South Australian Football Budget - Semi Finals 2024 - Vol 98 - No. 21 8 Sep

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THE FINAL WORD

goes. (Norwood is) a team who can score really quickly, a good contest team who move the ball pretty efficiently, so it’s another big challenge for us.

MARTIN MATTNER

At the Footy Budget we love the way Central District coach Paul Thomas wears his heart on his sleeve. The pride he has in his team, his club, his northern suburbs and the way he’s gone about lifting the Doggies back up the ladder. He was on the boundary line as usual as Central claimed a huge scalp in a fighting qualifying final win against Sturt, riding every bump and having his say with quite a flourish, as this great David Mariuz pic shows.

JADE RAWLINGS It was enjoyable to just watch footy and see the other competitors go at it. It was great finals footy. It was an unbelievable effort from Centrals to run (Sturt) down. They are really well drilled … I’ve got a lot of respect for how they play their footy.

We’ve got Declan Hamilton, Jackson Callow, Finn Heard, Connor McLean and Matt Panos all making cases to play. There’s the who, the how many and where they all fit, that’s the challenge we’ve got. (With the reserves also winning the minor

premiership) it’s not just the guys who are coming back from injury, there are guys who have performed who are asking the question to play as well.

PAUL THOMAS To the boys’ credit they just hang in there, hang in there with a downbut-never-really-out mentality, which is good. We celebrated pretty hard (the comeback win against Sturt), we kicked five goals to zero in the last quarter so we were pretty chuffed with that effort. We’ll just keep scrapping and embracing that challenge until the final siren

The path is what it is but we are a good enough side to get there … we’ve just got to refocus back on Glenelg this week who are another good side. We’re not going to make changes just for the sake of making changes after one loss but we have to look at the balance of the team and Glenelg and what they bring as well. Their team is very dangerous … it’s going to be a great game.

DARREN REEVES We came into it feeling our best footy was good enough to match it with anyone. We knew we were coming from a long way back and we’ve got three really, really strong footy clubs still in front of us and we’ve got Sturt this weekend who have been as good as anyone this year – you don’t win 13 in a row for no reason. They are a great footy club so it’s a huge challenge for us but we feel like if we can turn up and play at a level like we did on the weekend, we give ourselves a chance.

Proudly partnering the journey of footy in SA for 70 years. sanfl.com.au

3

FIRST SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW

BY PETER CORNWALL

It’s all up for grabs as Glenelg 2019 premiership player Will Gould leads Sturt ruckman Daniel Fahey-Sparks to the ball, with the Blues’ Henry Carey watching closely. Photo: David Mariuz

The answer to last week’s question – is the slumbering giant awakening? – is a ‘yes’. Now there is a new query over Glenelg. Can the Bays beat the only team they have failed to claim a win against this season to stay in the race for backto-back flags? Sturt is Glenelg’s surprise first semi-final rival – after a 30-point third-quarter lead evaporated against Central – and the Blues convincingly beat the Tigers by 38 points on Anzac Day at the Bay, then claimed the upperhand by 20 points at Unley in Round 15.

Glenelg coach Darren Reeves said: “We feel like we’ve got our game in better shape now.” And the Tigers are undoubtedly up and about after producing an elimination final masterclass in dismantling the Eagles by 71 points, booting another cricket score (19.17) a week after ramming on 21.22 against South Adelaide to round out the minor round. And now superstar spearhead Lachie Hosie – who Sturt fans won’t need reminding booted six goals and won the Jack Oatey Medal in last year’s grand final – is on track to make his longawaited return after knee surgery following a Round 7 injury that was thought would cost him the season.

Suddenly the pressure has shifted 4

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from the Bays, who lost four of five games before tackling the Panthers in Round 19, to the Blues, who won a staggering 13 games in succession before the major round.

Finals footy is so often about taking your chances. Or not. Sturt didn’t make the most of its opportunities against Central – it might have just about had the game sewn up if it had capitalised fully in leading 5.8 to 1.2 10 minutes into the third quarter. The Blues’ radar has been off at times this season, ending the minor round as the in-form team of the competition but with the lowest goalkicking accuracy in the league – 47 per cent. It didn’t help they were up against the side that rated No. 1 in the area – at 56 per cent. The Dogs incredibly booted 7.0 in the second half to seal – or steal – the deal.

Hardly surprisingly, Blues coach Martin Mattner described the 11-point loss as “frustrating”.

“In the first three quarters I thought we played some really good footy, just probably didn’t capitalise going forward as well as we should have.

In the last quarter there were a few moments … but we didn’t take those moments.”

Mattner knows the quality of his side is good enough to beat anyone and Sturt has beaten every side this

season. And when it comes to bouncing back from qualifying final losses, the Blues boss has been there, done that. Last year Sturt was overrun by seven points by Adelaide in the qualifying final, before beating Central and the Crows – the second time around – to set up a grand final meeting with the Bays. And what might just have been Sturt Footy Club’s greatest triumph came under Mattner in 2017 when the Blues completed back-to-back flags after being outpointed by Port Adelaide in the qualifying final. Three weeks later they held off a strong Port side by a point to win the premiership decider. Right now, of course, that’s a long way away – “we’ll take it one day at a time … and one week at a time,” Mattner said – but it must be a reassuring memory.

Still, facing Glenelg in a do-or-die final isn’t ideal. The Bays produced the sort of consistent four-quarter performance against the Eagles coaches dream about. “We were really pleased with how we went about it,” Reeves said. “We felt like we got our pressure around the ball at a level we want to be at, and definitely forward of the ball.

We felt it was a really strong finals brand of football we were able to play.”

SECOND SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW

BY PETER CORNWALL

Central District’s Isaiah Dudley tries to evade Norwood’s Finn Heard – with his brother Jack lending support – in the Redlegs’ 50-point win in Round 7 at Elizabeth. Photo: David Mariuz

When Norwood led from go to whoa in overpowering Central by 42 points at The Parade just six weeks ago, you could hardly have predicted a Redlegs-Bulldogs second semi-final, let alone thinking of it as a mouth-watering prospect. Back then, Norwood was top with a 13-3 record, Central (106) was fourth – where it finished in 2023 – and last year’s grand finalists Sturt and Glenelg were second and third. But, while Norwood maintained its place on top of the table and claimed the minor premiership – albeit having to hold off a Sturt side on a 13-win run by percentage – the Doggies weren’t thinking about everyone else’s expectations that they would be playing in another elimination final. They were thinking higher, and higher, and they weren’t going to give up their expectations without one hell of a fight.

When reigning premier Glenelg came to the Ponderosa in Round 18 third place was on the line but still people were writing the Doggies off – well, they were trailing 0.5 to 5.4 early in the third quarter. But clearly one of Central’s trademarks right now is to never give in. The Dogs booted the next six goals and sensationally won by a point, after 10 successive losses against the Bays.

So, when Central trailed Sturt 1.2 to 5.8 early in the third quarter of the qualifying final, rather than resignation there remained steely resolve. “Only a fortnight earlier we were in a similar situation – we didn’t feel we were out of the game, we felt the scoreboard wasn’t super favourable but it wasn’t beyond reach,” coach Paul Thomas said.

Even without Magarey Medallist Harry Grant, sidelined with a fractured jaw and concussion, the Dogs were up for the fight, reeling off the last seven goals to incredibly win by 11 points, ending a run of eight successive losses against the Blues.

They didn’t snatch the lead until 18 minutes into the last term when Isaiah Dudley snapped superbly from the pocket, before Leyton Chisholm sparked huge celebrations on the scoreboard hill when he ran into an open goal deep into time-on. Tough midfielder Kade Dittmar was outstanding, while 17-year-old Dyson Sharp showed what a wonderful future he has, looking composed in collecting 21 disposals and kicking a goal to go with 10 tackles.

There’s one thing Norwood will be expecting from Central – a fight to the finish, even though it beat the Dogs by 50 points at Elizabeth before its comfortable win at The

Parade. Plenty has happened since then with Central becoming used to breaking hoodoos and having a new belief its best is good enough.

But the Dogs still have to climb a mountain. And against Norwood it starts with Magarey Medal favourite, man mountain Harry Boyd. The matchwinning ruckman has averaged a staggering 21 disposals, 42 hit-outs and 10 clearances in a standout campaign.

He also has had plenty of help as the Legs have leapt from seventh last year – with six wins – to minor premier – with 15. Baynen Lowe has stepped up as a quality midfielder, while the likes of Billy Cootee and Mitch O’Neill are all class and pick up touches seemingly at will. Izaak Twelftree is making his mark as an opportunist forward with 25 goals for the season, while Jack Heard and Tom Donnelly have been supreme down back in a side that concedes just 53 points a game.

