SANFL 2022 -- Grand Final 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...

So we have now reached the end of yet another season of football and now begins the six-month wait until it all kicks off again. There was one last order of business, however... the crowning of a new champion. For the last couple of seasons and for the first time in their history, the Eagles took out back-to-back flags. This time around, we would bear witness to the renewal of old hostilities and neighbourly warfare of two sides that reside no more than a 10 minute drive from each other. In one corner, you have North Adelaide. They've featured in two of the previous four deciders, coming out on top in 2018 after fighting from fifth -- and surviving a brush with controversy. Then there's Norwood, who fell victim to the Roosters that year and in the same fashion that they once did almost 40 years ago. While the Roosters stumbled over the line to claim a minor premiership and recovered their form in a 2nd Semi-Final to get here, the Redlegs managed to scrape into this season finale under some big-time adversity. This is what the finals are all about. While the weather forecast would keep a great deal of people away compared to their last encounter in a premiership decider, any neutral fans among the 27,000 SA footy-heads in attendance would be treated to a battle to end all battles. But who would walk away from Adelaide Oval with ol' Tommy? This is Finals Football.

Welcome to the final installment of the Wrap for this season... the 2022 SANFL Hostplus League Grand Final.

These sides never met during the finals until this point and would take points from each other during the regular season. North would take their first encounter at Prospect in Round 9, the Redlegs managing just two behinds in the final term as the Roosters kicked two goals in a low-scoring game that yielded just 16 goals. But then the 'Leggies got theirs at The Parade in Round 14, winning by six goals after kicking clear in the final quarter. North and Norwood have clashed in 21 finals matches and out of all those outings, the Roosters have the wood on their cross-suburban rivals with 14 victories. Their first finals encounter was back in 1904 in a 2nd Semi-Final, North's kicking for goal let them down on the old Jubilee Oval as the Redlegs won by 22 points on their way to that year's flag. The following year, the Roosters returned the favour and then some, winning by 49 points at Adelaide Oval and marched on to the premiership. These two also contested in the second drawn 1st Semi-Final among only three in SANFL history, the Redlegs winning the following week's replay by the narrowest of margins. From those encounters in finals, they have met in six deciders with the Roosters victorious in four (1920, 1952, 1960, 2018) to the Redlegs' two (1923, 2013). The 1960 Grand Final is no doubt among the most memorable among the Roosters' faithful, coming from behind to score three goals in five minutes to nick a famous five-point victory. For the Redlegs, while their 40-point winin 2013 is remembered fondly by their supporters, it was the occasion that held memory with many as it was the last Grand Final to be held at Football Park in front of almost 37,000 people. From their most recent Grand Final triumphs, the Roosters' 2018 triumph over the Redlegs would hand them their 14th flag overall after 17 years between drinks. For Norwood, their triple-treat of flags from 2012 to 2014 oversaw the end of the West Lakes era and the beginning of the new one as SANFL finals returned to the Adelaide Oval.

North's path to the Grand Final almost saw them having to contest the first week of finals instead of the minor premiership privilege of that week off. But despite a final round loss to Sturt, the Crows' loss to the Magpies would save them from such a scenario. They would return to action in the 2nd Semi-Final, where they finished the game strongly to defeat the fancied Adelaide side by 10 points to claim the first Grand Final spot. The Redlegs road to the decider was decidedly more rocky, a run of victories in the second half of the year coming to an end on the eve of finals in a shock loss to the Bloods. With other results not changing their standing on the ladder, they stumbled again in the Qualifying Final against a rampant Crows who gave Norwood a 55-point hiding. The Redlegs would go on to ditch the Tigers in the 1st Semi-Final, setting up a second meeting against Adelaide. After initially getting locked out of Adelaide Oval for training, which left Norwood officials seething, the Redlegs were ready to go all in against the Crows in that Preliminary Final. Try as the Crows did, this time they weren't shaking this Redlegs outfit off so easily. They found a way through, especially in the final term, emerging 11-point winners. The clouds would part in time for the opening bounce and the Roosters would have the opening two goals through Lee Minervini and Lachie Wilsdon before the hero of several Redlegs victories this year in Matt Panos answered with his own. Baynen Lowe would be the one to draw the Roosters' lead back to within a couple of kicks at quarter-time, with the board reading 4.2 to 2.3 and North holding an 11-point lead. The second term was hampered by the weather as the rain started once more, causing more than a few skill errors that neither side were truly able to punish. The Redlegs nailed the only goal of the quarter through Declan Hamilton, the Roosters finding only minor scores as their lead was drawn back to just seven points by the half-time break.

