we’re definitely thrilled at how well we’ve gone.
The club will now move up to division two and joins other strong sides in North Haven, Rostrevor OC and Payneham Norwood Union.
Barmby said he was confident the team could improve again next year.
“We’ve got a good mix of young guys and more experienced heads and I think our depth is really strong too so we’re definitely well positioned.
“Everyone wants to be competitive in finals, and that’s our dream outcome but right now we’re just looking to enjoy our success this year and continue to improve as a team and as players next year.”
IS THIS LOCAL SA FOOTY’S GOAL OF 2022?
Adding to the Golden Grove celebrations was this goal by gun forward Max Kozlik early in the first term.
Kozlik received a handball and subsequently dummied past two Edwardstown defenders to finish a brilliant effort and kick the second major of the game on Saturday.
“I looked around and saw a lot of space in front of me so I just went for it,” Kozlik said.
“I expected someone to be open for a handball over the top but I just backed myself in to take on a couple players and have a go.
“It’s one of the best goals I’ve kicked and in a grand final as well – it was an amazing feeling.”
Kozlik said his goal added to the excitement of a historic day for his club.
“It gave me a lift and it gave the other boys a real lift as well.
“It was a really exciting day on Saturday and the boys, the club and the supporters were all very satisfied with the effort and with the premiership win.
“We definitely celebrated hard through the weekend as a result – it has been an incredible year for us all.”
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