Old Ignatians overrun Glenunga to win club’s first Adelaide Footy League division two premiership
Old Ignatians stormed home to win a historic division two flag on Saturday, upsetting favourites Glenunga by 34 points. Read the report.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An inspired Old Ignatians side held flag favourites Glenunga scoreless in the final term to win the club’s first division two flag on Saturday, 12.9-81 to 7.5-47.
The upset win is the greatest in the club’s history to date and gives the side a taste of revenge for its 2019 div three Grand Final loss to the Rams.
It was a scrappy, neck-and-neck affair in the first two terms but Iggies quickly took control in the third term, overpowering Glenunga with their pressure and efficient disposal by foot.
A thrilled Old Ignatians coach Damian Boots said the achievement was well overdue.
“I’m super overwhelmed but I’m just really proud of the players, I asked a lot of them this year and they produced which is terrific,” Boots said.
“Glenunga has been the benchmark all season and I really respect how they go about it so to do what we did is fantastic.
“It’s been a long time coming for the footy club.”
Old Ignatians had the upper hand around the ground early, but it was the Rams who were able to take their chances in front of goal.
The favourites held a two-point lead at half-time, but Old Ignatians’ pressure was too much in the third quarter.
Leading by eight points at the final break, Iggies used their momentum to blitz the Rams, holding them scoreless and booting four majors in a historic win.
Sam Boots was agains strong and best on ground Cam Ortlepp was inspirational for his team, setting up teammates with ease and also hitting the scoreboard himself with four goals.
“Cam was massive but it’s difficult to single anyone out, we had 22 contributors and they all played their part which is what you need to win grand finals,” Boots said.
“We just stuck to our structure and executed our plan very well. Our efficiency was great but our hunt, run and pressure around the contest is what held Glenunga so well.”
The Rams, who were 17-2 before the big dance, were bitterly disappointed with the result after their strong season.
Coach Nathan Grima said that while the loss was a painful one, it would become an important lesson for his men to build from.
“We just didn’t execute the fundamentals anywhere near as well as we have all season. They played much better and deserved the win,” Grima said.
“Grand finals are hard to get to and we’ve gone from winless last season to making one this year so it’s an incredible effort.
“At the end of the day we all could have done things better, me included, but we can’t be disheartened.
“We’ll learn a lot from the experience.”
Ranked: Top 25 Great Southern Football League players of the 21st Century
The Great Southern Football League has been stacked with talent throughout the 21st Century so we’ve ranked the best of the best. See our top 25 players of the past 25 years.
Search for the next Konstas: The guns flying at U17 nationals
NSW Metro skipper Yash Deshmukh spun his side to victory in a player of the match display in Thursday’s under-17 male national cricket championships final over Queensland. Get the full wrap up of the tournament at Launceston here.