- May 8, 2001
- 5,667
- 818
- AFL Club
- Adelaide
- Other Teams
- CDFC (SANFL), Port Melb (VFL)
Hi Footy fans...
"The following contest is scheduled for four quarters of 20 minutes plus time-on and it is for the 2010 SANFL Premiership!"
This contest would have read out much like a wrestling or boxing pay-per-view match. Two teams that had never faced off against each other for a title, in one corner is a club that has seen out over a century of action against what in comparison would be considered a young upstart. But despite that tag, the latter has become a modern-day force in South Australian football... while the other, whilst being one of the most decorated clubs in existence with not only SA flags but also national titles hasn't featured in the big day for over a decade. This was the match up that many hoped for... not just by the veteran club of the league, but also by the younger club that craved a truly seasoned opponent... an avenue toward genuine respect from their peers.
Welcome to the last SANFL Wrap-Up for 2010... the Grand Final.
Central District. What words can describe this club? For many years words like "losers" or "punching bags" would have been accurate. But at the end of the 20th century, the worst nightmares of those same people came to pass as the Bulldogs of Elizabeth put the boots into the league with their decade of dominance from 2000 to 2009. 10 Grand Finals in a row for eight premiership flags. Roy Laird has put himself up there with the greats of SANFL coaches, with six premierships to his name. These days, the word to describe them is "juggernaut".
Norwood. Around for over 125 years, the Redlegs have been there and done that many times over and have known dominance before. The 27-time SANFL premier, three-time national champion had their dominant period in the early years of organised SA football, with scattered successes since then. They're the only side that has won the premiership from fifth spot in the infamous 1984 decider. A rookie coach in Nathan Bassett took the helm this year, dropped right into the fire after a salary-cap violation imposed early season problems. Despite this and an early-season run of losses, they entered their first grand final since 1999 and an opportunity for glory not tasted since 1997.
The SANFL was in unfamiliar territory this time around, with a re-match of the AFL Grand Final as well as the Slowdown charity match played out the day before it was widely believed that these factors would impact on the crowd. Although it was down on last year, a little over 34000 SA footy-heads made their way to the battlefield of AAMI Stadium for South Australian football's showpiece event. We were in for an awesome display in the fight for the 2010 premiership flag and the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy.
The ledger for the year stood at 2-1 in favour of the Bulldogs... other than the 2nd Semi-Final win was a nine-point victory at the Dog-pound in Round 17, Norwood taking the earlier match by three points at The Parade. The game started out with the Redlegs winning the first hit-out, but the ball wouldn't make it out of the centre square until almost two minutes with Jason McKenzie getting the first kick. Chris Gowans' mark from an Ian Callinan pass would get Centrals their first goal, then a minute later Norwood would take their first goal through Cam Shenton. Speaking of wrestling, Danny Havelberg laid a near spinebuster tackle on a Norwood player in one of the highlights of the first term. Kyle Jenner, who missed the 2009 decider, would give the Dogs the advantage again in the eighth minute. A behind and further goals to Daniel Schell and Callinan, as well as keeping the 'Legs to Shenton's goal and a point would see the Dogs up by three goals at the first change.
The Dogs seemed to have control at this time, but the Redlegs would soon send the Centrals faithful sinking back into their seats. Centrals wasted several opportunities, the Redlegs going on the attack with an efficiency that out-performed the reigning premiers' first quarter effort. Matthew Davis would start their second quarter surge with his goal prior to the second minute, then popped up again in that pocket to bring the gap back to five points at six minutes. A moment of madness from James Gowans saw a double 25m penalty and a Dean Terlich goal which put the 'Legs in front only two and a half minutes later, then David Trotter and Simon Phillips would chime in within the next five minutes with a goal each to further add to Central's headaches. The Dogs were coughing up several soft turnovers and could only score behinds, all the while the Redlegs were opening up a wound and they smelled some blood. Sam Rowe put the last goal of the term through and suddenly the Redlegs were 17 point leaders after kicking a combined 6.3 to Central's lousy four behinds.