And look at the talent the Legs have returning when it counts. Declan Hamilton, Jackson Callow – who has booted a team-best 28 goals – Finn Heard, Connor McLean and grand final matchwinner Matt Panos are all on their way back from injuries. The Dogs will need to be at their fighting best – and they might not be able to concede a fivegoal start this time. sanfl.com.au

5

SUPERSTAR SIDE

BY ZAC MILBANK

Norwood’s Jade Rawlings has earned the role of SANFL Team of the Year coach.

Norwood and Sturt, the top two clubs of the minor round, have dominated selection in the 2024 The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, with a combined 10 players recognised for their outstanding form throughout the home-andaway season.

Earning direct entry to the SANFL second semi-final, the Redlegs have four stars selected including Jack Oatey Medallist Harry Boyd, who has been the standout ruckman this season.

Premiership and State mentor Jade Rawlings continues the red-andblue flavour as the coach, guiding his team to the minor premiership after enduring a 2023 campaign in which Norwood missed September action. Baynen Lowe, who has established himself as a fine midfield option, together with twin tower defensive posts Jack Heard and Tom Donnelly, round out Norwood’s representatives.

The Double Blues, who matched Norwood with 15 victories and just three losses for the minor round, have six players selected including inspirational captain James Battersby, who is a fitting skipper of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the 6

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Year in his seventh appearance.

Sturt’s miserly back six is well recognised with Casey Voss returning to half-back while Will Coomblas and Luke Edmonds thoroughly deserve their debut selections in the back pockets. Star Blues midfielders Will Snelling (rover) and Tom Lewis (interchange) have also been named despite missing seven games between them in 2024, such was the strength of their impact when present.

Ken Farmer Medallist Mitch Harvey earned his debut selection at full forward after booting 45 goals in the home-and-away season, joined in the elite line-up by fellow Rooster Campbell Combe (ruck-rover).

Reigning premier Glenelg has two players selected in forward pocket Liam McBean, who is the vicecaptain of the side, while the gamebreaking Matt Allen finds himself providing flexibility on the wing.

Central District, which stormed into a second semi-final match-up with Norwood after a remarkable hoodoo-busting qualifying final comeback win against Sturt, boasts three players in this year’s team.

Aiden Grace makes his debut in the forward pocket, Jez McLennan, who

Sturt’s James Battersby has been named captain of SA’s elite team for 2024.

won two Fos Williams Medals in the space of a month in SA’s wins against the VFL and WAFL this year, is named at half-back and Magarey Medallist Harry Grant is on the interchange. Grace, who finished just three goals behind Harvey in the chase for the Farmer Medal, drew level with the Rooster as this year’s leading goalkicker by jagging three to inspire the Dogs’ win against the Blues last Sunday.

Central District’s Harry Grant has won a spot in the SANFL Team of the Year for the second successive season.

2024 SANFL

COACH

TEAM OF THE YEAR

JADE

RAWLINGS NORWOOD

FORWARDS AIDEN

MITCH

CENTRAL

NORTH

GRACE

LIAM

MCBEAN

HARVEY VC

GLENELG

HALF FORWARDS JAMES

BAYNEN

CONNOR

BALLENDEN

LOWE

MATT

JAMES

KOBE

GLENELG

STURT

ROWE

EAGLES

NORWOOD

EAGLES

CENTRES

ALLEN

C

BATTERSBY

RYAN

JACK

JEZ

WEST

HALF BACKS CASEY

HEARD

MCLENNAN

WILL

TOM

LUKE

STURT

NORWOOD

STURT

VOSS STURT

CENTRAL

NORWOOD

BACKS

COOMBLAS

EDMONDS

DONNELLY

RUCK HARRY

CAMPBELL

WILL

NORWOOD

NORTH

STURT

BOYD

SNELLING

COMBE

INT. HARRY

KIERAN

TOM

GRANT

STRACHAN

LEWIS

CENTRAL

The Eagles, who finished fifth, have a strong presence across halfforward with the nifty James Rowe earning his fourth selection alongside debutant Connor Ballenden at centre half-forward.

Adelaide ruckman Kieran Strachan provides back-up to Boyd in ruck from the interchange, starting

ADELAIDE

STURT

alongside prolific Bloods midfielder Sam Frost, who fittingly earned his first selection with West teammate Kobe Ryan, who was listed on the wing.

Ninth-placed South Adelaide and wooden spooner Port Adelaide were the only clubs without a player selected.

SAM

FROST WEST

The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, which remarkably has been picked annually since 1952, was selected by SANFL’s Sean Toohey, Daniel Joyce and Zac Milbank, The Advertiser’s Andrew Capel, Football Budget editor Peter Cornwall and Channel 7’s John Casey. sanfl.com.au

7

MAGNIFICENT 7 FIRST SEMI-FINALS

BY STEVE BARRETT

Full forward Fred Pemberton was the hero of Glenelg’s unlikely comefrom-behind first semi-final win against Sturt and was carried from Adelaide Oval in triumphant scenes.

The stakes rise in week two of the SANFL finals. In the first semi-final, a mountain still needs to be climbed for the preliminary final-bound victor.

For the loser, it’s season over. The high-stakes nature has produced some high-quality encounters.

7th. 1987 Glenelg d Port Adelaide The Bays trailed at every change and did much less of the attacking but still prevailed by a whisker, keeping alive their dreams of a premiership threepeat with a nailbiting two-point win. The Magpies, who had 29 scoring shots to 21, were left to rue 19 misses – five of which struck the post. Ten Port players registered more behinds than goals, including the normallyreliable Bruce Abernethy, whose miss at the 25-minute-mark of the fourth sealed the Pies’ fate.

Abernethy launched to within 45m of goal, directly in front and clear of the last Tiger defender, only to inexplicably spray his shot. Over the next five heart-stopping minutes, no more scores were registered, before the final siren drew the curtain on the Magpies’ season and club legend Russell Ebert’s reign as coach.

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Central’s Martin McKinnon proved the difference in the Bulldogs’ heartstopping win against Norwood in 1994.

6th. 1973 North Adelaide d Norwood Barrie Robran, at the peak of his powers, dragged North out of an early jam before saving the day late. The Roosters barely saw the footy for the first 15 minutes at The Parade and were outplayed for large patches of the opening half but remained afloat thanks to the brilliance of Robran (four goals, 33 disposals) at centre half-forward.

Norwood led by two points at the 26-minute-mark of the last quarter when Nigel Wark’s attempted clearing kick under pressure went out of bounds on the full. Barry Stringer passed to an unattended Dennis Sachse, who booted his fourth major to put North in front.

Norwood tried to thrust the ball forward in the dying stages, when Robran recklessly plunged onto the boot of a Redlegs player, swatting the ball – and taking the Roosters – to safety.

5th. 2002 Norwood d WoodvilleWest Torrens The Redlegs defied a depleted bench and several challenges from the persistent Eagles to win a nailbiter. Norwood led at every change

but had just one fit player on the interchange bench after half-time and conceded the lead in the 11th minute of the fourth term when Eagles ruckman Paul Lindsay snapped truly. Troy Clements, given the difficult assignment of tagging Justin Cicolella in the second half, not only curbed the star Eagle’s influence but put his team back in front when he evaded two tacklers and slotted through his fourth goal.

Redlegs coach Garry McIntosh successfully moved Stuart Bown into ruck to quell the dominant Lindsay and employed Steven Pitt as a loose man in defence. The Eagles could have had a chance for an after-the-siren victory but Paul Allison spilled a chest mark with seconds left on the clock.

4th. 1959 Glenelg d Sturt One-year wonder Fred Pemberton entered Tiger folklore and delivered Glenelg’s first finals triumph in six seasons when he slotted two goals in the last two-and-a-half minutes to pinch an improbable victory in this old-time classic. The lead changed hands five times in an absorbing clash before the Double Blues looked to be gaining the

SA Football Hall of Fame umpire Ken Aplin didn’t hear the final bell in the 1945 first semi-final because of the deafening noise of the Adelaide Oval crowd.

upperhand, up by 11 points deep into the final quarter and the ball hemmed regularly in their attack.

