SAAS First XVIII Football: PAC defeats Immanuel by 101 points in semi-final

A young gun forward produced a dominant display as his Prince Alfred College side won its way into the 2022 First XVIII grand final. Full First XVIII college football finals match reports.

SAAS First XVIII college finals got underway over the weekend, with Adelaide’s best footy schools all vying for a spot in this season’s grand final.

Top side Prince Alfred College took on Immanuel, while Sacred Heart went up against Rostrevor in the top division’s semi-finals.

Here are The Messenger’s division one semi-final match reports:

PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE 19.20 (134) d

IMMANUEL 4.9 (33)

Promising forward Patrick Weckert was the star of the show as PAC dominated Immanuel through four quarters to seal a spot in this year’s grand final.

The dynamic spearhead used the strong play of his midfield to take control of the game up front in the air and at ground level, booting six goals and handing out many more to teammates.

“Patrick had the opportunity to play league footy for Woodville-West Torrens but he was super keen to get to a grand final with his college side and we were glad he decided to play,” coach Matt Slade said.

Prince Alfred College forward Patrick Weckert kicked six goals in a semi-final win over Immanuel on Saturday. Picture: Prince Alfred College

“He was tremendous, he absolutely dominated in every area.

“He could’ve had 10 or more goals probably but his unselfishness is a reflection of the type of player he is.”

Princes started the game on top and never looked back, winning the ball in the middle through the gritty determination of Hughen Wissman and using it well going forward.

Defensively the side was also strong, restricting Immanuel’s ball movement on the rebound and holding them goalless for almost the entire second half.

“We used the ball really well and kept it pretty central,” Slade said.

“The plan was to defend quickly on transition as well and we managed to do that effectively.

Weckert in action against Sacred Heart earlier this season. Picture: Prince Alfred College

“I was really pleased with the performance.”

While the Reds were favoured against Immanuel, they only won by 10 points in their previous meeting.

Slade said the 101-point win highlighted his side’s development.

“Our team wasn’t too dissimilar to what we put out in round one, so I think this definitely represents our improvement – that’s how much ground we’ve gained in one short season,” he said.

“We’re playing well, we’re pumped up and we’re really looking forward to the grand final.”

SACRED HEART 15.7 (97) d

ROSTREVOR 6.7 (43)

Sacred Heart coach Jon Symonds was thrilled his side was able to book a spot in the big dance against PAC with a 54-point win over Rostrevor on Saturday.

Rostrevor got the jump but Hearts gained control midway through the first term and refused to take their foot off the gas, dominating centre clearances and giving star forwards Ash Moir and Will McCabe first look at it.

They controlled the ball at ground level and spread possession quickly throughout the game, not allowing the Rostrevor defence any time to settle.

Sacred Heart coach Jon Symonds was impressed by his team’s performance against Rostrevor. Picture: Dean Martin

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. I thought Rostrevor had the better of it in the first term but we were able to gradually get on top and settle things down a bit,” Symonds said.

“We were able to win a lot of contested footy and get some run and carry going, which was very pleasing.

“We were really happy with the effort.”

Hearts have been back to their best in recent weeks, but their round six five-point loss to Prince Alfred College remains fresh in the back of the players’ and coaches’ minds.

Symonds said he and the team were eager to make up for that disappointment in this weekend’s grand final.

Hearts gun Ash Moir was again in strong form for his side. Picture: Tom Huntley

“Ultimately it’s a grand final so the past is irrelevant but we’re really motivated to not feel the same disappointment,” he said.

“The two sides are going to be significantly different to our previous meeting.

“We’re really excited to be playing and we’re looking forward to it.”

The Sacred Heart twos will also be playing in the division two grand final, something Symonds said had made the college proud.

“It’s really significant and shouldn’t be ignored,” he said.

“We’re really excited by the opportunity, it’s a big tick for our footy program and our depth.”

OTHER RESULTS: 

• Westminster 16.10 (106) d Scotch 7.3 (45) (division one)
• St Michael’s 12.9 (81) d Pembroke 6.9 (45) (division two semi)
• Sacred Heart Two 13.11 (89) d Trinity 8.8 (56) (division two semi)
• CBC 8.6 (54) d Mercedes 8.4 (62) (division two)

GRAND FINAL FIXTURE – THEBARTON OVAL, SATURDAY:

Division one grand final – Prince Alfred College vs Sacred Heart

Division one plate – St Peter’s College vs Westminster

Division two grand final – St Michael’s vs Sacred Heart Two

Division two plate – CBC vs St Ignatius

Year 10 grand final – Prince Alfred College vs Sacred Heart