Norwood's sudden confidence boost would not be justified for long, the Bulldogs' resolve was never truly weakened even at this point. When play resumed for the third term often dubbed "The Premiership Quarter", nothing could have been more accurate as the Bulldogs launched their own assault. Despite being denied a quick first minute goal after an unsighted Nick Lower bagged Chris Gowans before he could fire, Callinan would slot through the first goal of the term just two minutes later. The Dogs would continue to reel the Redlegs back prior to the seventh minute as Schell kicked his second goal after receiving a Jack Gunston free. Finally at the 16th minute mark, Callinan bobbed up once more to put the Dogs back into the lead by three points with his wobbly 40-metre punt, then featured in a devastating shirt-front two minutes later which sent Phillips off the park with stars in his eyes. Lee Spurr put the margin out to 10 points, a poor kick-in by Alexis Georgiou resulting in the easy turnover which found Jay Nash who dished out to Spurr. Try as they may, the Redlegs couldn't find the big sticks. The Dogs finished the quarter with a third goal to Schell, altogether they kicked an inaccurate 5.6 to Norwood's lowly two points.
The final quarter was going to be an arm-wrestling match, the Dogs holding the 17-point advantage as the Redlegs again threatened the Dogs now tenuous hold on the league trophy. Kieran McGuinness had an opportunity early on to kick the first goal of the final quarter, but his miss allowed the Dogs loud fans at the northern side to breath a little easier for a while longer. It wouldn't be until the 12th minute that a goal was scored, Eddie Sansbury curling the ball to Callinan who would bag the Dogs only score of the term which would bridge the gap to 20 points through his fourth goal. Three minutes later the Redlegs brought it back to 14, then at 20 minutes another goal would bring it back to eight at which point there was a need for a new ball! Matt Davis would feature in both those goals. Everyone was at the edge of their seats, the Dogs fans cringing and getting boisterous at the same time while the Redlegs fans dared to dream.
Brayden O'Hara almost made himself a villain for his team after giving away a free to Davis in scoring range, but only a behind would eventuate. Tim Weatherald almost brought it back to a point at 25 minutes, but his shot hit the woodwork and that would be it as the siren sounded at 27 minutes, launching the Bulldogs mob into raptures and many Norwood faithful wondering what might have been. The Bulldogs once again securing the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy and a ninth premiership flag. Norwood gave it their all, no doubt about it and was arguably their most determined opponent in all of Central's victorious Grand Finals, a fact which was reflected by coach Roy Laird's post match comments. Echoing his thoughts was eventual Jack Oatey Medallist Ian Callinan, with his 24 disposals and four goals including the decisive final score. The Redlegs' standout performer would be Paul Puopolo, who finished with 20 disposals.
Sunday October 3
2010 SANFL GRAND FINAL
Central District 10.11 (71)
Norwood 9.11 (65)
34,355 @ AAMI Stadium
INJURIES
Norwood -- Phillips (broken jaw), Shenton (corked thigh)
Three Bulldogs would suck up some hurt during the game but would play on... James Boyd with a broken leg, Yves Sibenaler got a concussion in the first term and Kyle Jenner with a hamstring problem!
Also, in a feat almost reflecting the efforts of Aaron Keating 13 years ago, Jason Sutherland would add an SANFL premiership medal to his Riverland FL premiership medal after he helped his Berri Demons to that competition's flag after playing his eighth game for the Dogs. For those who don't remember, within the space of a week Keating would be a dual-premiership winner with Adelaide and Norwood's 1997 flag winning teams.
SCHELL, BOWN AND WEATHERALD CALL IT A DAY
In the aftermath of the Grand Final win, Daniel Schell would bring an end to his stellar career which involves 164 games, 344 goals with two Ken Farmer Medals, a Fos Williams Medal from two state appearances and seven premiership medals. Norwood's Stuart Bown also announced his retirement after 178 games and 121 goals, along with an U-19's flag in 1997 after coming from West Broken Hill.