In the middle, Harry Boyd was a one-man show. He chalked up more than 60% of the centre hit-outs on his own. The aggregate tackle count was bordering or into the hundreds by this point as well with both sides really laying on the body pressure and each inflicting their fair share. It was well and truly on in the third quarter, although the goal-kicking radars for both sides was still off. The Redlegs had actually managed to get in front 13 minutes into the third quarter, then the inaccuracy bug arrived which resulted in a rash of behinds to both sides for the following 13. Norwood could have possibly stayed in front at three quarter-time had it not been for a brain fade by a Redlegs' defender. No sooner had Nigel Lockyer kicked the Roosters back in front by a point, a subsequent free-kick was paid prior to the bounce and Harrison Elbrow's ensuing major gave them the seven-point advantage once more. The final term started in disheartening fashion for the 'Legs as the Roosters added two more goals to two minors as the gap crept out to 17 points after 12 minutes, Magarey winner Aaron Young and Andrew Moore getting their first majors. For the next six minutes, it was a war of attrition... and then the Redlegs struck. It began with Josh Richards at 17 minutes, then two minutes later it was Ben Jarvis. You could cut the atmosphere inside the ground with a knife. The Roosters desperately clung to their five point lead in a period that felt like forever as the match entered time-on. Finally, Matt Panos put the final nail in at 27 minutes. Yet again this season, Panos saved the Redlegs and this time it was going to be even more memorable. Only moments later, the final siren sounded as the Redlegs won a classic decider by just one point. Fun fact... including this decider, there have been three other one-point victories in Grand Finals and Norwood have won two premierships in this fashion in 1925 and 1978. In the best afield department, the king of the ruck Harry Boyd was awarded the Jack Oatey Medal, finishing with 64 hitouts, 20 disposals and taking seven marks. Other notable Norwood contributors was Nik Rokahr who had 25 disposals and nine tackles, Jay Rantall had six tackles and eight clearances and Richards with that final quarter goal as well as nine tackles. For the Roosters, their best afield was Campbell Combe with 24 disposals, 14 tackles and seven clearances. Young had 21 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances, while Mitch Harvey tried his heart out and finished with seven clearances and five marks.

FINAL SCORES IN WEEK 4 OF THE SANFL FINALS...

Sunday September 18
2022 SANFL HOSTPLUS LEAGUE GRAND FINAL

Norwood 8.11 (59)
North Adelaide 8.10 (58)
27,459 @ Adelaide Oval


INJURIES
North -- Elbrow (ankle)

REPORTS
None known at time of post.


OTHER GRADE FINALS -- Roosters come up empty, Eagles dominate junior decider
We start with the two Torrens University Cup deciders on Friday night at Adelaide Oval, the juniors crown going to Woodville-West Torrens who sent Glenelg straight back to school with their win in the U-16 Grand Final. The Tigers were in front at the first change with 2.1 to 1.3 on the board at quarter-time, but then the rot set in. It took a while for the Eagles to break the game open, going into the rooms at half-time with a 10-point lead after an inaccurate second term effort of 2.3 to the Bays' single minor. By the final change the gap was 28 points, the Eagles kicking 4.1 to 1.1. There was little resistance from Glenelg in the final term, managing just three behinds while the Eagles added a further 2.3 to run out 40 point victors. Tom Luck was crowned best afield and earned the MVP medal for his ruck dominance, as well as 28 disposals and six clearances. The pain of losing a grand final wasn't just confined to the league side, the Roosters' other two Grand Final participants both defeated in their respective finals. In the U-18's decider, the Roosters' opening term showed their intent but their accuracy would put them on level pegging at the first change. They looked to have turned a corner in the second term after keeping the Tigers to just three behinds, but would be up by just 10 points instead of perhaps as much as 30. That lead was halved by the final change and then in the final term, the Tigers played ball-hogs as they eventually swamped the Roosters' backs. They peppered their goals and despite getting mostly behinds, it worked as the Tigers ran out eight-point winners to claim the trophy. Archie Lovelock would claim the Alan Stewart Medal, notching up 35 disposals and eight marks. Then we arrive at the Oval on Sunday morning as the pain was set to continue for North Adelaide in the Reserves Grand Final. Much like their league counterparts, this was one that well and truly got away after winning a 2nd Semi-Final. The Blues came back with a vengeance and the Roosters' goal-kicking boots seemed to have been lost somewhere in between the city and Prospect. Sturt were all over the Roosters from the get-go and by half-time, the Blues would be out to a five-kick lead with the board reading 6.3 to 1.4. There was no coming back from this as the Blues emerged 31-point winners to claim the flag, Mihail Lochowiak winning the Bob Lee Medal on the back of his 23 disposals, 10 marks and five tackles.

