Sacred Heart OC earned a hard-fought 12-point victory over Adelaide University E to capture the Adelaide Footy League C7 Grand Final at Broadview Oval. After a tense, defensive opening half left just one point separating the sides at the main break, Sacred Heart OC broke clear with a crucial three-goal third term. Holding off a persistent Adelaide University outfit in the final quarter, Sacred Heart OC relied on relentless defensive pressure to wrap up a 53–41 premiership triumph.
Final Scores
Adelaide University E | 2.3 (15) | 3.4 (22) | 5.4 (34) | 6.5 (41)
Sacred Heart OC | 3.2 (20) | 3.5 (23) | 6.7 (43) | 7.11 (53)
MATCH SUMMARY
The first quarter saw Sacred Heart OC take an early lead, scoring 3 goals and 2 behinds to Adelaide University's 2 goals and 3 behinds. The quarter ended with Sacred Heart OC ahead by 5 points, showcasing a competitive start to the match. Both teams displayed solid defensive efforts, but Sacred Heart's ability to convert their chances gave them the edge.
In the second quarter, the scoring tightened as Adelaide University managed to add just 1 goal and 1 behind, while Sacred Heart OC added 1 goal and 1 behind as well. The quarter concluded with Sacred Heart maintaining a narrow lead of 1 point, with the score at 23 to 22. The intensity of the contest was palpable, with both teams fighting hard for every possession.
The third quarter saw Sacred Heart OC extend their lead significantly, scoring 3 goals and 2 behinds compared to Adelaide University's 2 goals. This quarter was pivotal, as Sacred Heart's strong performance allowed them to pull ahead by 9 points, bringing the cumulative score to 43 to 34. Their ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities proved crucial in this phase of the match.
In the final quarter, Sacred Heart OC continued their momentum, scoring 1 goal and 4 behinds, while Adelaide University managed to add 1 goal and 1 behind. Despite Adelaide's efforts to close the gap, Sacred Heart's solid defence held firm, leading to a final score of 53 to 41. The match concluded with Sacred Heart OC securing a well-deserved victory, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline throughout the contest.
Sacred Heart OC’s 12-point victory officially crowns them as the Adelaide Footy League C7 Grand Final Premiers. Led by a best-on-ground performance from Henry McKinnon, who also booted two critical goals, and strong support from Angus Ganley and Jed Farrer, Sacred Heart OC stood tall in key moments. Despite fine contributions from Adelaide University E's James Carter and Zac Turnbull, Sacred Heart OC's superior second-half control delivered them the 2026 C7 premiership flag.
BEST PLAYERS
Adelaide University E: James Carter, Zac Turnbull, Elijah Bruijn, Sean Hickey, Joshua Thomson
Sacred Heart OC: Henry McKinnon, Angus Ganley, Jed Farrer, Frank Taylor, Oliver Fitzgerald
GOAL SCORERS
Adelaide University E: James Carter (2), Stuart Harris (1), Joshua Thomson (1), Zac Turnbull (1), Henry Xenophou (1)
Sacred Heart OC: Henry McKinnon (2), Oliver Cox (1), Oliver Fitzgerald (1), Lachlan Fordham (1), Henry Spurling (1), Trent Stephenson (1)
PLAYED AT
Broadview Oval
By Ethan Parker