But the most lasting SANFL footballer of the last 20 years will probably be the most missed as Tim Weatherald would bring his 15-year, 311 league match run to a close. His SANFL career began at Sturt as a 17-year old, where he made his biggest impact in 2002 after taking out club best & fairest, Magarey Medal and premiership medal in the same year, a year that also saw him endure probably the most mentally-taxing event of his life in the aftermath of the Bali Bombing incident. He would return to the field regardless, a move that would eventually see him enter the doors of Norwood in 2008. He'll probably be around the league here and there, he's also an SANFL life member.
Its been great watching you Tim... happy retirement.
TIGERS & MAGPIES FUTURE'S BRIGHT
In the curtain raisers to the main event, the Glenelg and Port Adelaide Magpies football clubs would take out the Macca's Cup and Reserves trophies respectively in their grade's Grand Finals. Kris Massie's first year as coach of the Glenelg U-18's resulted in back to back flags for the Tigers in the teen's division, defeating West Adelaide by 57 points. After that, the Magpies downed the Double Blues in the Reserves decider by nine points, possibly pointing to a different 2011 for the Port club. Glenelg's Matthew Snook was awarded the Alan Stewart Medal, while Magpie Sam Tonkes bagged the Bob Lee Medal as best on ground in their matches.
So that's it folks... so what's in store for next year? Will we see the Dogs continue to defy age and odds for a 10th title? Can Bassett continue to bring about Norwood's rise from the ashes? There's the possibility that we could be seeing a unified Port Adelaide club, a former Power player returns to his North Adelaide roots, the Vics await with a looming clash in Melbourne... you'll all just have to wait. A loooooooooooooooong, looooooooooooooong wait.
So until next year... that's a Wrap.
CENTRAL DISTRICT FOOTBALL CLUB -- 2010 SANFL Premiers
"The following contest is scheduled for four quarters of 20 minutes plus time-on and it is for the 2010 SANFL Premiership!"
This contest would have read out much like a wrestling or boxing pay-per-view match. Two teams that had never faced off against each other for a title, in one corner is a club that has seen out over a century of action against what in comparison would be considered a young upstart. But despite that tag, the latter has become a modern-day force in South Australian football... while the other, whilst being one of the most decorated clubs in existence with not only SA flags but also national titles hasn't featured in the big day for over a decade. This was the match up that many hoped for... not just by the veteran club of the league, but also by the younger club that craved a truly seasoned opponent... an avenue toward genuine respect from their peers.
Welcome to the last SANFL Wrap-Up for 2010... the Grand Final.
Central District. What words can describe this club? For many years words like "losers" or "punching bags" would have been accurate. But at the end of the 20th century, the worst nightmares of those same people came to pass as the Bulldogs of Elizabeth put the boots into the league with their decade of dominance from 2000 to 2009. 10 Grand Finals in a row for eight premiership flags. Roy Laird has put himself up there with the greats of SANFL coaches, with six premierships to his name. These days, the word to describe them is "juggernaut".
Norwood. Around for over 125 years, the Redlegs have been there and done that many times over and have known dominance before. The 27-time SANFL premier, three-time national champion had their dominant period in the early years of organised SA football, with scattered successes since then. They're the only side that has won the premiership from fifth spot in the infamous 1984 decider. A rookie coach in Nathan Bassett took the helm this year, dropped right into the fire after a salary-cap violation imposed early season problems. Despite this and an early-season run of losses, they entered their first grand final since 1999 and an opportunity for glory not tasted since 1997.