Friday September 16 @ Adelaide Oval
U-16 GRAND FINAL --
Woodville-West Torrens 9.10 (64) def. Glenelg 3.6 (24)
U-18 GRAND FINAL -- Glenelg 8.13 (61) def. North Adelaide 7.11 (53)

Sunday September 18 @ Adelaide Oval
RESERVES GRAND FINAL --
Sturt 10.5 (65) def. North Adelaide 4.10 (34)


SA COMMUNITY FOOTBALL LEAGUES -- Premiers and Medallists
The list below contains the results of the premier division Grand Finals and the Best & Fairest Medal winners of the leagues that make up the SA Community Football League, from the metropolitan Adelaide Footy League to the country competitions. The Sims and Dutschke Medals are awarded to the standout players of the Adelaide Footy League's Mens and Womens divisions respectively, while the Mail Medal has been a part of South Australian country football for decades. There are also pre-existing awards in some of the country leagues as well that are either presented in conjunction or separately. Unfortunately the list isn't entirely complete, with information on some league medal winners unavailable at the time of post. The SACFL is supported by corporate partners Clubs SA, Kia Motor Company, the Fleurieu Milk Company, APM Employment Services, Zorich Group SportsPower and West End. Apparel partners are ISC, JS Sports, Nelson Teamwear, Sports Centre and Viva Global. Major Partners are Think! Road Safety and the South Australian Government.

ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE MEN'S
Port District 9.9 (63) def. Prince Alfred OC 7.3 (45)
Nick Favretto (Goodwood)

ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE WOMEN'S
SMOSH West Lakes 5.2 (32) def. Morphettville Park 3.8 (26)
Celestina Dona (Morphettville Park)

ADELAIDE PLAINS
Two Wells 16.13 (109) def. Balaklava 11.6 (72)
Lachlan Michael (Balaklava)

BAROSSA, LIGHT & GAWLER
Nuriootpa 7.10 (52) def. South Gawler 4.7 (31)
Steve Burton (South Gawler) & Sam Colquhoun (Tanunda)

BROKEN HILL
Souths 16.12 (108) def. Centrals 8.7 (55)
Jayden Kelly (Norths -- Johnston Medal) & Marc Purcell (Souths -- Mail Medal)

EASTERN EYRE
Ports 10.13 (73) def. Ranges 11.4 (70)
Aseri Raikiwasa (Ports)

FAR NORTH
Olympic Dam 13.13 (91) def. Hornridge 2.5 (17)
B&F winner unknown

GREAT FLINDERS
United Yeelanna 15.5 (95) def. Elliston Districts 3.7 (25)
Ty George (Lock)

GREAT SOUTHERN
McLaren 11.13 (79) def. Willunga 5.5 (35)
Brett Ellis (McLaren)

HILLS
Lobethal 7.9 (51) def. Hahndorf 6.12 (48)
B&F winner unknown

KANGAROO ISLAND
Western Districts 17.14 (116) def. Wisanger 3.6 (24)
B&F winner unknown

KOWREE, NARACOORTE & TATIARA
Lucindale 5.16 (46) def. Keith 5.8 (38)
Rory Taggert (Naracoorte)

MALLEE
Pinnaroo 9.14 (68) def. B.D.T 4.5 (29)
Ben Moroney (Pinnaroo)

MID SOUTH-EASTERN
Kalangadoo 11.16 (82) def. Hatherleigh 3.3 (21)
B&F winner unknown

NORTH EASTERN
B.S.R. 15.4 (94) def. Mintaro-Manoora 9.10 (64)
Charlie Riggs (Mintaro-Manoora)

