Sacred Heart OC starts div one season 3-0 after 2024 finals disappointment

A division one Adelaide Footy League club has been boosted by three key signings, including a SANFL premiership player, and has started the 2025 season on an undefeated run after a disappointing 2024 finals series.

A surging division one Adelaide Footy League club boosted by star signings has made a statement to start the 2025 season, winning three straight games to sit top of the ladder after a disappointing end to 2024.

Sacred Heart OC, boosted by the recruits of 2024 SANFL premiership player Hunter Window, former Glenelg gun Brad Agnew and former RMFL star Ben Moroney, has started the D1 season 3-0, most recently upsetting Golden Grove by four points away from home.

The club finished second on the ladder last season but crashed out of finals in straight sets, losing to eventual premier Port District and Payneham Norwood Union.

While playing-coach Alex Cailotto said it was too early to draw any conclusions about this season’s team, he believed the signs were positive.

Sacred Heart OC Ben Moroney has starred on the ball. Picture: Sports By Amoc

“It’s only been three games but they’ve been very good throughout this period,” Cailotto said.

“Banking wins is obviously handy early because the competition looks to be really even again this year.

“Golden Grove might have been the better side overall on the weekend but we were able to keep our heads up and regroup after their early jump to come out on the right side of it.

“Our wins against Port District and Golden Grove we only came out on top by a kick and easily could have lost but I think we’re beginning to see our resilience, maturity and growth.”

SHOC’s recruitment of Window, Agnew and Moroney has paid early dividends this season with each player standing out through the middle and in other roles around the ground.

Cailotto was happy with what his signings had brought to the table so far but also believed the club was as deep as ever and did not have to rely on any individuals.

Hunter Window has signed with SHOC from Glenelg. Picture: David Mariuz

“We were motivated to make amends after our finals performance last season but we’ve probably got more motivation out of the premiership success of our C Grade and B Grade – everyone now wants to improve across the board from the top down and we’ve got some really good depth.

“Everyone in our program is integral.

“What our recruits do bring is a bit more experience, with Hunter (Window) and ‘Ags’ (Agnew) having SANFL experience and Ben (Moroney) returning after a couple years in the country.

“Obviously they’ve got a lot of talent but they’re also good at assessing things which happen in a game and assisting in understanding what we do.”

A well-balanced side which wins plenty of contested footy and moves it well, Sacred Heart OC will attempt to extend its winning record to 4-0 this weekend against Payneham Norwood Union.

While the Falcons are surprisingly yet to register a win, Cailotto said he would not take them lightly.

“We’re not getting too wound up on if they’ve won or not, they’re a really quality side with some top drawer experience and Jeremy Cini is a really good coach.

“They knocked us out of finals last year and they play a good, quick brand of footy.

“They’ll be right there at the end of the year and we’re expecting a good hitout.”