The SANFL was in unfamiliar territory this time around, with a re-match of the AFL Grand Final as well as the Slowdown charity match played out the day before it was widely believed that these factors would impact on the crowd. Although it was down on last year, a little over 34000 SA footy-heads made their way to the battlefield of AAMI Stadium for South Australian football's showpiece event. We were in for an awesome display in the fight for the 2010 premiership flag and the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy.
The ledger for the year stood at 2-1 in favour of the Bulldogs... other than the 2nd Semi-Final win was a nine-point victory at the Dog-pound in Round 17, Norwood taking the earlier match by three points at The Parade. The game started out with the Redlegs winning the first hit-out, but the ball wouldn't make it out of the centre square until almost two minutes with Jason McKenzie getting the first kick. Chris Gowans' mark from an Ian Callinan pass would get Centrals their first goal, then a minute later Norwood would take their first goal through Cam Shenton. Speaking of wrestling, Danny Havelberg laid a near spinebuster tackle on a Norwood player in one of the highlights of the first term. Kyle Jenner, who missed the 2009 decider, would give the Dogs the advantage again in the eighth minute. A behind and further goals to Daniel Schell and Callinan, as well as keeping the 'Legs to Shenton's goal and a point would see the Dogs up by three goals at the first change.
The Dogs seemed to have control at this time, but the Redlegs would soon send the Centrals faithful sinking back into their seats. Centrals wasted several opportunities, the Redlegs going on the attack with an efficiency that out-performed the reigning premiers' first quarter effort. Matthew Davis would start their second quarter surge with his goal prior to the second minute, then popped up again in that pocket to bring the gap back to five points at six minutes. A moment of madness from James Gowans saw a double 25m penalty and a Dean Terlich goal which put the 'Legs in front only two and a half minutes later, then David Trotter and Simon Phillips would chime in within the next five minutes with a goal each to further add to Central's headaches. The Dogs were coughing up several soft turnovers and could only score behinds, all the while the Redlegs were opening up a wound and they smelled some blood. Sam Rowe put the last goal of the term through and suddenly the Redlegs were 17 point leaders after kicking a combined 6.3 to Central's lousy four behinds.
Norwood's sudden confidence boost would not be justified for long, the Bulldogs' resolve was never truly weakened even at this point. When play resumed for the third term often dubbed "The Premiership Quarter", nothing could have been more accurate as the Bulldogs launched their own assault. Despite being denied a quick first minute goal after an unsighted Nick Lower bagged Chris Gowans before he could fire, Callinan would slot through the first goal of the term just two minutes later. The Dogs would continue to reel the Redlegs back prior to the seventh minute as Schell kicked his second goal after receiving a Jack Gunston free. Finally at the 16th minute mark, Callinan bobbed up once more to put the Dogs back into the lead by three points with his wobbly 40-metre punt, then featured in a devastating shirt-front two minutes later which sent Phillips off the park with stars in his eyes. Lee Spurr put the margin out to 10 points, a poor kick-in by Alexis Georgiou resulting in the easy turnover which found Jay Nash who dished out to Spurr. Try as they may, the Redlegs couldn't find the big sticks. The Dogs finished the quarter with a third goal to Schell, altogether they kicked an inaccurate 5.6 to Norwood's lowly two points.
The final quarter was going to be an arm-wrestling match, the Dogs holding the 17-point advantage as the Redlegs again threatened the Dogs now tenuous hold on the league trophy. Kieran McGuinness had an opportunity early on to kick the first goal of the final quarter, but his miss allowed the Dogs loud fans at the northern side to breath a little easier for a while longer. It wouldn't be until the 12th minute that a goal was scored, Eddie Sansbury curling the ball to Callinan who would bag the Dogs only score of the term which would bridge the gap to 20 points through his fourth goal. Three minutes later the Redlegs brought it back to 14, then at 20 minutes another goal would bring it back to eight at which point there was a need for a new ball! Matt Davis would feature in both those goals. Everyone was at the edge of their seats, the Dogs fans cringing and getting boisterous at the same time while the Redlegs fans dared to dream.
