Prince Alfred Old Collegians set to host rivals St Peter’s on PAC front oval for first time since 1960s

Their rivalry is built on their schools’ fierce competition. Now Prince Alfred and St Peter’s old collegians football clubs will face off on PAC’s front oval for the first time in more than 50 years.

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Prince Alfred and St Peter’s old collegians football clubs will face off on PAC’s front oval for the first time in more than 50 years this Saturday.

PAOC usually hosts their fierce Adelaide Footy League rivals at the club’s home ground, Park Nine, in North Adelaide, but has this year moved the match to Princes for the Dequetteville Tce college’s 150th year.

The division one game will feature more than 30 old scholars between the sides, including ex-SANFL players Hayden Jolly (Glenelg), Brock Castree (North Adelaide/Central District) and Will Dalwood (North Adelaide/Norwood) with Princes, and Toby Schulz (North Adelaide/Norwood) for Saints.

PAOC captain Adam Perryman and SPOC skipper Sam Roberts prepare for the first old collegians’ clash on Prince Alfred’s front oval for more than 50 years. Picture: Morgan Sette

Adam Perryman, captain of ladder-leader PAOC, expects the match – which pits first versus fifth – to feel like a school intercol.

“It brings back a few fond memories of playing First XVIII there,” says Perryman, a midfielder.

“Any game against St Peter’s is a big game.

“There’s always a bit more on the line and it’s almost like an elimination final.

“It’s always good to get back to the school and play on such an iconic oval with such history.”

The Old Reds have played a handful of games on the school’s front oval in recent years but they have not battled SPOC there since the 1960s, according to Princes officials.

In Perryman’s last match against Saints at his former school, a PAC team that included AFL players Jack Viney and Sam Day defeated a Lachie Neale-led St Peter’s.

“This is a pretty big occasion in terms of the schools’ rivalry and history,” Perryman says.

Perryman and Roberts on the hallowed turf. SPOC is chasing its first win over PAOC since 2011. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

The Old Reds have had the wood over Saints lately at both old scholars and school level.

The last time SPOC prevailed in this fixture was in 2011, although the teams have not always been in the same division.

St Peter’s is on a six-year losing streak against Princes in college footy.

SPOC skipper Sam Roberts looks back fondly on Saints’ latest school success, a 19-point victory at St Peter’s, and feels fortunate to be able to play Princes at the college.

“As you finish school you don’t expect to be lucky enough to play on those school decks anymore, so it’s a pretty incredible opportunity for both clubs to get back and engage with the school communities,” Roberts says.

“I loved school footy and coming to the old scholars and being able to play with your mates every weekend is something I enjoy.”

PAOC football director Jim Parkinson says the club has been in discussions with SPOC and the college about moving the match to coincide with school holidays since November.

“SPOC are our most respected rivals and the rival we most want to defeat every time we play them but both sides have admiration for each other,” says Parkinson, a Princes old scholar.

SPOC chairman Guy Roberts says the teams are looking forward to renewing acquaintances.

“We’re traditional rivals and proud footy clubs, and we have great games whenever we play but this one is particularly special,” Roberts says.