North Adelaide and Sturt to battle in 2022 SANFLW grand final – see our preview

SANFLW’s top teams will clash in Sunday’s grand final to cap off a thrilling season, with both chasing a piece of history. Read our full preview and see the selected sides.

Daniel Renfrey

@DanielRenfrey

3 min read

May 27, 2022 - 8:12AM

The Messenger

Round 3 Statewide Super SANFLW highlights - Woodville-West Torrens v Glenelg

Local Sport

Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.

The table is set for the 2022 SANFLW grand final, with North Adelaide and Sturt ready to lock horns at Coopers Stadium on Sunday in a replay of this year’s second semi-final.

The top teams of the year – equal on points – both the Roosters and Double Blues have had different stories this season.

North Adelaide, which won the 2020 premiership, started the season 1-2 but won eight of its last nine games to catapult itself to top of the ladder.

The Roosters are aiming to become the second club to win two flags, next to South Adelaide.

After finishing second bottom in 2021, the Double Blues burst out of the gates and have ended up being the surprise packet of season 2022 – losing only three games during the minor round.

North Adelaide co-captain Kristi Harvey and Sturt captain Maya Rigter at Coopers Stadium ahead of Sunday's SANFLW grand final. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt / SANFL

Now in its maiden SANFLW finals series, Sturt has the chance to win its first women’s premiership.

While North Adelaide emerged victorious in the second semi between the two clubs – winning 71-14 – Double Blues coach Michael O’Connor said the grand final would be different.

“North beat us comfortably on the outside last time and we weren’t really able to get our game going in the middle but we’re looking to up our work in the contest this time around and make it tough for them,” O’Connor said.

“There’s going to be a lot of rain too, which you’d think would have an impact.”

A ‘gritty’ Sturt edged Glenelg in last Sunday’s preliminary final and followed the win by achieving multiple Team of the Year selections at the SANFLW awards on Tuesday.

O’Connor said the achievements had been exciting for the club, but assured his team was focused ahead of the big game.

Sturt star Georgia Bevan will be a key player for the Double Blues in Sunday’s grand final. Picture: Mark Brake

“The Roosters have a lot of stars too, as we saw at the awards, so we’re focused on playing the best we can and trying to lessen their impact as a team,” he said.

“We’re extremely proud to have made it. It’s so exciting for the club and now we have a great opportunity.”

North Adelaide coach Krissie Steen said she was looking forward to a big event.

“It’s getting television and radio coverage for the first time ever this year, so we’re hoping for a great display of footy despite the conditions,” Steen said.

“The girls are ready to go. We’ve done all we need to so bring it on.”

Sturt heads into the game without midfielder Izzy Kuiper (knee), but with star players Georgia Bevan, Abbey Rigter and Zoe Prowse all fit and firing.

North Adelaide midfielder Jess Edwards (left) has had an immense 2022. Picture: Matt Loxton

Steen said she was confident her team, which boasts players like superstar forward Hannah Ewings, veteran midfielder Jess Edwards and dominant defender Amelie Borg – could halt any momentum the Double Blues had.

“We haven’t really thought about who we have to nullify but we know they’re a strong team and we’re backing our system in to get the job done,” Steen said.

“The girls are excited, and all very well grounded. They’re so connected and locked in and I’m confident they’ll back each other and produce on Sunday.”

First bounce is set for 1.45pm.