A host of former Crows will be hunting SANFL premiership glory in Sunday’s Grand Final clash between Woodville-West Torrens and West Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
The Crows’ inaugural Club Champion Mark Mickan could guide West Adelaide to its first flag since 1983 - the second-longest premiership drought in the SANFL.
Captain Chris Schmidt, who played 18 AFL games with Adelaide across two seasons, will lead a powerful Bloods outfit that has shown it is capable of taking home the title.
After finishing third on the SANFL ladder, West knocked over Port Adelaide and dominated Central District to book its first Grand Final appearance since 2012. The club’s only loss in the past month came in the second Semi-Final at the hands of the Eagles.
West’s best chance of winning Sunday’s decider lies in its proven potency up forward. The Bloods ranked second in the SANFL (behind Adelaide) for points scored during the home and away season and they made quick work of the Bulldogs last week by piling on the first eight goals of the match in devastating fashion.
Popular ex-Crow Jason Porpylzia knows where the goals are and has been in fine touch for West Adelaide all season. Jono Beech, who trained with Adelaide last summer, will also be key to the Bloods’ chances.
Draft hopefuls Hugh Haysman and Will Snelling must stand up on the big stage and forward Travis Tuck, who went goalless in the Semi-Final meeting with Woodville-West Torrens, will need to fire.
Minor premiers Woodville-West Torrens will also field several former Crows in Sunday’s Grand Final.
Co-captain Luke Thompson has had his injury worries this year, but should benefit from the Eagles’ swift path into the decider. The Eagles would’ve only played one game in nearly a month come Grand Final day.
The team’s midfield depth, featuring Jared Petrenko, James Boyd and Scott Lewis among others, complements a dangerous forward line boasting Michael Wundke, Lachie McGregor and Andrew Ainger, who kicked four goals in the Eagles’ Semi-Final win.
But it’s Woodville-West Torrens’ defence that stands out statistically. The Eagles conceded the least points of all teams through the minor round by a long margin.
Coach Mick Godden, who was drafted to the Crows in 1992, has guided the Eagles superbly all season. They’ve only lost two games for the year – but one was to the Bloods in their season-opener back in April.
Woodville-West Torrens will go in as favourite to claim its second Thomas Seymour Hill Trophy in five years, but don’t discount West Adelaide to upset the apple cart.
The SANFL Grand Final kicks off at 2.10pm on Sunday at Adelaide Oval and will be broadcast live on Channel 7. Radio station LifeFM will also provide live coverage.
