Southern Football League grand final preview - arch rivals Morphett Vale and Reynella in historic battle

A local footy club has paid tribute to a legendary figure who recently passed away as it gears up for a historic grand final against arch rivals. Read the tributes and full game preview.

A local footy club has paid tribute to a club icon after her recent passing as it gears up for a historic grand final against its arch rival this Saturday.

Morphett Vale has launched itself from fifth spot to make the Southern Football League grand final against league leaders and age-old rival Reynella.

The Emus achieved a narrow victory over Noarlunga last weekend to make the big dance, just after the passing of club icon and SFL hall of famer Jan Manuel - who lost her battle with cancer.

Manuel - a life member of Morphett Vale and also a winner of SFL volunteer of the year - had been an integral part of the club for nearly 25 years, serving as secretary, C Grade team manager, canteen manager and even cheerleader coach through her time at the Emus.

Legendary Morphett Vale club member Jan Manuel (left) passed away last weekend after a battle with cancer. Picture: Morphett Vale Football Club

“Jan’s overall impact on our club is probably the largest of any person before her - many would say she is the greatest volunteer we’ve ever had,” captain Michael Smith said.

“She was an honest, hardworking, selfless, respectful and fun person who was respected by everyone.

“She was like a second mum to the playing group. She took an interest in players as juniors and when they were older she would encourage them to become great role models and to help build the club into a better place.

“There’s definitely a sense that we’re doing it for her.”

The Emus got off to a slow start this season after losing the 2021 grand final against Flagstaff Hill but have managed to make a run at just the right time.

Boosted by the continued strong form of Smith, Liam Corrie and former SANFL gun Anthony Biemans, the club remains confident it can end its 13-year A Grade premiership drought.

Emus captain Michael Smith in action against Reynella, his club’s arch rival. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Michael Smith (right) with Flagstaff Hill co-captain Michael Shearer before last season’s grand final. The Emus lost to the Falcons but will have another chance this Saturday. Picture: Dean Martin

“We’ve been able to scrap out wins as of late which is really positive in finals because these big games can often be very contested and scrappy affairs,” Smith said.

“The weather looks like it’s going to be a bit dodgy on Saturday so it’ll be another hard-fought contest.

“There’s definitely no love lost between us and Reynella and they’ve been the benchmark all year but we’re confident we can produce against them, especially out of the middle - a win would just mean so much to so many.”

With over 100 years of rivalry between the two clubs, Saturday’s game at Flinders Uni Oval should host a huge crowd.

Wineflies coach Craig Austin said his side would be ready for the occasion.

“They got hold of us halfway through the season and beat us so we’re keen to bounce back from that performance in the biggest game of the year,” Austin said.

Wineflies coach Craig Austin was confident his side would step up to the occasion on Saturday. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“There’s such a massive history between the clubs and it’s hard to make your players fully aware of the gravity of it all but we know they’ll stand up and perform come Saturday.”

Reynella is filled with talent this season, including league best and fairest Sam Whitbread and gun forward Bailey Marshman.

Despite the potential up front, Austin said the game would be won or lost in the middle.

“We really rate Morphett Vale’s midfield so if we can nullify their guys and get the ball out of centre and up forward quickly I really like our chances.

“It’s been a fantastic effort from our boys this year and I’ve coached a lot of them since they were juniors so it would just mean so much to get up.

“We’re ready for the battle.”

The grand final will begin at 2.30pm and marks the first year a club other than Flagstaff Hill will win since 2015.