Line Up[]
Glenelg[]
FF: B. Murphy, T. Grima, M. Ruwoldt
HF: D. Kirk, L. Panozzo, C. Hall
C: B. Backwell, P. Adlington, L. McGregor
HB: D. Meyer, T. Cranston, J. Sellar
FB: B. Kane, L. Button, L. Block
R: W. Mills, B. Backwell, A. Fisher
INT: R. Kirkby, T. Allen, J. Kellock, R. Willoughby
Match Report[]
The Tigers headed into the match as clear cut favourites, having finished minor premiers and holding a winning streak over Sturt that had stretched to 9 games, and they started the match in outstanding form.
Kicking with the breeze, Glenelg held the Double Blues scoreless in the first quarter, but they had just a 15 point lead at the first change after being wastful in front of goal.
A five goal term by Sturt in the 2nd quarter got them back in to the contest, and from there the teams were never seperated by more than a kick.
A low scoring final term saw the scores level on numerous occasions before a late goal to Jaensch, his third for the match, gave Sturt the lead. From there they were able to hold on, despite Glenelg having set shots at goal during time on.
Aftermath[]
Sturt would go on to play in the 2009 SANFL Grand Final after beating the minor premiers.
Mark Mickan (Glenelg Coach) said this after the loss:
"Sunday's Preliminary final loss has brought our season to a premature grinding halt. It has left the Glenelg Football Club's players, staff and supporters with an enormous sense of disappointment. Those who watched the game would have observed the areas of our game which saw us come up short of the mark.
Our inconsistent use of the ball going inside 50 combined with poor finishing skills were well below an acceptable standard. These two factors combined prevented us from putting genuine scoreboard pressure on the opposition. To Sturt's credit they were far more polished in these areas and they made far more of their opportunities to score.
The frustration for everyone comes from knowing that we created more than enough opportunities for ourselves but skill errors and decision making errors, often unforced, let us down badly. In terms of sheer effort and attack on the ball, our players gave a very strong account of themselves.
After the game the players were clearly shattered. The supporters are justifiably disappointed and they deserved far more for the loyalty and commitment they have shown throughout 2009. We thank you for that. You have been outstanding in your support of our players and teams this year.
As Coach of the Glenelg Football Club I take responsibility for the disappointing end to the 2009 season. I will make every effort to ensure that we improve in the areas that let us down so that we are better placed in 2010 to give you much more to cheer about. The players have already spoken of unfinished business. They are a resilient group of young men who have a huge appetite to do the necessary hard work to bring about the improvement that is required. As supporters and members, your belief in the playing group is very important to them. We ask that you stick with us as we take up the challenges before us."
Score[]
Sturt 0.0 5.2 8.5 9.6 60
Glenelg 2.3 4.7 6.10 7.13 55
Goal Scorers[]
Glenelg: Murphy, Kirkby, McGregor, Button 1.1, Fisher, Block, Adlington 1.0, Grima 0.4, Backwell, Cranston, Ruwooldt 0.1, rushed 0.2.
Sturt: Jaensch 3, Sheedy 2, Coad 2, Bowen, Johncock
Best on Ground[]
Glenelg: James Sellar, Paul Adlington, Adam Fisher, Wayde Mills
Sources[]
http://blogs.abc.net.au/sa/2009/09/sanfl-preliminary-final-wrap.html?site=adelaide&program=health
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/sanfl-finals-2009-week-3-wrap-up.638632/
http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/SANFL/2009/
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/88063/20091110-1720/www.glenelgfc.com.au/stats_Prelim.html