Goodwood Saints footballer chasing an eighth premiership in division one amateur grand final

AMATEUR footballer Ben Holzbauer is hoping to make it eight premierships from 10 grand finals for Goodwood Saints this weekend.

BEN Holzbauer has never considered a football future away from Goodwood Saints.

Not only do his mates play there, but the club has become a pillar of success.

Holzbauer, 22, has won seven flags from nine grand finals at the Saints, including four in juniors and an A grade premiership last year.

The speedy half-back flanker hopes to add to that tally when he lines up in the division one grand final against Payneham Norwood Union at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.

“Hopefully I can make it eight out of 10,” Holzbauer, of Ashford, says.

“You never know if you’re going to have a strong year but the goal is always to win one (flag).

“They’re never easy ... so when you get that chance, you’ve got to make sure you take it.

“Another flag would mean a lot.”

Holzbauer followed his Unley High mates to the Saints in under-13s.

At the time, he was more interested in cricket, which he played for Adelaide then Sturt’s lower grades as an opening batsman.

“In my second year of under-18s I wasn’t going to play football any more.

“But I played as an over-age player, had a really good year and then the following year there was an A grade game.

“I got a bit sick of opening the batting and if you get out early, your day is done and you’re sitting there watching,” he says.

“When footy started to get serious, I decided to give it (cricket) up.”

Holzbauer has knocked back chances to train with SANFL clubs and intends to stay a one-club player.

“I love Goodwood and will always be with them.”