Just as some fans started filing out, believing Sturt had booked a preliminary final berth, the ball escaped down the wing and into the Bays’ forward line where 36-year-old ‘rookie’ Pemberton, a St Kilda player a decade earlier, pouched a magnificent, diving mark and goaled. From umpire Lawrie Sweeney’s next centre bounce, Glenelg burst forward again and Colin Richens’ floater was powerfully swallowed by packbusting Pemberton, whose go-ahead major clinched an amazing one-point victory before he was chaired off Adelaide Oval.

3rd. 1994 Central District d Norwood Central’s David-over-Goliath 1971 first semi-final triumph over fivetime reigning premier Sturt may be the Bulldogs’ greatest win outside grand finals but the ’94 edition was the heartstopper. It also finally put a full stop on those ‘Doggywobble’ jibes as Central broke its 22-year winless finals curse which dated back to 1972. A week after cruelly losing the qualifying final to Port in extra-time, the Dogs ambushed Norwood with seven of the first eight goals. Crows-listed Martin McKinnon booted three of them, his last one memorable as he weaved the ball through a narrow opening, deep in the left pocket. The Legs mounted a sustained fightback and

There was a wonderful camaraderie among the Woodville side and heaps of public support as the Warriors went on their winning run in 1986.

closed the margin to five points before being denied down the stretch by McKinnon. The 19-yearold pulled down a crucial, third-inline screamer of a defensive mark 40m from Norwood’s goals, before following up with a crushing lastgasp tackle on Redlegs rover Stephen Rowe. For the last 20 goalless minutes, Central held on grimly, before celebrating emotionally, coach Alan Stewart admitting, “I carried on like an idiot for about 90 seconds”.

2nd. 1945 West Torrens d North Adelaide An after-the-bell goal – which should have been disallowed but controversially stood – saw eventual premier Torrens send North unluckily packing from the finals race. Torrens streaked clear in the SANFL’s first post-war final, leading 6.10 to 1.0 at quarter-time, before North trimmed the margin to eight points at half-time and seven at the last break. In a gripping second half, the Roosters, buoyed by Henry Lehmann’s sixgoal haul, drew level deep into time-on in the fourth. With the scores tied and the ball in Torrens’ forward line, the final bell rang. But umpire Ken Aplin, and many players, didn’t hear it due to the deafening noise of the excited crowd. Play was allowed to continue in the seconds that followed, Torrens’ Victorian-born rover Jim Thoms booting the ball off the ground for his contentious

fourth major. As a result of the incident, an electric siren was introduced in all subsequent seasons ... while the Adelaide Oval bell was ripped off its base by angry North fans later that night.

1st. 1986 Woodville d Port Adelaide The Warriors captured the imagination of the SA football public with their groundbreaking ’86 finals charge, highlighted by their stunning takedown of perennial powerhouse Port. Woodville shocked Norwood in the elimination final before having the bulk of the fever-pitched support of 39,066 fans the following week against the Magpies. The Warriors looked more like the Woodpeckers of old when they crashed to a six-goal quartertime deficit before mounting an incredible rearguard over the next 30 minutes. Captain Max Parker started to get on top in ruck, while Ron Fuller began dominating in the middle and Ralph Sewer was wreaking havoc. After closing the gap to five points at half-time, Woodville withstood another Port purple patch to trail by six points at three-quarter-time. Malcolm Blight’s Warriors couldn’t be stopped in the fourth. Andrew Taylor’s superb reflex major in the opening minute levelled the scores before Parker’s prodigious punt, Kevin Harris’s pack-busting 50m bomb and Stephen Nichols’ sublime snap over his left shoulder continued the Woodville fairytale. sanfl.com.au

9

NO. 30, 30 YEARS APART

BY PETER ARGENT

Strong-marking Sturt forward Oliver Grivell has SANFL heritage on both sides of his family but he is keen to write his own story as a Double Blue. Wearing the No. 30 guernsey as his dad Nigel did at Unley, “which is nice”, Oliver notched his 50-game milestone in the win against Woodville-West Torrens in Round 14 and bookended that performance with impressive four-goal hauls against South Adelaide and Glenelg.

Grivell, Sturt’s player No. 1243 when he kicked off his league career in 2019 – Nigel was No. 900 thirty years earlier – had to overcome an ankle injury before returning against Adelaide in the final minor round. A goal just before half-time against the Crows gave him a staggering tally of 14.0 in his sixth league game for the season.

Family traditions run deep and Grivell’s foundation club was the Hahndorf Magpies, where Nigel and his father Russell are premiership players, Nigel as captain, along with both being club life members.

“Dad played 10 league games for Sturt in the late 1980s, before going back to Hahndorf,” said Oliver, who played in Sturt’s 2017 under-18 premiership, coached by current football manager Chris Trapp, playing alongside Tom Lewis, Charlie Ballard, Mitch Crowden and Jordan Houlahan. He followed a couple of generations of the family into league football, debuting in the opening round of 2019, against the Crows at Unley.

“One of my first opponents was Paul Hunter, who was 10cm taller and 20kg heavier than me,” Grivell said. “It was great to have the Crows first up, as I played against a number of players I’d just previously seen on TV. “I’ve had a few injury problems along the way – knee, ankle and this year groin issues which slowed my start to the season. It was a pretty rough start to the year and it has been a bit of a mental test but I’ve started to find some form and confidence.

10

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“Our mantra at the club is ‘know and play your role’. We walked away from last year’s grand final knowing how far we’ve come and how much we’ve matured as a group.” Grivell said losing grand finals in all four grades was a “massive driving force to do the work required this year”.

“We’ve seen plenty of growth in the group and have the confidence we can be highly competitive at the business end of the year,” he said.

Oli also followed in the footsteps of his grandfather on mum Jane’s side, David French, who was selected for the SA under-19s in 1963, into State junior ranks, representing SA at under-15, under-16 and under-18 levels. French, who hailed from Eden Valley, played 30 league games for Norwood in 1964-65 and won a reserves flag in ’66 before returning to the Adelaide Hills and leading Pleasant Valley to four flags.

David’s younger sibling Robert, a close-checking defender, played 21 league games and was a member of the Redlegs’ 1970, 1972 and ’74 reserves premiership teams.

“I played in the schoolboys’ championship at Maroochydore and

a couple of games in the under-16 nationals under Darel Hart the next season,” Grivell said. “Then I played a couple of games under ‘Bangers’ (Tomy Bamford) in the under-18 State team.

“I’ve had a couple of strong mentors along the way – perhaps the biggest is Chris Trapp. He coached the under-18 flag, also coached me at reserves level and is a Hahndorf fella. Sturt junior coach David Oatey was another – his knowledge and football heritage is simply amazing.

Naturally, Marty (Mattner) has been important, too.”

Blues coach Mattner said Grivell’s ‘one wood’ is his contested marking ability. “Oli is a genuine young man, who is growing into his role and getting better all the time. He has worked on improving his consistency, in games and from match to match,” Mattner said.

Oli’s 18-year-old sister Gemma is on Sturt’s SANFLW senior list and was a member of the Eastern Zone side that won the SA Country Championships at Victor Harbor on the weekend of her brother’s 50th league game.

2024 SANFL RESERVES SECOND SEMI-FINAL

10:30am Saturday 7 September @ Coopers Stadium Live stream on SANFL Now | Live scores at www.sanfl.com.au and SANFL App

NORWOOD

COACH: Aaron Jelfs

Matt Panos................................

46 Nich Weightman......................

9

Sam Breuer................................

