Port Noarlunga’s U14 girls win dramatic grand final to achieve the club’s first ever undefeated season

The Cockle Divers defeated Aldinga by a point in the SFL U14 girls grand final to achieve the first undefeated season in the club’s 86-year history.

History was made at the weekend when the Port Noarlunga U14 girls team won its SFL grand final by a point, sealing the club’s first undefeated season in its 86-year history.

The Cockle Divers’ amazing unbeaten run looked like it might end during the match against Aldinga, the team trailing in terrible conditions heading into the final quarter.

The Port Noarlunga U14 girls celebrate their dramatic grand final win which sealed their undefeated season. Picture: Victoria Corbett

As they had done all season though, they were able to pull together and fight their way to the lead late in the term, kicking the winning point with only two minutes remaining.

Coach Nathan Goad was overjoyed with his team’s historic achievement.

“It’s just a feeling of pure excitement for the girls. I’m extremely proud of them,” Goad said.

“I never entertained the thought that we were going to lose. I had the feeling that no matter what they would do enough to win.

“The feeling of hitting the front late was amazing, I’ve never seen a point celebrated so much but we did well to refocus and close it out in what was a really intense game.”

The team showed incredible improvement throughout the season, with multiple players producing dominant performances.

Multiple players have had the chance to play for South Adelaide in the SANFL Women’s League and captain Mackenzie O’Dea – who was best on ground in the grand final and runner up in the league’s best and fairest – has led by example.

Kaia Dittmar has been a strong player for the Divers in 2021 and was one of the best performers on the weekend. Picture: Victoria Corbett

Goad said that while the team has had some standouts, everyone developed their game this year and consistently played their role.

“The improvement from everyone throughout the season was just out of sight,” he said.

“The girls all did their job this year and on the big day.

“The key thing for us is they all look after each other and go that extra mile for their mates, which has translated into some top quality footy.”

The team has had overwhelming support from the club and community this year and this has reached another level after the premiership win.

Zoe Flesfadar takes a strong mark for Port Noarlunga against Aldinga. Picture: Victoria Corbett

Goad believes this has been one of the main reasons behind their unexpected achievement.

“The response has been nothing short of awesome. It’s such a family environment at Port Noarlunga – the club got right behind the girls,” he said.

“The community is really supportive of women’s footy and in the end I think that’s what really built the culture.

“We trained to win and went out there wanting to win but our intention was never to go undefeated – it’s an amazing achievement and I couldn’t be more proud.”