Brayden O'Hara almost made himself a villain for his team after giving away a free to Davis in scoring range, but only a behind would eventuate. Tim Weatherald almost brought it back to a point at 25 minutes, but his shot hit the woodwork and that would be it as the siren sounded at 27 minutes, launching the Bulldogs mob into raptures and many Norwood faithful wondering what might have been. The Bulldogs once again securing the Thomas Seymour-Hill Trophy and a ninth premiership flag. Norwood gave it their all, no doubt about it and was arguably their most determined opponent in all of Central's victorious Grand Finals, a fact which was reflected by coach Roy Laird's post match comments. Echoing his thoughts was eventual Jack Oatey Medallist Ian Callinan, with his 24 disposals and four goals including the decisive final score. The Redlegs' standout performer would be Paul Puopolo, who finished with 20 disposals.
Sunday October 3
2010 SANFL GRAND FINAL
Central District 10.11 (71)
Norwood 9.11 (65)
34,355 @ AAMI Stadium
INJURIES
Norwood -- Phillips (broken jaw), Shenton (corked thigh)
Three Bulldogs would suck up some hurt during the game but would play on... James Boyd with a broken leg, Yves Sibenaler got a concussion in the first term and Kyle Jenner with a hamstring problem!
Also, in a feat almost reflecting the efforts of Aaron Keating 13 years ago, Jason Sutherland would add an SANFL premiership medal to his Riverland FL premiership medal after he helped his Berri Demons to that competition's flag after playing his eighth game for the Dogs. For those who don't remember, within the space of a week Keating would be a dual-premiership winner with Adelaide and Norwood's 1997 flag winning teams.
SCHELL, BOWN AND WEATHERALD CALL IT A DAY
In the aftermath of the Grand Final win, Daniel Schell would bring an end to his stellar career which involves 164 games, 344 goals with two Ken Farmer Medals, a Fos Williams Medal from two state appearances and seven premiership medals. Norwood's Stuart Bown also announced his retirement after 178 games and 121 goals, along with an U-19's flag in 1997 after coming from West Broken Hill.
But the most lasting SANFL footballer of the last 20 years will probably be the most missed as Tim Weatherald would bring his 15-year, 311 league match run to a close. His SANFL career began at Sturt as a 17-year old, where he made his biggest impact in 2002 after taking out club best & fairest, Magarey Medal and premiership medal in the same year, a year that also saw him endure probably the most mentally-taxing event of his life in the aftermath of the Bali Bombing incident. He would return to the field regardless, a move that would eventually see him enter the doors of Norwood in 2008. He'll probably be around the league here and there, he's also an SANFL life member.
Its been great watching you Tim... happy retirement.
TIGERS & MAGPIES FUTURE'S BRIGHT
In the curtain raisers to the main event, the Glenelg and Port Adelaide Magpies football clubs would take out the Macca's Cup and Reserves trophies respectively in their grade's Grand Finals. Kris Massie's first year as coach of the Glenelg U-18's resulted in back to back flags for the Tigers in the teen's division, defeating West Adelaide by 57 points. After that, the Magpies downed the Double Blues in the Reserves decider by nine points, possibly pointing to a different 2011 for the Port club. Glenelg's Matthew Snook was awarded the Alan Stewart Medal, while Magpie Sam Tonkes bagged the Bob Lee Medal as best on ground in their matches.
So that's it folks... so what's in store for next year? Will we see the Dogs continue to defy age and odds for a 10th title? Can Bassett continue to bring about Norwood's rise from the ashes? There's the possibility that we could be seeing a unified Port Adelaide club, a former Power player returns to his North Adelaide roots, the Vics await with a looming clash in Melbourne... you'll all just have to wait. A loooooooooooooooong, looooooooooooooong wait.
So until next year... that's a Wrap.
CENTRAL DISTRICT FOOTBALL CLUB -- 2010 SANFL Premiers