43 Brad Jefferies............................

12 Ben Simpson.............................

47 Harvey Pedler...........................

10 Charlie Molan...........................

44 James Richards........................

18 Tom Graham..............................

49 Josh Gillow.................................

12 Ned Atkinson.............................

47 Hugo Kittel.................................

51 Josh Bradford............................

20 Luca Slade..................................

50 Will Torode.................................

4

21 Xavier Tranfa.............................

22 Jordon Boyle..............................

23 Oliver Sanders..........................

25 Connor McLean........................

26 Liam Robinson..........................

53 George McLeod........................

54 Tyson Walls...............................

55 Connor Kent...............................

STURT

COACH: Chris Trapp

21 Liam Puncher............................

28 Charlie Parker...........................

33 Heath Wingard.........................

35 Nick Sadler.................................

53 Marcus Pavlic...........................

54 Ted Newman.............................

55 Jayden Adams...........................

56 Sam Waltham...........................

58 Calem Krollig.............................

38 Thomas McCourt.....................

57 Kobe McEntee...........................

42 Lachie Bates..............................

63 Henry Slade...............................

40 Ned Walter.................................

59 Tommy McCormack................

44 Alex van Wyk.............................

64 Marco D’Annunzio...................

42 Willa Taylor................................

60 Oli Duffy......................................

56 Jacob Jones................................

41 Luke Bogle.................................

RESERVES NORWOOD STURT

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Points

RESERVES UMPIRES

37 Alex Holt.....................................

28 Max Hodges..............................

FIELD: Thomas Kelly Zack Brittan Nicholas Ghan Jake Cuming (E)

BOUNDARY: Steven Evanson Nathan Becker Jayden Dunning Fraser Town

GOAL: Thomas Fahey Jake Marnie Michael Lombardi (E)

2024 SANFL RESERVES FIRST SEMI-FINAL

11:00am Saturday 7 September @ Stratarama Stadium Live stream on SANFL Now | Live scores at www.sanfl.com.au and SANFL App

GLENELG

41 Anders McShane......................

10 Declan Carmody.......................

42 Noah Sims..................................

15 Jake Walker................................

43 Todd Reid....................................

24 Cooper Horsnell.......................

44 Sam Dunn...................................

25 Darcy Scott................................

45 Darcy Porter..............................

26 Liam Wisdom............................

46 Beau Symonds..........................

28 Xavier Vallejo............................

52 Cam Kiel......................................

29 Connor McLeod........................

53 Ryan Wurfel...............................

30 Marco Rossmann....................

55 Harry Francis............................

35 Hayden Brokensha..................

57 Izayah Kean...............................

38 Lachlan Scannell.....................

60 Ben Dewhirst............................

RESERVES GLENELG EAGLES

1st

EAGLES

COACH: Jared Millington

Hugh Stagg................................

2nd

3rd

4th

Points

8 9 12 13 20 22 25 26 32 33 37 38 40 RESERVES UMPIRES

6

COACH: Shane Hancock

Will Neumann...........................

Dane McFarlane.......................

Harrison Dawkins....................

Will Pearce.................................

Jack Boyd....................................

Troy Menzel...............................

Jordan Lukac.............................

Joshua Mawson.......................

Ryan Bruce.................................

Deakan Jackson........................

Nathan Barkla..........................

Carter Norman.........................

Brody Mair.................................

FIELD: Henry Klemm (E) Daniel Rogers Paul Ventura Daniel Whittlesea

42 44 45 48 50 54 57 58 59 60 61 63 64

Isaac McGrath...........................

Callum Fairall............................

Izaac Niemann..........................

Jay Watson.................................

Archer Charles..........................

Bailey Arthur.............................

Mishai Wollogorang...............

Charlie Blair...............................

Jake Andrews............................

Sebastian Menta.....................

Riley Davey................................

Jordan Tilbrook.........................

Joshua Capogreco...................

BOUNDARY: James Haskard Joshua Thunig Oakley Nilsen Blayde Harten

GOAL: Jared Murton Justin Thai (E) Patrick Backshall

TOPSPORT

sanfl.com.au

11

FIRST SEMI-FINAL 12:15PM SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER – ADELAIDE OVAL Broadcast: Live & free on Seven & 7plus | Live and on-demand on SANFL Now www.AFL.com.au & the AFL Live App | Live Radio - SEN 1629AM #SANFLDoubleBluesTigers

STURT

GLENELG

COACH: Martin Mattner

COLOURS: Double Blue

COACH: Darren Reeves

COLOURS: Black and Gold

No

PLAYER

AGE..... HT. . .... GP...... GK......G......... B

No

PLAYER

AGE..... HT. . .... GP...... GK......G......... B

1

Sam Conforti

22......173...... 19........21......................

2

Tom Lewis

24......178...... 71........16......................

3

Henry Carey

27..... 183..... 110.......19......................

4

Joel Thiele

26..... 184...... 81.......14......................

5

Joshua Hone

28......175.....186.... 234....................

6

Connor McFadyen

23......191......38...... 46......................

7

James Mathews

28......174......63.......61......................

8

Angus Anderson

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 33 34 36 37 39

Will Gould Jonty Scharenberg Matthew Snook Cole Gerloff Liam McBean (C) Luke Reynolds Corey Lyons Darcy Bailey James Bell Max Proud Oscar Adams Brad McCarthy Alex Martini Billy Stretch Cameron McGree Lachlan Hosie Chris Curran Matthew Allen Riley Holder Nick Stevens Austin Kitschke Will Stockman Will Chandler Hunter Window Archie Lovelock

23......191......29........4.......................

26..... 184..... 119.......15......................

32..... 182.... 204..... 46......................

25..... 185.....103......57......................

30.....202....130.... 309....................

29..... 188.....153.... 207.....................

26..... 182...... 57.......25......................

30......176.....146..... 90......................

25..... 184......38...... 24......................

32..... 192.....188......17......................

21...... 199...... 19.........2.......................

25......176...... 71.........3.......................

25......181...... 91.........7.......................

28......181......82...... 22......................

25.....200.....40....... 11......................

27..... 188......79......193.....................

33..... 189..... 157.......14......................

26..... 193......95.......91......................

21...... 192...... 57.......27......................

22..... 192....... 6.........0.......................

22..... 189...... 19.........5.......................

22..... 189....... 2.........0.......................

22..... 183...... 15........12......................

21.......172.......8.........5.......................

19.......178......28........7.......................

21...... 189...... 18....... 11......................

13 Flynn Perez

23......187...... 12.........1.......................

14 Will Snelling

27......175......85.......25......................

15 Luke Edmonds

26..... 194.....108.......0.......................

16 Jared Dakin

23......181......58.......17......................

17 Zac Becker

20..... 190......22........1.......................

18 Daniel Fahey-Sparks

26..... 196......89...... 42......................

22 Will Coomblas

26..... 193...... 81........1.......................

23 James Battersby (C)

28......178.....214..... 45......................

25 Guy Page

30......177.....206......13......................

27 Charlie Fryer

20..... 190...... 19.........0.......................

30 Oliver Grivell

23..... 192......54...... 49......................

31 Lachlan Burrows

23......195......59...... 63......................

32 Rory Illman

25..... 180......74........3.......................

34 Casey Voss

23..... 182......92.......14......................

36 Luke Giacometti

21...... 186...... 21.........5.......................

39 Steven Slimming

26..... 182.....149......53......................

45 Amos Doyle

22......197......35........7.......................

Rushed ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

40 Ben Ridgway 19...... 182....... 5.........1.......................

Rushed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

All figures on team sheets are official SANFL records for League games and goals.

LEAGUE STURT GLENELG

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Points

LEAGUE FIELD: Bowen UMPIRES Corey Ben Williams

Giles Lewis Michael Sboro (E)

RD15 2024 @ THOMAS FARMS OVAL RD4 2024 @ STRATARAMA STADIUM Sturt 14.8 (92) d Glenelg 10.12 (72) Sturt 11.16 (82) d Glenelg 6.8 (44)

Great Taste.

Low Carb & Mid-Strength.

How Good.

12

sanfl.com.au

BOUNDARY: Martin Elsegood Taylor Dorsey Benjamin B Williams Samuel Royans

GOAL: Michael Button Thomas Mayo Matthew Cummins (E)

GF 2023 @ ADELAIDE OVAL Glenelg 13.8 (86) d Sturt 8.14 (62)

STAT CHATS – FIRST SEMI-FINAL

BY ROBERT LAIDLAW

Superstar Sturt midfielder Tom Lewis has won a place in The Glenelg midfielder James Bell shows his pride in the guernsey as the rampant Tigers kick away from the Eagles in Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year and will take some the elimination final. Photo: Peter Argent stopping on Sunday. Photo: David Mariuz

Sturt and Glenelg have met in three previous first semifinals – in 1959, 1964 and 1982 – two of them thrillers and two of them Tigers wins. In all minor finals these rivals have met 15 times, with the Bays victorious in 10.

But in grand finals the Double Blues have won three of four, Glenelg finally getting one back last season.

The Tigers have a losing first semi-final record of nine wins and 10 losses after losing their past six in a row, including being beaten by Norwood by 28 points in 2022.

Glenelg’s most recent first semi victory was in 1992, when it beat North by six points.

With 14 wins from 24 first semi-finals, Sturt has the second-best record, behind Norwood’s 38 appearances and 16 victories. The Blues beat Central by 32 points last year before beating Adelaide in the preliminary final.

Five of the Tigers’ first semi-final wins have seen them progress to grand finals but they have finished runnerup on all five occasions.

