Payneham Norwood Union, Goodwood Saints, Prince Alfred and St Peter’s old collegians ready for Adelaide Footy League finals
There will be no second chances when the Adelaide Footy League’s top four clubs clash to begin the finals this Saturday. See what their leaders had to say.
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Adelaide Footy League division one captains say there is excitement among players ahead of two cutthroat preliminary finals this Saturday.
A revised finals format means there will be no double chances and no room for error when Payneham Norwood Union takes on Goodwood Saints and old collegian rivals Prince Alfred and St Peter’s.
Winners will advance straight to a grand final next Saturday, following a decision to cut the traditional top five to four across the competition.
Payneham Norwood Union skipper Jon Giannini said the Falcons – looking to replicate their 2019 premiership success – “had the cattle” to get past Goodwood at Thebarton Oval.
That’s despite the Saints claiming victory by 49 points in their last meeting in round 16.
“Excitement is pretty high at the moment, it’s do or die but the group’s ready for it,” Giannini said.
“We had really disappointing couple of weeks on the return from the Covid break against Goodwood and PAC. … we were a little bit off in both games and they both make you pay being the sides that they are.
“We had a couple of weeks to steady ourselves and used them as that and run into a bit of form leading into this weekend.”
Reigning premier Goodwood has won its past four straight and is shaping to repeat the late-season charge which took it to the flag a year ago.
Captain Lou Whitelock said a small turnover of players meant there was a strong hunger to go back-to-back.
“I don’t think lockdown can ever come at a good time but it gave us an opportunity to get a couple of guys refreshed and get the group together,” Whitelock said.
“The new guys that have come in this year plus a couple of guys who played B grade last year are pretty hungry.
“The younger guys have certainly created some energy this year and we don’t want anything other than the flag.”
While the Goodwood and Payneham match-up will be eagerly watched, the clash between Prince Alfred and St Peter’s looms as a momentous clash in the rich history of the arch rivals.
SPOC captain Jesse O’Brien said key personnel returning in the back half of the year had Saints primed for success.
“We’re playing some good footy at the right time of the year so we’re coming in confident,” O’Brien said.
“We like to bring the pressure, when we play our best footy that’s what we’re doing and we think, no matter who it is, when we bring that pressure we can unfold teams.”
PAOC half-back Lochie Charlton said the Old Reds did not feel the pressure of coming in as the top side, even against their old enemy.
“It’s definitely exciting for a lot of the boys, especially the old collegians, bringing back some of the tradition,” Charlton said.
“Everyone’s raring to go.
“But the focus is on this week, there’s no thought of next week at all.”
The Old Reds and Saints will do battle from 2.30pm on Saturday at Richmond Oval.
Goodwood and PNU meet at 2.15pm at Thebarton Oval.
Preliminary finals for all men’s divisions will be played this weekend before grand finals next Saturday.
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