FootyGoss :: All the Latest AFL and WAFL Breaking News

Glenelg makes grand final statement

Glenelg made a clear statement and received a much-needed confidence boost for the grand final against the Bulldogs with an emphatic 66-point triumph over Sturt in the preliminary final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

It was just the performance Tigers coach Mark Mickan sought from his players after the SANFL ladder leaders dropped the ball the previous again Central District, handing them a direct path the final day of the season.

However, they will now have to reproduce that effort again this week to stun the all-conquering Bulldogs - who are chasing their seventh premiership in nine years - at their own game to claim the 2008 title.

Glenelg was impressive, but the Double Blues were extremely disappointing, lacking heart for the contest and were easily brushed aside, placing the spotlight right on their brittleness in finals.

The Tigers’ spark - as has been the case all year - was provided by tireless ruckman Trevor Cranston (20 hitouts).

His midfield mates Brett Backwell (30 possessions), Adam Fisher (25) and Ben Kane (24 and three goals) dominated with Sturt big guns Luke Crane, Jade Sheedy and Adam Thomson having little impact.

The return of Paul Sherwood to Glenelg’s defence enabled Ruory Kirkby (three goals) to be switched back to the forward line and he posed a double threat with strong-marking Todd Grima (three goals).

Tigers defender Sam Rudolph was his typical resolute self, restricting leading goal-kicker Brant Chambers to a solitary goal, but the shocking delivery into attack gave the Sturt forward no chance.

Glenelg will be vying for its first league flag since 1986.

The Advertiser/Stephen O’Loughlin