There have been 12 premierships won by the first semifinal winner, with Sturt leading the way with three, after victories in 1932, 1976 and 2017. North (1931, 2018), Norwood (1984, 2022) and Port (1958, 1998) have done it twice, while West (1947), West Torrens (1945) and the Eagles (2011) have done it once.

North booted 23.14 against South (14.12) in the 1990 first semi for the highest score, beating Sturt’s 24.7 against the Roosters (13.12) in 1983. North also holds the record for biggest margin, when it beat Central by 88 points in 2012. The highest losing score was Port’s 18.13 in 1986 to Woodville’s 18.20, while in 1948 Sturt had the lowest score with 4.9 in losing to West (7.18).

There have been two draws in first semi-finals, in 1933 between Norwood and North (the Redlegs won the replay by one point) and in 1969 between West and Torrens (the Bloods then triumphed by 21 points). Apart from Norwood’s one-point thriller in 1933, two other first semis have been decided by the closest margin,

by Torrens over Norwood in 1954 (the Eagles’ last finals victory before amalgamating with Woodville in 1991) and Glenelg over Sturt in 1959. There have been seven other first semi-finals decided by less than a kick, the most recent in 2015, when Central beat Port by five points.

FIRST SEMI-FINAL RECORDS

ADELAIDE CENTRAL GLENELG NORTH NORWOOD PORT SOUTH STURT WEST TORRENS WOODVILLE EAGLES

P

W

L

D

HS

LS

2 11 19 22 38 14 14 24 13 16 1 10

2 5 9 12 16 8 6 14 8 4 1 5

6 10 9 21 6 8 10 4 11 5

1 1 1 1 -

22.8 19.7 15.17 23.14 19.19 22.13 21.11 24.7 16.16 18.8 18.20 21.10

21.13 7.8 7.9 10.13 5.11 7.22 5.6 4.9 7.9 7.11 18.20 5.6

[HS – highest score, LS – lowest score] PAST 10 FIRST SEMI-FINALS 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

South 21.11 (137) d Sturt 10.9 (69) Central 10.14 (74) d Port 11.3 (69) Adelaide 22.8 (140) d South 13.8 (86) Sturt 13.8 (86) d Central 11.13 (79) North 16.15 (111) d Sturt 8.5 (53) Adelaide 21.13 (139) d Norwood 11.11 (77) South 14.12 (96) d Glenelg 10.11 (71) South 12.11 (83) d Norwood 10.4 (64) Norwood 12.7 (79) d Glenelg 7.9 (51) Sturt 13.11 (89) d Central 8.9 (57) sanfl.com.au

13

SECOND SEMI-FINAL 3:15PM SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER – ADELAIDE OVAL Broadcast: Live & free on Seven & 7plus | Live and on-demand on SANFL Now www.AFL.com.au & the AFL Live App | Live Radio - SEN 1629AM #SANFLRedlegsBulldogs

NORWOOD COACH: Jade Rawlings No

PLAYER

CENTRAL

COLOURS: Red and Blue AGE..... HT. . .... GP...... GK......G......... B

2 Baynen Lowe 5 Pierce Seymour 6 Thomas Donnelly 7 Jackson Callow 8 Samuel Morris 9 Henry Nelligan 10 Declan Hamilton 11 Jacob Kennerley (C) 13 Billy Cootee 14 Mitch O’Neill 15 Brodie Carroll 16 Alastair Lord 20 Matthew Ling 27 Cooper Murley 29 Izaak Twelftree 31 Harry Boyd 32 Alec Wright 35 Jack Heard 36 Jake Cresswell 37 Isaac Saywell 38 Goy Lok 39 Jayden Gale 40 Finn Heard 45 Tristan Binder

21.1.....177......53.......53......................

29..... 190......78........1.......................

25......191...... 57........5.......................

22......195......28...... 48.....................

22..... 182......58.......17......................

22......171......32.......19......................

28..... 184..... 118.......57......................

24..... 186......70.......31......................

21.......178...... 16.........9.......................

23......178......58.......14......................

24......187......42........2.......................

20......181...... 18........1.......................

25..... 184...... 31.........3.......................

21.......178...... 17.........3.......................

23..... 193......20.......27......................

26..... 198...... 77.......21......................

24..... 190......20........2.......................

24......191......73........1.......................

21...... 183......25........7.......................

24..... 188.......0.........0.......................

27..... 185...... 18.......18......................

21.......181....... 9.........6.......................

22......195...... 15........16......................

24..... 194......25...... 30......................

48 Mitchell Carroll

23..... 184...... 19.........4.......................

Rushed ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

COACH: Paul Thomas COLOURS: Red, White and Blue

3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 15 16 19 20 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 38 43 59

Kai Pudney Leyton Chisholm Mani Liddy Kyle Presbury (C) Jai Larkins Zac Buechner George Kendall Jez McLennan Dayne Posthuma Billy Iles Adam Deakin Marcus Barreau Wilson Barry Dyson Sharp Hugo Munn Ryan Pickering Oliver Shaw Brinn Little Nick Lange Isaiah Dudley Luca Whitelum Aiden Grace Kade Dittmar Rhett Montgomerie Jarrod Schiller (C) Harvey Howe Beau Thomas

24......187......68........4.......................

24..... 194...... 19.........6.......................

22..... 184......42........9.......................

27..... 182.....149......77......................

25..... 183......33....... 11......................

26......191......42........3.......................

23..... 194......49........7.......................

24..... 184......42........2.......................

20.....200......11.........0.......................

29......178......58........4.......................

20......191.......11.........1.......................

26..... 188......74...... 33......................

21.......187...... 19.........6.......................

17...... 188....... 3.........2.......................

24......197...... 57.......41......................

21...... 199...... 10........0.......................

23..... 189......52........9.......................

21...... 196......39........0.......................

26..... 186...... 61........76......................

21...... 168......26...... 30......................

21.......187......50...... 26......................

27..... 189...... 75......132.....................

21.......187...... 16.........0.......................

24..... 190......47........2.......................

32......176.....253.... 100.....................

19......203..... 10........0.......................

20..... 193...... 15.........1.......................

Rushed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

All figures on team sheets are official SANFL records for League games and goals.

LEAGUE NORWOOD CENTRAL

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Points

LEAGUE UMPIRES

FIELD: Zachery Packard Sam Morgan (E) David Sobieraj Mitchell Scott

BOUNDARY: Jake Creasey James Sutton Tobin Dolman Benjamin Sieben

GOAL: Thomas Sharpe (E) Matthew Williams Thomas Oxford

RD15 2024 @ COOPERS STADIUM RD7 2024 @ X CONVENIENCE OVAL RD15 2023 @ COOPERS STADIUM Norwood 12.14 (86) d Central 6.8 (44) Norwood 16.11 (107) d Central 8.9 (57) Norwood 9.10 (64) d Central 9.5 (59)

Official General Insurance Partner 14

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STAT CHATS – SECOND SEMI-FINAL

BY ROBERT LAIDLAW

Norwood star Harry Boyd, first ruck in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, represents a huge danger to Central in the second semi-final. Photo: Cory Sutton

Central District livewire Kade Dittmar was impressive in the Bulldogs’ fighting 11-point qualifying final win against Sturt.

Photo: David Mariuz

Norwood and Central District have met in two previous second semi-finals, with the Bulldogs victorious by 18 points in 2010 and 44 points in 2011.

The Redlegs and Central have met 13 times in all finals, with the Bulldogs winning eight, including the past five in the 21st century.

In 1993 Central broke a 22-year finals losing streak by beating Norwood by four points in the first semi, while the Dogs won the only grand final between the teams, in 2010, by six points.

Norwood has been in 24 second semis for just nine victories, converting six into flags, while from the 15 losses have recovered to win the premiership five times.

Central has a seemingly unbreakable record in remarkably winning 12 consecutive second semi-finals from 2000-11. The Dogs have only been in three other second semis, losing to Port in 1979 and 1995 and beating the Magpies in 1996.

Since 1931 there have been 90 second semi-finals, with the victor going on to win the flag 56 times, while losing 34. Of the teams that lost the second semi, 22 rebounded to win the premiership, 26 returned to lose again, while 42 went out in the preliminary final.

Port leads the way in appearances, wins and losses in second semis, with 28 victories from 51 games. The Magpies in 1980 beat Sturt 24.20 to 15.11 for the highest second semi score, while Norwood’s 16.14 (to South’s 19.16) in 1938 is the highest losing score.

Norwood also has an equal share of the lowest second semi score, when it lost 2.5 to Port’s 10.17 in 1988, while West kicked 2.5 against the Redlegs’ 8.13 in 2012.

