Sturt have claimed back-to-back SANFL premiership with a dramatic win over the Port Adelaide Magpies by just one point at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Port Adelaide Magpies 7.7.49
Sturt 7.8.50
A Port Adelaide Magpies team chock full of AFL listed players are set to end an eighteen-year premiership drought, but reigning Premiers Sturt will be standing in their way, as the Double Blues look to go back to back. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:10pm (AEST).
The Magpies are the oldest football club in South Australia and the fifth oldest Australia wide. They have won a staggering 36 premierships, including a mind-boggling run of six straight from 1954 to 1959.
Even as the Power joined the AFL, the Magpies remained the powerhouse of the SANFL winning seven premierships during the 1990s. But their last title came 18 years ago, way back in 1999.
As odd as it sounds to describe a team with 36 premierships to their name, the Magpies have been starved of success for a long time now.
The Magpies returned to their first Grand Final since 1999 back in 2014 against bitter rivals Norwood, but fell agonisingly short – falling by just four points to the Red Legs.
Now led by former Port champ Chad Cornes since 2016, the club will be desperate to end their drought. Victory for the Pies would also see Cornes join his father Graham Cornes as a premiership-winning coach.
However, standing in their way will be the reigning champions.
Coached by former Adelaide Crow and Sydney Swan Marty Mattner, the Double Blues will be looking to repeat as champions for the first time since 1970.
Despite facing a team boasting many AFL listed players, Sturt will look to captain and two-time Magarey Medallist Zane Kirkwood to lead the way, while Kory Beard should be dangerous up forward.
Prediction
The two teams met just three weeks ago, in the qualifying final as the Magpies claimed victory by 15 points on the back of a strong opening half.
Forgotten Power ruckman Matthew Lobbe was dominant in that game and expect him to be so again, giving the Port midfield first use of the ball.
Boasting plenty of skill and pace through the midfield, and a potent forward line spearheaded by Ken Farmer medallist Brett Eddy, the Magpies may have too much class for the Double Blues to handle.
Magpies by 11 points
Jo Fahey
Guest
Hi, I'm in Germany and disappointed that I can't view it here.....it says "This video is restricted from playing in your geographic area". I wanted to see my son in the Reserves. Will have to wait til I come back to Australia. I hope I will be able to purchase it then!
Sammy
Guest
What an immense defensive effort from the bluebaggers today. A season high 261 tackles says it all as both teams smashed in all day and sturt withstood a seige from halfway through the second quarter. The number of times the defence stood upand stopped scoring attempts was amazing against what was a virtual AFL team. I will call it to say had port played anyone else they would have won but sturt just got them by the single point. Some people say that the only thing better than beating port by a point is beating them by 119 points but i don't agree..you beauty
Skidder
Guest
Thanks Kisha for keeping all things updated for me over here in Melbourne What a nail bitter end well done Sturt (from a proud Port Adelaide supporter)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
That's all from me today. I hope you've enjoyed the Roar's coverage of the SANFL Grand Final. Sturt withstood an almighty comeback from Port in that final quarter, but managed to hang on by one measly to claim back to back Premierships. What a way to kick of a massive week of Football!
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Fraser Evans is the Jack Oatey medallist. A deserving winner. He kept Sturt alive especially in the second half intercepting numerous forward entries for Port.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Cheers Geoff! Indeed what a bitter taste for Port fans, heartbreaking losses to both teams.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
100% Gyfox, SA football is alive and well!
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The Magpies threw absolutely everything at Sturt in that final quarter, kicking four goals straight after kicking 3.7 in the previous three, but the Double Blues were just a little bit cleaner when it mattered. Fraser Evans was resolute down back for, dispelling many forward entries from the Magpies. The midfield trio of Kirkwood, Battersby and Riley were immense, with the latter two players lifting in the second half especially. Kory Beard was also crucial up forward booting two goals whilst also laying some clutch tackles in that final quarter. Brandon Ah Chee almost proved to be the X Factor for Port, finishing with 2 goals and 19 disposals but ultimately the magpies lost the game in the first three quarters, squandering multiple opportunities.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Well done Kishan. Port fans will be devastated after losing in dramatic fashion to the West Coast Eagles after the siren in the AFL and coming up short by one point in the SANFL. Couldn't happen to a nicer team! Guess they now know what other SANFL supporters had to put up with when the Port Adelaide Maggies were dominant at times back in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
28:00 minutes gone with a ball up in Sturt's forward 50 AND SIREN SOUNDS!! The Double Blues have held on to win the Grand Final by one point!! Amazing, Sturt go back to back in the most dramatic fashion!! FULL TIME Port Adelaide 7.7 (49) Sturt 7.8 (50)
Gyfox
Guest
38,000........Aussie Rules footy dominates not just in Melbourne!
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Superb tackle laid by Beard to stop the Port counter attack! 26:35 gone. Port Adelaide 7.7 (49) Sturt 7.8 (50)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The game is deep in Port's 50 with 25:40 gone in the final quarter. Port Adelaide 7.7 (49) Sturt 7.8 (50)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Ah Chee is awarded a free kick after getting his arm held 40 metres out and makes no mistake converting, splitting the middle!! Just one point in it. GOAL PORT ADELAIDE Port Adelaide 7.7 (49) Sturt 7.8 (50)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
In the case the game is tied, the game will go into overtime with 5 minute halves each way.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Battersby goes for goal but can't kick it from 45 metres out. Handy point though with 22 minutes gone. BEHIND STURT Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) Sturt 7.8 (50)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Throw in on centre wing. 20:25 minutes gone. Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) Sturt 7.7 (49)
Joey
Guest
How long to go.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
After a great defensive effort minutes earlier, Austin has given away the free kick and a 25 metre penalty! Beard kicks the goal and Sturt are back in the lead! What a last quarter. GOAL STURT Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) Sturt 7.7 (49)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Great defence from Austin to deny Beard the contested mark in the Blues forward 50. 17:30 gone in the 4th quarter. Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) Sturt 6.7 (43)