Prince Alfred OC defeats Glenunga to claim second AdFL div one flag in three years

An AdFL div one power has claimed its second premiership in three years behind an inspired display in one of the great local SA footy grand finals.

Prince Alfred OC has stormed home in an inspired fourth quarter to top Glenunga and claim its second Adelaide Footy League premiership division one flag in three years.

The Old Reds were neck-and-neck with the minor premier Rams throughout the first three terms, with a number of big names stepping up for both sides including Jack Trengove, Andrew Bradley, Abe Davis and Nick Wundke.

An almost perfect display in the last term would see the Princes emerge victorious at Norwood Oval however, with leaders Craig Pitt, Lachy McNamara and ruckman Jordan Neal all standing tall as the side kicked 2.5 to 1.1 to win 9.15 (69) to 8.7 (55).

“There’s no better feeling. When you look around there’s so many people supporting us and so many people from the club. It’s great for us but it means a lot to so many people,” PAOC playing-coach Craig Pitt said.

Hayden Jolly wins a clearance for Prince Alfred OC. Picture: Max Stapleton

“We knew it was going to be a hard game and it was exactly that. It took us til the final quarter to break the game open so we’ve got the ultimate respect to Glenunga, they were fantastic yet again.”

Jack Trengove was the first to hit the scoreboard in the game but the Rams would gain the early ascendancy, with Keith Sims OAM Medallist Abe Davis moving up front to kick an important steadier and also doing important work around the ground.

The big guns for PAOC such as Trengove, Hayden Jolly, Pitt, Lachy McNamara, Chris Curran and Andrew Bradley then stepped up to keep their side in the game though, with Tyson Brazel producing strong contests up front.

Princes held a one-goal lead heading in to the final term and would improve their work in close, with Bradley and Trengove’s contested ability coming to the fore and the Old Reds continuously raking the ball forward and locking it in their half.

Mitch Wicks attempts to tackle Glenunga’s Beau Schwarze. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

“We probably got the pleasure of playing on a big oval all year so we were confident we were going to run the game out,” Pitt said.

“They’re a fantastic contested team so once we were able to win the contest and get the ball into space we knew we were a good chance.

“We had a lot of guys stand up and grow an extra leg. Jordy Neal copped a hit in the hip early and was playing well but still stood up in the ruck, Andrew (Bradley) was huge and Lachy McNamara really stood up after quarter time and Tom Sumner was massive down back.”

The victory marks the second time in three years Princes have claimed the div one flag.

Pitt said the win meant a lot after the side went down to Port District in last season’s big dance.

“It’s a lot of hard work and when you don’t quite get over the line like last year you don’t have much to show for it,” Pitt said.

“To have the flag to hang up at the club for the rest of time it’s a really special feeling and to know you’ve done it with a great group of guys, it’s priceless.”

Andrew Bradley was best on ground for Princes, dominating inside and distributing around the ground at efficiently.