There have been four thumpings that stand out in second semi-finals – West beat Norwood by 74 points in 1983, the same margin the Eagles crunched Port by in 1993. In 1949 North accounted for the Redlegs by 73 points, while in 1994 the Eagles beat Port by the same margin.

With the exception of the 1980s, there has been at least one second semi-final won by less than a goal every decade since 1931, with three games decided by one

point. Sturt beat Port by the barest margin in the inaugural second semi in 1931, while the Magpies won two thrillers in the 1960s, against South in 1964 and Sturt in 1966 – and lost both grand finals.

There have been two close tussles in the past five seasons, with Glenelg losing to Port in 2019 and the Eagles in 2021 – both by four points.

SECOND SEMI-FINAL RECORDS P

W

L

HS

LS

ADELAIDE 2 2 CENTRAL 15 13 2 GLENELG 17 5 12 NORTH 17 11 6 NORWOOD 24 9 15 PORT 51 28 23 SOUTH 6 1 5 STURT 17 11 6 WEST 13 4 9 TORRENS 4 3 1 EAGLES 14 5 9 [HS – highest score, LS – lowest score]

13.10 19.10 21.9 23.14 19.6 24.20 19.16 22.13 24.16 14.16 20.13

11.6 9.14 5.10 7.14 2.5 4.6 10.13 8.6 2.5 7.13 5.10

PAST 10 SECOND SEMI-FINALS 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Norwood 13.14 (92) d Port 12.7 (79) Eagles 11.13 (79) d West 9.11 (65) Eagles 12.12 (84) d Sturt 8.12 (60) Port 10.13 (73) d Eagles 5.10 (40) Norwood 9.15 (69) d Eagles 7.10 (52) Port 11.10 (76) d Glenelg 11.6 (72) North 11.11 (77) d Eagles 9.8 (62) Eagles 13.8 (86) d Glenelg 13.4 (82) North 15.8 (98) d Adelaide 13.10 (88) Glenelg 16.8 (104) d Adelaide 11.6 (72) sanfl.com.au

15

WIN

A SANFL GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE IN THE WEST END CORPORATE BOX HOSTED BY TONY MODRA FOR YOU AND 3 MATES! 4 TO BE WON.

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18+ ONLY. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.

HISTOR

TOP PRIZE

BY PETER CORNWALL

This remarkable photo links a century of Glenelg Football Club history.

The Tigers had a special visitor last month, the day after her 95th birthday. Rhonda Beard is the daughter of dual Glenelg best-andfairest winner Jack Lloyd, who made his debut for the Tigers 100 years ago.

Rhonda, her daughter Judy and Jack’s great grandson Craig Martin were proud to present Lloyd’s 1927 spectacular club champion trophy to the club – and it’s now on display in the foyer.

Lloyd’s name is on a locker at the Bay because he played 101 games between 1924-32. He was Glenelg player No. 65. Current Tigers stars James Bell (player No. 1148) and Lachie Hosie (No. 1079) popped in from the gym and met Rhonda while checking out Jack’s place on the Wall of Fame.

Lloyd played with Port Adelaide in 1921 (Glenelg’s first year in the league) and ’22 before moving to the Bay, donning the No. 10 now worn in the AFL by Travis Boak, who is also on Glenelg’s Wall of Fame, having

played six games for the Tigers in 2007. And Rhonda caught up with Boak at Alberton this year, too.

Lloyd, a strong and speedy wingman, is one of just 10 players to have won back-to-back best-andfairest awards at Glenelg, along with the likes of Kym Hodgeman, Stephen Kernahan, Chris McDermott, Nick Chigwidden and Andrew Bradley.

And he was vice-captain when the Bays claimed their historic first win,

in 1925 against West Torrens.

The Broken Hill product was a champion swimmer and also a successful runner and in his last season in 1932, he and club stalwart Clem Hill played their 100th games and were rewarded with £10 cheques – quite a bit of money in the time of the Great Depression. As a part of history that shines even brighter now at the Bay, he deserved it. sanfl.com.au

17

STEP BACK IN TIME

TEENAGER PAYNE’S HIGH FIVE

BY DION HAYMAN

Elusive Norwood forward David Payne was deadly when charging towards the goals.

David Payne still rates his fifth goal against Central in the 1984 first semifinal as the “biggest” of his career.

Playing just his 14th league game, the then 19-year-old fired Norwood ahead in the shadows of full-time, the second of four remarkable majors in the final seven-and-a-half minutes. “That goal sticks in my mind,” Payne declared.

Battling a defiant Central and despite the benefit of a four-goal breeze in the final quarter, Norwood appeared in trouble after 13 minutes when Stephen Connelly broke from centre and scored the Bulldogs’ only goal into the wind all day. It put the Dogs 12 points clear and they still led by 11 after 21 minutes when Duncan Fosdike soared above second ruck Bruce Joycey to pull down a vital mark on the outer wing.

Fosdike’s pass found Peter Laughlin who set up Neville Roberts for his second goal from 20 metres after he outpointed Mark Prior.

What followed was the defining moment of the match. Joycey was left to battle Neil Hein at the bounce with Richard Cousins having a breather on the bench. Tom Warhurst charged off the back of the square and attacked the ball 18

sanfl.com.au

Central’s Mark Pitman gets a hurried kick away despite David Payne’s desperate attempt to smother in the 1984 first semi-final.

like a Spanish bull, only to be saddled by a John Platten tackle.

Warhurst wriggled free enough to punt a speculative kick forward that fortuitously landed in the arms of Garry McIntosh. He immediately handballed to Michael Aish, who released a beckoning Payne. The teenager steadied and launched a 50m drop punt that flirted with the left-hand goalpost before straightening, prompting him to leap skyward in delight. It was his third goal for the quarter.

“That put us in front, that was a huge goal,” Payne recalled. “I just had a dip at it and it worked. The biggest goal of my career, for sure. You miss it and it changes the whole concept of the game. You don’t know, we might not have won that game.”

Ninety seconds later, Peter Laughlin, who had given Michael Wright a torrid time all day as a foil for Roberts, pounced on a loose ball after a rare dropped mark from his cohort and Norwood had some vital breathing space. With 29 minutes gone and the Bulldogs resigned to their fate, the same two players combined and Roberts booted his third as the siren confirmed Norwood’s remarkable

run remained alive.

“There was a feeling around the club that no-one was going to beat us,” Laughlin said from his Queensland home. “There was a strong belief that we could do it, we could win from fifth. I felt confident we were going to win each week.”

Laughlin, who unusually came into the game after just 30 seconds replacing Hein at full forward after Norwood lost the toss, was a reluctant recruit at Norwood in 1981. He played with Neil Balme at Richmond and kicked 36 goals in 1978 but by 1980 had slipped out of the Tigers’ side as they motored towards the VFL premiership. “I had spoken to Melbourne and Essendon but in the finish I was more or less told I had to go to Norwood,” he said. “I was kind of 50-50 between staying in Melbourne or coming to Norwood but because Richmond made it hard for me, I ended up coming to Adelaide. I didn’t question it like I should have but, as it turned out, it was a good decision.”

Richmond’s motivation had much to do with building goodwill with Norwood owing to its interest in securing Aish, who had kicked a phenomenal seven goals among 36

touches to help topple South in the elimination final. But it was Payne’s five goals that sank Central. And while few expect a teenager with No. 52 on his back to score that many goals in a final, it should not have come as a total surprise.

Payne rose through Norwood’s ranks spectacularly that season, beginning in the under-19s where he booted bags of nine, seven and eight before being promoted to the reserves. Another five games at that level yielded returns of five, three, five, four and six before his league debut against Glenelg at the Bay in Round 9. Two goals that day were followed by hauls of five against North and Port before his high five against the Bulldogs.

A pinpoint left-foot snap into the teeth of the wind in the opening quarter set him up for a bumper afternoon. “I kicked a couple early and you think, ‘I’m on today’. It spurs you on,” Payne said. “Balmey said the other day at the ’84 reunion, we were quite resilient in that final series. I don’t think we ever gave up, we just kept plugging away and if you do that, things can happen.

Balmey had a lot of trust in us as players. He backed us in all the time. He trusted you and knew you’d do the right thing and I think that’s a real positive being coached by someone like him. He was such a warming sort of fella. That’s a nature that not a lot of coaches have. I rarely got berated by Balmey. Look, if you played a shocker he’d berate you. But rarely did you get rung out by him.”

