Golden Grove vs Payneham Norwood Union division two grand final preview
A former div one power on a redemption path will attempt to pull off one of the great AdFL upsets against what could be SA‘s strongest side. Full div two grand final preview and players to watch.
Local Sport
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Two of local SA footy’s strongest sides will clash this weekend in one of the Adelaide Footy League’s most exciting match-ups this season.
Division two clubs Golden Grove and Payneham Norwood Union will cap off a fantastic season in this Saturday’s grand final, a clash which could be the division’s most star-studded yet.
Golden Grove, led by playing-coach Luke Barmby, former AFL players Cam Shenton, Lewis Johnston and Josh Glenn, and league medallist Jake Pitman, arguably sits as local footy’s most talented side this year and will be aiming for consecutive premierships after its undefeated div three run in 2022.
PNU, led by second-year coach Jeremy Cini, former North Melbourne midfielder Brad McKenzie and Norwood guns Jed Spence and Tom Wagner, would need to pull off a major upset if it was to make amends for last season’s sour end, the club being relegated from the top div in 2022.
“We’re not feeling any pressure as the underdogs which I think is something we thrive on,” Cini said.
“We’ve got real belief at the moment and we’re starting to play the footy we know we’re capable of.
“They’re a very strong team and they have some standout key players but our group is strong and confident and we think we match up well. We’ve got the talent to go head-to-head with them.”
The Falcons – who finished second on the ladder – beat the Kookaburras in round one but lost in round 10 and have had to earn promotion the hard way after losing to PHOS Camden in their first final.
The side just beat Rostrevor OC 64-62 in its semi final and topped PHOS Camden 82-41 in last weekend’s prelim behind strong performances by Jed Spence and club veteran Anthony Giannini.
“I think that loss to PHOS was probably the shot in the arm we needed – we’re a developing side and only worth around five player points so we’re definitely still in that transition period.
“The win against Rostrevor was massive for us and we’ve been able to work on some key areas since then.
“If we’re able to get a win on Saturday it would be great validation for all the work the players and the club have put in since being relegated last year.”
For Golden Grove, the goal is different.
The club has been on a tear in division two this year after its dominant showing last season and has now been promoted to division one for the first time in its history.
Kookaburras playing-coach Luke Barmby said while they had achieved something special already, the side was completely focused on Saturday.
“It’s outstanding to be in div one – for those who have been at the club for a long time it really meant a lot – but at the same time we’re just focusing on what we can do ahead of Saturday,” he said.
“We’ve trained really well in the lead up and we managed to have a look at Payneham’s game last weekend – they look to be playing great footy so it should be a cracker.
“We’ve really settled as a team since the start of the year and got some good continuity going so we’re confident.”
Golden Grove has won 10 straight games in convincing fashion heading in to the big dance on Saturday.
Barmby said his players were aware previous form would mean nothing on the day.
“They’re aware that finals is a completely different game of footy and especially grand finals,” he said.
“We’re going to need a full team of contributors against a strong side and we’re ready to produce that kind of performance.
“Winning another flag would be huge. It’s what we play for and both teams will be going hard.”
The two clubs will clash at Richmond Oval from 2.30pm.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JOSH GLENN
(Golden Grove)
Golden Grove’s star recruit for season 2023, the former Gold Coast and Norwood gun has been a machine through the middle and up front.
Could tear the game apart on Saturday.
LEWIS JOHNSTON
(Golden Grove)
The former Norwood and Adelaide utility has been a star on the wing for the Kookaburras.
Can also move down back as a strong-marking defender or impact the game up front through brilliant skills and ball use.
JED SPENCE
(Payneham Norwood Union)
A star through the middle who can impact the game in a number of ways.
The former Norwood man has arguably been the Falcons’ best throughout 2023.
BRAD MCKENZIE
(Payneham Norwood Union)
One of PNU’s most versatile players, McKenzie can control a game from the backline, slot in through the middle as a brilliant user of the footy or move up front to hit the scoreboard.
Will be key to any success his side has on Saturday.
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