SANFL FINALS 2014 -- Week 3 Wrap-Up

raboyle

Norm Smith Medallist
May 8, 2001
5,661
803
X Convenience Oval, Elizabeth
AFL Club
Adelaide
Other Teams
CDFC (SANFL), Port Melb (VFL)
Hi Footy fans...

The big day is upon us, only six days until we crown the 2014 premiers. The return of the Grand Final to the Adelaide Oval is sure to be a hit with the South Australian public as well as SA footy-heads across the state, many are talking up an attendance of close to 40000 if not more. The Redlegs put themselves in a prime position to defend their title, winning through to the big dance two weekends ago and giving them a huge opportunity to take not just a third straight SANFL premiership but an overall 30th flag. All that there was left to do is see who would challenge them for the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy... was it going to be their old rivals or a reborn side?

Welcome to the Week 3 edition of the SANFL Wrap-Up.

The Preliminary Final is the last chance saloon in the fight for the flag, but it also carries with it a lowered likelihood of going all the way to the premiership. This time around it would be the Magpies facing the Panthers, the minor premiers' loss to the Redlegs in the 2nd Semi-Final drawing them up against the rising phoenix from the southern suburbs. The Magpies have taken this road to the premiership on three occasions in the post-Crows era, where as South's last successful appearance in this match would take us all the way back to 1979. That match was one that perhaps South shouldn't have won, up against minor premiers Central District who would crash out of the finals in straight sets to the Panthers and the Magpies who would then clash in that year's premiership decider. Another appearance in 1991 would result in a defeat to the Bloods, although the resulting barbaric Grand Final of that season was probably one best avoided. Since that year, finals appearances became a privilege for the Panthers, they bobbed up in 2006 and 2011 but didn't make it any further than the first or second weeks of those campaigns. As for Port, after their 1999 premiership, subsequent appearances in finals were met with multiple disappointments for the Magpie faithful. But then this season, with big brother Power firmly joined at the hip, Port has taken aim once more at the South Australian crown.

From the matches played this season, both sides got one over each other at their respective home grounds. Back in Round 7, the Magpies took a 10-goal victory at Alberton while in the more recent contest the Panthers honoured their 1964 greats with a 17-point win at Noarlunga. Just two games, you say? Yeah... the results of a shortened season, thanks AFL. A tight contest ensued in the first quarter, the Magpies inaccuracy causing concerns for coach Garry Hocking early as the Panthers scored 2.2 to 1.3 to lead by five points at the first change. South's second quarter efforts paid off on the scoreboard, their hitouts and clearances giving the Magpies some headaches as they stretched their advantage to 17 points by the half-time break after they added 5.2 to 3.2. But as has been the case for most of Port's latter half of the year, they have an annoying habit of turning on a single quarter performance and making it count. Much to the dismay and shock of the long suffering Panthers supporters, they did just that when play resumed for the second half. Whilst keeping the Panthers to just three lousy behinds with increased pressure on man and ball, the Magpies booted 6.5 to take over control and go into the final change with a 21-point lead. The Panthers didn't capitulate totally, but that third quarter did put the result out of reach for them as the Magpies kept them at arms length for the rest of the game. The final result was reduced to 20 points, South kicking 3.3 to Port's 3.2 as the black & whites broke through for their first premiership decider in 15 seasons. Steve Summerton was named best for Port, while the Panthers named Joel Cross as their best on ground.

FINAL SCORES IN WEEK 3 OF THE SANFL FINALS...

Sunday September 14
PRELIMINARY FINAL

Port Adelaide 13.12 (90)
South Adelaide 10.10 (70)
8,079 @ Adelaide Oval


OTHER GRADE PRELIMINARY FINALS
The Eagles are gearing up for a Colts and Reserves premiership double, their opponents in the deciders will be the Bloods and the Double Blues respectively after their wins in their Preliminary Finals. The Bloods horrid inaccuracy in the second quarter of the Reserves match almost let the Redlegs in, but still booked their spot in the Grand Final with their eight-point escape. The Bloods didn't have as much trouble, although what seemed to be a game-breaking second term almost came undone in the second half before they triumphed by four goals to advance to the Macca's Cup decider in an all western suburbs affair.

Under-18's -- West Adelaide 14.12 (96) def. North Adelaide 11.6 (72)
Reserves -- Sturt 14.20 (104) def. Norwood 15.6 (96)


So now we find ourselves approaching the main event of Season 2014, the old rivals facing off for the premiership in what promises to be a crowd-pulling blockbuster. Plus the SANFL has managed to get The Screaming Jets in for pre-match entertainment so it promises to be one hell of an arvo at the Oval!

Friday September 19 @ 7pm
UNDER-18's MACCA'S CUP GRAND FINAL

Woodville-West Torrens vs. West Adelaide; Gliderol Stadium, Glenelg

Sunday September 21 @ Adelaide Oval
RESERVES GRAND FINAL

Woodville-West Torrens vs. Sturt; 11:20am

2014 SANFL IGA LEAGUE GRAND FINAL
Norwood vs. Port Adelaide; 2:40pm

Next week's edition will include the results list from all the first division Grand Finals in the SA Community Football League, including Amateurs, Country and Womens as well as the Sunday Mail Medallists.

So until next weekend... see you at the Footy!
 

saintal

All Australian
Mar 29, 2007
937
711
Adelaide
AFL Club
St Kilda
Other Teams
South Adel, Portland, QPR, Penrith
Great write up as always Raboyle, but I found it difficult to hit the "Like" button :cool:

Didn't take the opportunity that presented itself. Too many passengers and a lack of poise at crucial times. Fumbly under pressure. Half time lead probably flattered us a little, as a lot of it could be put down to Eddy's efforts in the forward half, didn't feel as though there was much forward structure unlike last week. Didn't throw in the towel and pressed late, but squandered a few half chances that could have really narrowed the gap.

The salt in the wound is losing to them, especially under the circumstances. Kick in the guts as the farcical "Yes" vote late last season really hits home.
 
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