Hence Balme’s rare blow-ups were so much more memorable – like when the Redlegs slid to 6-8 after a 95-point hiding at Elizabeth that season. “He went absolutely ballistic that day and I was actually s…ing my pants because I’d never seen a bloke go off like that. There were water bottles going all over the shop and clothes and towels and tape. He was a very angry man that day.”

Norwood lost only once more that season en route to its historymaking premiership from fifth.

Payne credits an address from dual premiership coach Bob Hammond as another key plank in the Redlegs’ premiership tilt. “He gave us a bit of a talk in the Blue Room just before the finals. He laid it on the line and

The talk was already around town that Norwood was closing in on history – this is the Sunday Mail headline after the Redlegs beat Central in the 1984 first semi-final.

Some words of wisdom from dual premiership coach Bob Hammond helped lift the Redlegs in their 1984 premiership assault.

told us what to do and how to go about it. I reckon that had a lot to do with it. Just that little bit of input from Bob, who was a legend in those days. He was a bit of an icon.”

After the game, Norwood captain Danny Jenkins noted: “This was perhaps our biggest hurdle. They’ve caused us more trouble this season than any other team.” Central was gallant, playing without skipper Peter Krieg, a late withdrawal, and the suspended Brett Hannam, Jamie Thomas and Stephen Nolan following a brutal qualifying final

against Glenelg. Coach Kevin Neale told his charges: “I am never happy at losing but I am very proud of the magnificent way you tried your guts out.”

Despite Norwood’s heroics, The Advertiser’s match report screamed, “Central comes of age”.

But a fortnight later, the Redlegs stole all the headlines.

Next week: Norwood overcomes its third finals deficit in a row to beat Glenelg and secure its place in the 1984 grand final. sanfl.com.au

19

MILESTONES

STEVEN SLIMMING STURT

MATT PANOS NORWOOD

KYLE PRESBURY CENTRAL

GEORGE KENDALL CENTRAL

150 GAMES

150 GAMES

150 GAMES

50 GAMES

COLES MINI LEAGUERS OF THE WEEK Calais Elvin

Which SANFL match are you attending?

Sturt v Glenelg

Your local football club? Portland

Emily Cathery Favourite SANFL team?

Favourite SANFL team?

Port Adelaide

Norwood

What is the best thing about playing footy?

Favourite SANFL player? Samuel Morris

You get to have fun and make new friends

What do you want to be when you are older?

If you were a superhero, what would be your name and super power? Pocket

Run my own doggie daycare

rocket – super strength

What would you do with $1 million? Take my family on a holiday and save the rest

What is the best thing about playing footy?

Which SANFL match are you attending?

Norwood v Central

Football Club

Your local football club? Tea Tree Gully

Forward line

What position do you play on the footy field? Defence

The best piece of advice given by your What position do you play on the footy field? coach? Just have fun

20

sanfl.com.au

and enjoy the game

Kicking goals, tackling and winning

What do you like doing when you’re not playing footy?

Art and looking after my pet birds and dogs

The best piece of advice given by your coach? Keep on pushing!

UNDER-18 WRAP

ZAC MILBANK | TWITTER @ZACMILBANK

BY ZACBYMILBANK

Josh Reichelt wins possession in Central District’s stunning success against minor premier Glenelg. Photo: Peter Argent

Woodville-West Torrens’ refusal to give in earned it a spirited threepoint win against Sturt in the SANFL Under-18 first semi-final at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Eagles appeared headed for victory when Raymond Sumner put his side 15 points up three minutes into the final quarter. But the Double Blues were desperate to keep their season alive, high-flying forward Sam Waltham booting consecutive goals before crafty teammate Wil Thomas put the hosts in front nearing the 12th minute.

Waltham again put his side back in front when he replied to Eagle Jack Cook’s major but Jack Gray’s fourth goal for the afternoon, in the 20th minute, would prove to be the difference-maker.

The Eagles, who finished the minor round in fourth spot, progressed to a preliminary final match-up with

minor premier Glenelg, while the Double Blues’ campaign has come to an abrupt end.

Cook (25 disposals, six clearances), Gray (four goals) and Sumner were high in the Eagles’ best, as was talented midfielder Kade Herbert (21 disposals).

Sturt ruck Alex Dodson continued his fine finish to the season with 19 disposals and seven clearances, while midfielders Oscar Merrett (19 disposals, two goals) and Harley Barker (17 disposals, two goals) battled hard.

Central District jumped out of the blocks to shock minor premier Glenelg en route to a 20-point victory in the second semi-final at Stratarama Stadium.

Booting 5.1 to 1.1 in the opening quarter, the Bulldogs used this as an ideal platform to earn a week’s

Sturt forward Sam Waltham takes a towering mark. Photo: Nick Hook

rest while booking a berth in the title-decider on Sunday, September 15. Leading at every change, the Dogs were able to keep the Bays at arm’s length as they dominated the inside-50m entries 55-31.

Versatile Bulldog Matthew LeRay shone to collect a game-high 28 disposals and a goal, while James Noack and Charlie Nicholls (three goals) were also influential.

Central’s Isiah Nettle, Tallan Rosenzweig and Aidan Schubert booted two goals each.

Max Disbury and Harry Ramm were recognised for their efforts by the Tigers, together with unheralded co-captain Archer Rouvray, who earned 15 disposals and five tackles while booting a goal. Lucas Camporeale (20 disposals, two goals) and Charlie McAuliffe (13 disposals, two goals) also battled hard.

Making our mark.

sanfl.com.au

21

SEASON STANDINGS 2024 2024 HOSTPLUS SANFL MEN’S LEAGUE 2024 STANLEY H. LEWIS TROPHY

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 19)

Team

P W L

D

F

A

%

Pts

Norwood

18 15 3

0 1491 948

61.13

30

Sturt

18 15 3

0 1340 896 59.93 30

Central

18 12 6

0 1267 1146 52.51 24

Glenelg

18 11

0 1426 1186 54.59 22

Eagles

18 8 10 0 1383 1288 51.78

16

Adelaide

R

U18

U16

W

1500 625

650

325

700 3800

Glenelg

1100

600

700

250

950 3600

Central

1200 325

700

275

900 3400

Norwood

1500 700

150

50

750

South

400

475

200

300

1100 2475

18 8 10 0 1290 1315 49.52 16

Eagles

800

450

500

100

400 2250

North

18 8 10 0 1306 1402 48.23 16

North

800

350

450

300

200

2100

West

18 5 13 0 1109 1433 43.63 10

West

500

75

250

100

600

1525

South

18 4 14 0 1080 1558 40.94

8

Adelaide

800

0

0

0

0

800

Port

18 4 14 0 1078 1598 40.28

8

Port

400

0

0

0

0

400

F

7

2024 HOSTPLUS SANFL WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Sturt

M

3150

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 19)

P W L

D

F

A

%

Pts

A

%

Pts

South

14 11 3

0

551

288 65.67

22

Norwood 18 14 4

0 1295 934

58.1

28

Glenelg

14 9

4

1

486

485 50.05

19

Sturt

18 12 5

1 1324 997

57.04

25

Central

14 9

5

0

578

554

18

Glenelg

18 12 6

0 1336 1029 56.49

24

Norwood 14 7

6

1

501

376

57.13

15

South

18 9

8

1

977 1224 44.39

19

Sturt

14 7

7

0

490

507

49.15

14

Eagles

18 9

9

0

1175 1125 51.09

18

West

14 6

8

0

433

474

47.74

12

North

18 7

11 0 1193 1315

47.57

14

Eagles

14 4 10 0

430

479

47.3

8

Central

18 6 11

1

1079 1232 46.69

13

North

14 2 12 0

272

578

32

4

West

18 1 16 1

805 1328 37.74

3

51.06

2024 SANFL U18s Team

Team

P W L

D

2024 SANFL U16s

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 18)

P W L

D

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 17)

F

A

%

Pts

Team

P W L

D

F

A

%

Pts

Glenelg

18 14 4

0 1483 944

61.1

28

Sturt

17 13 4

0 1456 793

64.74

26

Central

18 14 4

0 1403 1078 56.55

28

South

17 12 5

0 1395 866

61.7

24

Sturt

18 13 5

0 1239 1070 53.66

26

North

17 12 5

0 1281

977

56.73

24

Eagles

18 10 8

0

54.16

20

Central

17 11 6

0 1282 909

58.51

22

North

18 9

0 1231 1264 49.34

18

Glenelg

17 10 7

0 1256 1089 53.56

20

West

18 5 13 0

986 1478 40.02

10

Eagles

17 4 13 0

889 1265 41.27

8

South

18 4 14 0 1091 1373 44.28

8

West

17 4 13 0

797

1321 37.63

8

Norwood

18 3 15 0

6

Norwood

17 2 15 0

660 1796 26.87

4

9

1315

1113

994 1422 41.14

LAST ROUND’S RESULTS SANFL HOSTPLUS MEN’S LEAGUE ADELAIDE OVAL ELIMINATION FINAL Glenelg v Eagles Glenelg 19.17 (131) d Eagles 8.12 (60) QUALIFYING FINAL Sturt v Central Central 8.2 (50) d Sturt 5.9 (39) Crowd: 8121 22

