Port District defeats Glenunga 64-44 to claim 2024 division one premiership

A former Power star has tasted the ultimate success in his first year of local footy as his AdFL club pulled off a gritty upset win to claim its second division one premiership in three years.

Port District has pulled off a gritty upset win over top spot Glenunga in the Adelaide Footy League division one grand final to claim its second premiership in three years.

Ditters, led by former Power duo Scott Lycett and Sam Gray, dug deep in a neck-and-neck affair at Norwood Oval to produce a dominant four to one goal third term and run away 9.10 (64) to 6.8 (44) winners, just two weeks after losing to the Rams by 74 points.

Lycett, who joined the club this season alongside former South Adelaide captain Matt Rose and halfback Joey Haines to play with mates at the local level after retiring from the AFL last year, was overjoyed at the final siren.

“The feeling is unreal,” Lycett said.

“Glenunga only lost one game for the year so we had to dig deep and to get this win with my best mates is really special and something I’ll remember forever.”

Port District celebrates its win over Glenunga in the division one Adelaide Footy League grand final at Norwood Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Lycett injured his right quad just before the club’s first final against Sacred Heart OC but managed to produce one of his best performances of the year in the big dance despite not being able to kick on his favoured side.

He was dominant in the ruck and helped his side tally 20 more clearances than the Rams.

“I had to adapt and just find a way and I think with my experience I can read the play a bit better than most which helps.

“I felt the game was there to be won in the third quarter, the premiership quarter, and I thought we wanted it a bit more.”

Scott Lycett from Port District battles against Glenunga in the division one Adelaide Footy League grand final at Norwood Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Glenunga threw the first punch early in the clash through standout play by league medallist Abe Davis up front and Zac Smith behind the ball, but Port’s big guns would soon rise to the occasion.

Lycett and Gray were both important around the contest as Ditters ascendancy in the third term, while former SANFL guns Louis Sharrad, Matt Rose and Joey Haines were also influential with their run and delivery to help their side to a 53-37 lead at the final break.

Best on ground Mitch Gaffney produced his strongest display of the year around the ground and dominated in the final term to hit the scoreboard and set up others, with Harrison Hawkins slotting a goal from the boundary to quell a short-lived Rams comeback and seal the win.

Trent Heffernan, Sam Gray and Matt Rose celebrate the win. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“We knew they like to take a lot of territory so we tweaked some things with our structure behind the ball a bit to make sure we could retain it and give ourselves opportunities up front,” coach Josh Ramsey said.

“I thought we controlled the game early and didn’t quite get the reward but everyone really stood up in the second half to get the win.

“We had so many contributors. It’s handy to have the Gaffney brothers come grand final day and a lot of other guys stood up across the board.”

Port District had not won a flag for 30 years before season 2022, Ramsey’s first season in charge, when it topped Prince Alfred OC to break the drought.

Scott Lycett (29) celebrates after the final siren. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Glenunga coach Nathan Grima congratulates Port District coach Josh Ramsey. Picture: Daniel Renfrey

He said the win over a powerful Glenunga outfit felt just as rewarding for himself and the club.

“They were outstanding all year and I have such respect for Nath (Grima), he’s such a great person and respected bloke.

“We needed to do everything well to win.

“These things don’t come easy, there’s a lot of hard work done by a lot of people.

“I’m thrilled for the group and the footy club and really proud of everyone involved.”