Over 35,000 fans made their way to Adelaide Oval as the Tigers took on the Redlegs in the SANFL grand final

“Through thick and thin”: Over 35,000 fans showed their true colours as Norwood took on Glenelg at Adelaide Oval.

Over 35,000 fans – some sporting black and gold, others red and navy – made their way to Adelaide Oval to watch Glenelg take on Norwood in the SANFL grand final on Sunday.

An hour ahead of the game, eager fans poured into the grounds as Blondie’s ‘One Way or Another’ boomed from the speakers of an SANFL tent on the Riverbank footbridge.

Among the most colourful Tigers fans were the Taylor family, sporting bright yellow hats and pompoms.

Julia and Rob Taylor, with kids Margot, 5, William and Lucy, 10. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Rob Taylor said they loved the sport because it was affordable and community based — and the team because they live near “Tigerland” in Glenelg East.

Ten year-old Lucy Taylor was ready to cheer on her favourite players – Darcy Bailey, Liam McBean, Lachlan Hosie.

“They’re nice to me and they’re good football players,” she said.

Glenelg cheer squad. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Also backing the Tigers was Glenelg East resident and cheer squad leader Ryan Osborn.

“We make banners for some players that we really love who kick goals a lot and we cheer them on as best we can,” he said.

The 31-year-old had been a cheer squad leader for more than five years and a fan for even longer.

“Being a football supporter is following them through thick and thin,” he said.

“There have been some down times but the important thing is the good times make it all worth it.”

60-year-old Redlegs fan Ian Purser has been a lifelong Norwood supporter. Picture: Brett Hartwig

On the other side of the oval was Morphettville man and lifelong Norwood supporter Ian Purser.

The 60-year-old described the Redlegs as a “special club” who were able to bounce back into the grand final this year after a “rock bottom” 2023.

“They came from rock bottom last year,” he said.

“To make it to a grand final this year is an achievement.”

Tens of thousands of fans poured into Adelaide Oval to cheer their side. Picture: Brett Hartwig

For fellow Redlegs fan Natalee Mead, being a Norwood supporter runs in the family.

“My dad has been one for 64 years … my brother is part of the cheer squad behind me, so he’s been one for 46 years,” she said.

“(Norwood) are one of the top teams and that shows this year, they’ve actually come through every single game.

“Whether we lost or won they just keep pushing through and here we are grand final day.”