2025 Premiership

Best Players
A.Anderson, T.Lewis, W.Snelling, F.Perez
J.Hone, A.Holt, S.Conforti, L.Edmonds
Goal Kickers
J.Hone 4, S.Conforti 2, J.Mathews 2, C.McFadyen 2, A.Anderson 1
T.Emmett 1, D.Fahey-Sparks 1, A.Holt 1, W.Snelling 1, C.Voss 1
Captain
T.Lewis & W.Snelling (Acting)
Coach
M.Mattner
Best On Ground (Jack Oatey Medal)
A.Anderson
Attendance
34,426 (Adelaide Oval)

Match Report
Our quest for finals redemption has finally reached its stunning conclusion after we claimed our 16th premiership with a 31 point win over Glenelg in the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final at Adelaide Oval. After losing to the Tigers in the 2023 Grand Final and then suffering a shock straight sets finals exit last year we flexed our muscle to lead at every change on our way to winning our first crown since the back-to-back triumphs in 2016 and 2017 in front of a bumper crowd of 34,426. After toppling the reigning premier Bays twice in the minor round and by 42 points in the Second Semi Final, the boys from Unley capped off their history making campaign in style after stringing together 30 minor round wins in succession dating back to Round 6 of 2024. Our remarkable 2025 campaign was also reflected in us being the most dominant premier since the Tigers in 1973, losing just one match in the minor round which was to Adelaide by only 2 points in round 19. We started the contest brightly with plenty of run and carry and it quickly began to show on the scoreboard after Tiger Lachie Hosie kicked the opening major from a one handed mark, we then booted the next 3 goals in succession to assert ourselves on the contest as the depth of our midfield stood out and at quarter time we led by 14 points. Seemingly overwhelmed, the Bays managed to curtail the Blues blitz in the second half of the second term after we had kicked another 3 in a row with Hosie booting his side’s second goal with a clever snap along the ground, but the reigning premier still trailed by 26 points at the main change as our inside 50 advantage surged with Anderson, Lewis and Snelling refreshed and at the top of their game. We started the third quarter with 2 goals in quick succession before the Tigers hit back with 3 in a row and reducing the margin to only 19 points, but we steadied and went on to kick a further 5 goals for the quarter to take a 44 point lead into the last quarter. A goal to Hone at the 8 minute mark put us out to a game high 51 point lead before Glenelg kicked 2 in the space of 3 minutes, but then goals to McFadyen at the 18 minute mark and then again to Hone at the 21st minute mark put out any chance of a Tigers victory. Marty Mattner, who guided the club to its flags in 2016 and 2017, now joins an illustrious group of SANFL coaches to win at least three titles, including Jack Oatey (10), John Cahill (10), Fos Williams (9) and Roy Laird (7). Angus Anderson who was dynamic through the midfield all afternoon won the Jack Oatey Medal displaying his AFL traits with explosive power and long kicking, he finished with 24 disposals, 9 marks, 4 clearances and a goal. Magarey Medallist Tom Lewis was industrious in close with 26 disposals, 9 clearances and 10 tackles while Will Snelling recorded 20 disposals, 4 clearances and a game high 14 tackles. Rebounding defender Flynn Perez used the ball nicely by foot off half back with 22 disposals while classy youngster Alex Holt kicked a brilliant goal from the boundary amongst his 20 disposals and 5 marks. Double Blues fan favourite Josh Hone who booted 4 goals from 7 kicks is also in elite company at Unley now, having secured his third premiership medallion after playing in the 2016-2017 successes while experienced defender Henry Carey featured in 2016. Along with Hone booting 4, Sturt’s forwards shared the goals around with Sam Conforti, James Mathews and Connor McFadyen booting 2 each.