Total

2024 RESERVES

(POSITIONS AT THE END OF RD 14)

Team

Team

sanfl.com.au

RESERVES ELIMINATION FINAL Eagles 9.7 (61) d South 7.9 (51)

QUALIFYING FINAL Sturt 15.11 (101) d Glenelg 5.10 (40)

UNDER-18 FIRST SEMI-FINAL Eagles 12.11 (83) d Sturt 13.2 (80)

SECOND SEMI-FINAL Central 12.7 (79) d Glenelg 9.5 (59)

THE ROAD AHEAD ROUND 1 Easter Weekend

Norwood 11.11 (77) d Sturt 7.8 (50) Central 14.9 (93) d North 9.12 (66) Adelaide 13.18 (96) d South 14.7 (91) Eagles 20.13 (133) d West 10.9 (69) Glenelg 23.12 (150) d Port 13.6 (84)

AFL GATHER ROUND

ROUND 6

Norwood 10.12 (72) d Adelaide 7.12 (54) Sturt 11.10 (76) d Central 6.5 (41) North 18.11 (119) d Port 5.5 (35) Eagles 11.11 (77) d South 11.6 (72) Glenelg 10.10 (70) d West 6.7 (43)

ROUND 11

Norwood 18.14 (122) d Port 5.9 (39) Sturt 10.15 (75) d North 9.9 (63) Glenelg 16.12 (108) d West 8.8 (56)

KIA STATE GAME

ROUND 16

Glenelg 11.15 (81) d Norwood 6.11 (47) Central 12.2 (74) d North 9.8 (62) Sturt 9.14 (68) d Port 6.9 (45) South 10.11 (71) d West 7.8 (50) Adelaide 11.10 (76) d Eagles 8.12 (60)

BYE WEEKEND

SANFL 10.5 (65) d VFL 7.9 (51)

Sunday 19 May SANFL 16.13 (109) d WAFL 5.16(46)

ROUND 2

ROUND 7 First Nations Rounds

ROUND 12

ROUND 17

ROUND 3

ROUND 8 First Nations Rounds

ROUND 13

ROUND 18

Adelaide 11.9 (75) d Central 5.9 (39) Sturt 11.9 (75) d South 7.12 (54) Glenelg 9.13 (67) d Eagles 8.7 (55) Norwood 17.13 (115) d West 6.5 (41) Port 13.8 (86) d North 8.9 (57)

Norwood 18.10 (118) d North 9.9 (63) Central 6.9 (45) d Glenelg 6.8 (44) Eagles 17.16 (118) d South 9.7 (61) Sturt 13.11 (89) d West 4.8 (32) Adelaide 19.10 (124) d Port 6.11 (47)

ROUND 4 Anzac Weekend

ROUND 9 King’s Birthday Weekend

ROUND 14

ROUND 19

ROUND 5

ROUND 10

ROUND 15

FINALS

Norwood 10.11 (71) d Glenelg 7.5 (47) Eagles 21.12 (138) d North 7.4 (46) Central 15.7 (97) d Adelaide 5.12 (42) West 12.11 (83) d Port 11.13 (79) Sturt 16.9 (105) d South 5.10 (40)

Central 14.9 (93) d South 10.7 (67) North 10.3 (63) d Sturt 8.9 (57) Glenelg 16.10 (106) d Adelaide 10.8 (68) Norwood 6.14 (50) d West 5.7 (37) Eagles 12.11 (83) d Port 8.9 (57)

Sturt 11.16 (82) d Glenelg 6.8 (44) West 17.10 (112) d South 6.9 (45) Central 14.6 (90) d Eagles 11.9 (75) North 12.12 (84) d Adelaide 10.8 (68) Norwood 8.13 (61) d Port 6.7 (43)

Adelaide 16.7 (103) d Port 8.14 (62) Norwood 10.7 (67) d North 8.11 (59) Central 9.12 (66) d West 6.9 (45) Glenelg 9.16 (70) d South 6.7 (43) Eagles 12.11 (83) d Sturt 11.9 (75)

West 13.9 (87) d North 8.8 (56) Norwood 16.11 (107) d Central 8.9 (57) South 17.15 (117) d Yartapuulti 7.2 (44) Sturt 15.12 (102) d Kuwarna 6.5 (41) Glenelg 11.12 (78) d Eagles 10.7 (67)

Sturt 6.15 (51) d Yartapuulti 4.3 (27) Glenelg 11.12 (78) d Central 10.11 (71) West 11.8 (74) d Kuwarna 7.12 (54) North 14.10 (94) d South 8.8 (56) Eagles 15.9 (99) d Norwood 8.12 (60)

South 8.14 (62) d Adelaide 8.7 (55) Central 8.12 (60) d Eagles 7.12 (54) Glenelg 12.12 (84) d North10.12 (72) Sturt 9.11 (65) d Norwood 5.7 (37)

Weekend of Saturday 3 August Central 12.6 (78) d Port 7.11 (53) North 8.15 (63) d Eagles 6.4 (40) Sturt 10.10 (70) d West 3.7 (25) Adelaide 15.6 (96) d Glenelg 7.15 (57) Norwood 9.16 (70) d South 4.7 (31)

Norwood 14.18 (102) d Adelaide 5.9 (39) Port 9.7 (61) d Glenelg 6.11 (47) Sturt 8.14 (62) d Eagles 8.6 (54) Central 11.5 (71) d West 10.5 (65) North 9.18 (72) d South 10.4 (64)

Central 14.8 (92) d South 4.5 (29) Norwood 12.14 (86) d Central 6.8 (44) Port 15.7 (97) d West 10.17 (77) West 12.6 (78) d Eagles 5.9 (39) Eagles 15.12 (102) d Adelaide7.7 (49) Adelaide 14.9 (93) d North 7.13 (55) Sturt 14.8 (92) d Glenelg 10.12 (72) South 14.11 (95) d Port 12.8 (80)

Legend

Norwood 16.11 (107) d South 7.10 (52) North 16.7 (103) d Glenelg 10.15 (75) Sturt 12.14 (86) d Central 8.4 (52) Adelaide 17.9 (111) d West 6.7 (43) Port 15.13 (103) d Eagles 8.11 (59)

Glenelg 21.22 (148) d South 3.12 (30) Central 15.14 (104) d Port 5.6 (36) Norwood 19.8 (122) d Eagles 6.11 (47) North 17.7 (109) d West 13.14 (92) Sturt 7.18 (60) d Adelaide 5.16 (46)

Elimination Final Glenelg 19.17 (131) d Eagles 8.12 (60) Qualifying Final Central 8.2 (50) d Sturt 5.9 (39) Sunday 8 September Semi Final 1 & 2

AO

Sunday 15 September Preliminary Final

AO

Sunday 22 September Grand Final

AO

Key: Bold = home team

A - Alberton Oval, AO - Adelaide Oval, CO – Centenary Oval, CS – Coopers Stadium, Norwood, FUS – Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga, HS – Hisense Stadium, Richmond, JP – Johnstone Park, MTKO – Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville, PO - Prospect Oval, R – Riverland, VH – Victor Harbor, SS – Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg, XCO – X Convenience Oval, Elizabeth Oval, TFO – Thomas Farms Oval, Unley

PUBLISHER

EDITOR Peter Cornwall

PHOTOGRAPHY Cory Sutton & David Mariuz

P (08) 8233 9433 W boylen.com.au

MEDIA CO-ORDINATOR Zac Milbank zac.milbank@sanfl.com.au

COVER

BACK COPIES | FOOTBALL & CORPORATE OPERATIONS P (08) 8424 2200 E admin@sanfl.com.au

DESIGN Henry Rivera & Patrycja Whipp

Norwood’s Izaak Twelftree, Central’s Aiden Grace, Sturt’s Sam Conforti and Glenelg’s Luke Reynolds are hoping for a semi-final celebration.

sanfl.com.au

23

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