1969 Premiership

Best Players
P.Bagshaw, J.Tilbrook, M.Greenslade, D.Hicks, B.Adcock
P.Nelson, K.Chessell, D.Ottens, G.Wild, M.Nunan, R.Rigney
Goal Kickers
M.Greenslade 9, J.Tilbrook 4, D.Ottens 2, R.Schoff 2
M.Nunan 2, R.Rigney 2, T.Clarke 1, K.Chessell 1, G.Wild 1
Captain
B.Shearman
Coach
J.Oatey
Best on Ground
P.Bagshaw
Attendance
55,600 (Adelaide Oval)

Match Report
FOUR IN A ROW – Glenelg finished the minor round in top spot, but were defeated by the finals hardened Double Blues in the 2nd Semi Final by 38 points and had to reach the Grand Final by beating West Adelaide in the Preliminary Final. Going into the Grand Final the Tigers were still the flag favourites and were strengthened when Richmond champion Royce Hart was permitted to play for them under National Service rules, but master coach Jack Oatey had his team hitting peak form at the right end of the season. Sturt kicked the first goal of the game within 30 seconds and took control, leading by 24 points at quarter time. Glenelg stayed in touch in the second quarter to only be down by 27 points at half time, but any thought of a Tigers come back was soon laid to rest as the floodgates started to open in the third quarter with the Blues kicking 6 goals to Glenelg’s 3 and taking into the last change a 47 point lead. The Tigers kicked 5 goals in the last quarter, but couldn’t stop the rampaging Double Blues who added 8 goals and ran out winners by 65 points. The Sturt side with immaculate kicking and constructive handball had just given the Tigers a painful lesson in finals football and in the process kicked the highest score ever in a SANFL Grand Final. Better players were the magical Paul Bagshaw playing half forward and on the ball, full forward Malcolm Greenslade who kicked 9.4, half forward John Tilbrook with 4 goals, Darryl Hicks on the wing, back pocket Brenton Adcock, Sandy Nelson at centre half back and ruck rover Keith Chessell.