NORTHERN AREAS
Broughton-Mundoora 10.11 (71) def. Orroroo 8.9 (57)
Kallis Freer (Broughton-Mundoora)

PORT LINCOLN
Marble Range 8.7 (55) def. Tasman 6.4 (40)
Billy Haebich (Tasman)

RIVER MURRAY
Imperials 11.18 (84) def. Jervois 7.7 (49)
Harley Montgomery (Imperials)

RIVERLAND
Renmark 8.15 (63) def. Waikerie 4.8 (32)
Tim Woolford (Renmark)

RIVERLAND INDEPENDENT
Blanchetown-Swan Reach 10.7 (67) def. Sedan-Cambrai 8.6 (54)
Cam Thompson (Sedan-Cambrai)

SOUTHERN
Reynella 9.3 (57) def. Morphett Vale 6.7 (43)
Sam Whitebread (Reynella)

SPENCER GULF
Solomontown 11.13 (79) def. Prop. Risdon 9.10 (64)
Corey Davey (Solomontown)

WESTERN BORDER
Millicent 17.9 (111) def. South Gambier 9.17 (71)
Jayden Eldridge (East Gambier)

WESTERN EYRE (formerly Far West)
Blues 7.3 (45) def. Western United 5.9 (39)
B&F winner unknown

WHYALLA
Central Whyalla 8.8 (56) def. Weeroona Bay 2.12 (24)
Clayton Mesecke (Roopena)

YORKE PENINSULA
Moonta 8.8 (56) def. CMS Crows 3.4 (22)
Murphy Short (CMS Crows)


So that is it for another season of football. See you next year, my fellow SA footy-heads. Until next time... that's a wrap.

NORWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB -- 2022 SANFL Premiers
 

MannyK

Draftee
Mar 12, 2018
14
8
AFL Club
Carlton
Other Teams
Norwood
My second Grand Final win by a point. Over the moon and I must have watched that last goal by Panos 20 times in 2 days. Fantastic effort by a team that just wont lie down. Supporters singing the club song on the bus back to the interchange was icing on a glorious day to be a Norwood supporter. Commiserations to the Roosters. In any game with a 1 point difference you are lucky to win and unlucky to lose, it just happened to go our way.
So proud to be a member of this great club.

Go The Mighty Leggies!!!
 

CP28

Debutant
Oct 23, 2008
148
186
SA
AFL Club
Melbourne
Other Teams
Norwood, LFC
Norwood proving once again that they're worthy for the AFL.

Sadly that opportunity is long gone and tbh I've always felt the club only has itself to blame for missing that boat.

Gripping Grand Final, a tense slog for the ages. As a Redleg fan it was ecstasy, for the Roosters fans understandably devastating and I do feel for them, could have just as easily been us on the wrong side of it. Was a bit of the opposite of 2018 - Norwood kicking goals that weren't gimme's and North missing a few crucial shots you would have expected to result in 6-pointers. Very proud of the tenacity and committment the boys showed to hang in there and then surge late to pinch it at the death. Of all our premierships I've witnessed (7), this was easily the least expected.

Interesting to note that since the expansion of the competition with the two AFL-aligned clubs, 3 of the 9 flags have been won by sides coming via the 1st Semi which was generally the graveyard final
 
May 24, 2022
536
523
Thailand
AFL Club
Tasmania
Other Teams
St Helens R.F.C. | Adelaide T'Birds
Sadly that opportunity is long gone and tbh I've always felt the club only has itself to blame for missing that boat.

Gripping Grand Final, a tense slog for the ages. As a Redleg fan it was ecstasy, for the Roosters fans understandably devastating and I do feel for them, could have just as easily been us on the wrong side of it. Was a bit of the opposite of 2018 - Norwood kicking goals that weren't gimme's and North missing a few crucial shots you would have expected to result in 6-pointers. Very proud of the tenacity and committment the boys showed to hang in there and then surge late to pinch it at the death. Of all our premierships I've witnessed (7), this was easily the least expected.

Interesting to note that since the expansion of the competition with the two AFL-aligned clubs, 3 of the 9 flags have been won by sides coming via the 1st Semi which was generally the graveyard final
I agree. Norwood was not as tenacious as Port to get the AFL license. Shame to see a great club stuck in a state league.
 
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