Glenelg and Sturt punters swarm into Adelaide Oval for the 2023 SANFL grand final

More than 30,000 fans flocked to Adelaide Oval for this year’s SANFL grand final. The sledges were thick and fast – see what the punters said about the game.

Patrons at the SANFL grand final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Matt Loxton

A crowd of 33,049 erupted into a mixture of cheers and boos as the final siren rang and Glenelg were officially crowned the SANFL’s 2023 premiers.

Tigers fans Kyle Robertson, 34, and his partner Emily Mesceke, 36, said the win was even more special as it was their four-month-old son Harlyn’s very first grand final.

“It’s a very special day,” Ms Mesceke said.

The young family were joined by extended family who said supporting the team runs through their blood.

“It’s very good to spend if with family,” Ms Mesceke said.

“The little ones grand final has been a huge success.”

Sturt supporter Mel Laycock, 45, and Glenelg supporter Jess Grussu, 39, met at the grand final and hit it off despite going for different teams.

Ms Laycock said she was disappointed to see Sturt lose.

“My dad is a supporter, that’s why I’m here,” she said.

Ms Grussu said she was over the moon at what was looking like a momentous win.

“I feel very good,” she said.

“My husband has been in tears… the last time they won he got home at 5.30am.”

Patrons at the SANFL grand final at Adelaide Oval, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. Picture: Matt Loxton

Young couple Louis McDonald, who barracks for Sturt, and Kasey Cummings, who barracks for Glenelg, said that supporting different teams had never posed a threat to their relationship.

“Kasey also barracks for Crows and I barrack for Port,” Mr McDonald said.

“It’s not a deal breaker… it’s all friendly.

“We knew from the get-go that we barracked for different teams.”

Mr McDonald said he had barracked for Sturt ever since playing with them as a junior.

Ms Cummings said barracking for the Tigers “is in the blood”.

The Grinham family, devoted Sturt supporters, said they will always support their team despite what was looking like a sad loss in the third quarter.

“It’s a family thing,” Mr Grinham said.

“(It’s also) great to catch up with friends.”

Mr Grinham said he’s been a supporter for as long as he can remember.

“My grandfather on my mum’s side supported Sturt,” he said.

Lola, 8, said she loves the football and booing the opposite team.

“Lola was a baby at the last final Sturt won,” Mr Grinham said.

Earlier, thousands swarmed Adelaide Oval to support their respective teams at the grand final.

Zoe Maloney, 20, Kirsten Holt, 19, and Kayla Sanders, 20, all of whom live at Aquinas College, attended the match to support their college mates Sam Breuer and Charlie Milan who play in Sturt reserves.

“We’re really wanting Sturt to win for that very reason,” Ms Maloney said.

Ms Holt and Ms Sanders, originally from western Victoria, said the match is even more exciting for them as they went to school with Sturt reserves player Josh Rentsch when they were younger.

“It’s pretty cool seeing someone you went to school with on a big oval like Adelaide Oval,” Ms Rolt said.

The trio said it would be very special to see their mates take him a premiership.

Zoe Maloney, Kirsten Rolt, and Kayla Sanders at the SANFL grand final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Matt Loxton

Matthew Hancock and 11-year-old son Austin followed family tradition by supporting the Tigers.

“I want the Bays to win,” Austin said.

“I don’t remember them winning before … I love them all.”

Austin said his main reason for supporting the team was because his dad always loved them and they live at Brighton.

“I played in the oval at one of their games before,” he said.

Matthew Hancock, 46, with his son, Austin Hancock, 11 at the SANFL grand final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Matt Loxton

Mr Hancock, 46, said taking his son to a Tigers grand final was special for his family.

“My family have always loved them,” he said.

“We’re keeping the tradition alive.”

Mr Hancock said to “finally beat (Sturt) would be nice”.

“I want to see Sturt absolutely demolished,” he said.

Glenelg Football Club last won a premiership in 2019 and again played one in 2021 which they lost against Woodville-West Torrens Football Club.

Sturt Football Club previously won in 2016 and 2017, with this year being the first time they’ve reached the high ranking in five years.