Old Ignatians father-son duo Damian and Sam Boots aim for Adelaide Footy League division two glory

Old Ignatians coach Damian Boots and his son Sam joined the club three years ago with a plan. Now they are one step away from reaching the club’s first ever division two flag.

When Old Ignatians coach Damian Boots and his son Sam joined the club in 2019, they both promised to win a division two flag and get the club to the Adelaide Footy League’s top flight.

With division one promotion seemingly sealed, the duo will have the chance to deliver on the other half of that promise when their team takes on the minor premier Glenunga in Saturday’s division two grand final.

The Rams, who now have a record of 17-2 after last week’s win over SHOC, will prove to be a big challenge.

Old Ignatians player Sam Boots alongside coach and dad, Damian Boots, are aiming for success in this Saturday’s division two grand final. Picture: Matt Loxton

Sam said he and his father were ready and want to make the game a memorable one.

“Glenunga is an extremely good outfit, so we’ll need to make sure we do everything we can as a team to get the upper hand,” Sam said.

“We said we wanted to take the club to a div two flag and into division one when we got here.

“For Dad and I, the footy journey together has been about the memories we’ve made, and this would be a memory he and I share forever.”

Old Iggies will need to bring their best against a Glenunga side which is as hungry for success as they are.

An elusive division two flag is also the goal for the Rams, who have not played in the top flight since 1980.

Both sides will play in division one next season if a proposal to go to eight-team divisions for 2022 does not go ahead.

A rivalry between the two clubs has also been brewing in recent years, with the 2019 division three grand final – which Glenunga won – being the starting point.

Damian Boots will ensure his team is locked in for their big dance with Glenunga this weekend. Picture: Matt Loxton

Damian remained confident however after his men defeated Glenunga in the final round of the minor premiership – a game which Sam dominated.

“There’s definitely a bit of rivalry and history there,” Damian said.

“Glenunga has been the benchmark all season and Nathan Grima has them playing very good footy.

“We’re treating this week as normal though and going through the process as we usually would. We know that if we focus and execute on Saturday we give ourselves a great chance.”

Damian believed he would need a full contribution from all 22 of his players if the club is to see its first A grade premiership since 2010.

And, while he never finds it easy to talk him up, he knew he would need a big performance from Sam.

Damian Boots and son Sam are hoping they can write a fairytale ending to their 2021 season on Saturday. Picture: Matt Loxton

“Coaching your son is always a bit of a different dynamic and it’s often difficult for me to talk about him but he can play and I respect how he goes about it,” Damian said.

“He’s his own player, he plays that midfield/forward role in the side and he’s continued to play it very well this year.”

Sam, who also played under Damian during his junior years at Payneham, is used to high expectations.

He believed it would spur him on in Saturday’s game.

“The both of us certainly expect a lot from each other. That’s how it’s been since my junior days, nothing’s changed there,” Sam said.

“I’ve really enjoyed being able to have him beside me and I definitely use it as motivation to make sure I earn my spot and play well.

“The entire group has been working towards this day for the last few years and to finally be in the position to achieve something the club never has before, I can’t wait.”