Goodwood Saints positive of division one comeback after historic relegation

One of SA’s biggest local footy clubs has promised glory days will return after being relegated to division two of the Adelaide Footy League for the first time in 33 years.

One of local SA footy’s biggest clubs has promised a return to the top after being relegated to division two of the Adelaide Footy League for the first time in 33 years.

Goodwood Saints had been a division one power since 1991 until a shock result in the final round of the 2023 season last weekend saw the club finish ninth on the ladder and drop down to division two.

The Saints, who sat one point above St Peter’s OC heading into round 18, needed either a win or draw against Broadview away from home, or a Port District win over SPOC at Largs Bay, but got neither result, with SPOC charging home to upset the reigning premier by seven points.

Goodwood also fell away late in its game against Broadview, going down by nine points, something president Jordan Dodd said was a common occurrence through season 2023.

“We simply weren’t good enough for long enough,” Dodd said.

Goodwood's Jack Carter in action against Old Ignatians this season. Both clubs have been relegated to division two. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

“Our playing list was more than capable, our coaching group led by Luke Donaldson was well planned and resourced, but we just couldn’t win the big moments at the right time in key games.

“We lost to Port District by a combined total of seven points across our two meetings, drew with Prince Alfred OC after leading late in the last quarter and lost key games to Brighton and on the weekend to Broadview by small margins.”

Goodwood claimed a remarkable 11 premierships throughout its time in division one, winning flags in 1997, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015 and most recently in 2020 under coach Donaldson.

The club is set to begin a new chapter in 2024 however, after losing a number of players to retirement or other local clubs in the pre-season and losing Donaldson, who decided to step down ahead of the final game this year.

Dodd said she was confident the club would be back to its best in 2024.

Goodwood's Women's side celebrates its 2023 division two premiership. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

“We will review the season, grow and return bigger and better in 2024,” she said.

“Division one is a tough, competitive competition and if you don’t take your chances you put yourself at risk.

“If we won just one of our close losses we’re not in the position we are now.”

While the A Grade side finished the season on a sour note, Goodwood’s youth impressed in strong seasons by the B and C Grades and the club’s women’s side also capped off a sensational year with a division two premiership win on Saturday, something which will give the club optimism moving forward.