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Fans come out as finals fever sweeps SA grassroots footy and SANFL

FROM suburban ovals to far-flung country leagues, the state’s amateur footballers are stealing the September limelight after the early exodus of Adelaide’s AFL teams — and some are already basking in premiership glory.

Brian Moon enjoys Father’s Day at the SANFL elimination final between South Adelaide and North Adelaide, with his children and grandchildren — son Brendon, daughter Nicole Symons, grandchildren Chase, 10 months, Bohdi, 4, and Hayley, 5. Picture: Sarah Reed
Brian Moon enjoys Father’s Day at the SANFL elimination final between South Adelaide and North Adelaide, with his children and grandchildren — son Brendon, daughter Nicole Symons, grandchildren Chase, 10 months, Bohdi, 4, and Hayley, 5. Picture: Sarah Reed

FROM suburban ovals to far-flung country leagues, the state’s amateur footballers are stealing the September limelight after the early exodus of Adelaide’s AFL teams — and some are already basking in premiership glory.

In the Spencer Gulf Football League grand final on Saturday, it was business as usual for South Augusta as they romped to their third premiership in a row. The Bulldogs trounced Solomontown 19.10 (124) to 9.9 (63) at Port Augusta’s Central Oval, after an undefeated season.

For Bulldogs player Kriston Thompson, 29, the premiership capped off his first season playing A-grade football.

“It was a nice finish to the end of the year,” Mr Thompson said.

“We have a pretty handy side and played well all season. It was special for me because it was my first A-grade premiership so it was an enjoyable end to the game.”

As South Augusta fans stormed on to the field Mr Thompson was joined by his young family, sweeping his seven-year-old daughter Krista into his arms.

“Along with my wife and my two-year-old daughter, she came on to the field to give daddy a hug,” Mr Thompson said.

South Augusta Football Club’s Kriston Thompson celebrates with daughter Krista, 7, after his team defeated Solomontown in Port Augusta. Picture: Magic Memories by Erika
South Augusta Football Club’s Kriston Thompson celebrates with daughter Krista, 7, after his team defeated Solomontown in Port Augusta. Picture: Magic Memories by Erika

“She was singing ‘Go Southies’, so that was pretty special to have them there watching when we won.”

While Mr Thompson continued to celebrate in Port Augusta, in Adelaide, lifelong South Adelaide fan Brian Moon was lamenting his team’s loss with his children and grandchildren.

Mr Moon, 59, said he thought 2018 was going to be the year South Adelaide would return to the finals and win a premiership for the first time in more than 50 years.

“It certainly wasn’t the result we were after,” Mr Moon said. “I’ve been a South fan since I was born. I was at the ’64 grand final but didn’t know that I was there.

“I definitely thought we were going to win. The way we played the last couple of weeks, I thought we were in with a big chance.

Kriston Thompson with his daughter Krista, celebrating the win. Picture: Magic Memories by Erika
Kriston Thompson with his daughter Krista, celebrating the win. Picture: Magic Memories by Erika

“But we are already planning for next year. We’ve said we will bring out the gear and be there first game.”

As a Father’s Day gift, Mr Moon said there was nothing better than being with his children and grandchildren watching South Adelaide play.

“It was a fantastic gift for me,” Mr Moon said.

“Ninety per cent of the time, the family are there with me at games. The kids love it, the grandkids love it.”

From Koonibba in the Far West League to Mt Gambier in the Western Border League, country football finals will continue over the coming weeks.

Results from Sunday

Far North Football League

Hornridge 12.9-81 def Roxby Districts 6.4-40.

Spencer Gulf Football League

South Augusta 19.10-124 def Solomontown 9.9-63.

SANFL

Qualifying Final

Woodville-West Torrens 8.13-61 def Sturt 6.4-40.

Elimination Final

South Adelaide 10.10-70 def by North Adelaide 14.6-90.

Amazing finish to SANFL Glenelg v Sturt game

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/local-footy-sa/fans-come-out-as-finals-fever-sweeps-sa-grassroots-footy-and-sanfl/news-story/a0441a955f7e4d0eb7a9c61de0f33852