PORT ADELAIDE and Glenelg have shared a rich rivalry over the years in the SANFL competition, and Magpies coach Matthew Lokan says it’s a really exciting time for both clubs.
Sunday’s SANFL Statewide Super League Grand Final will be the seventh time the two clubs have met in a premiership-decider in their history, with both sides looking to taste premiership success for the first time in a number of years.
“Both clubs haven’t won a grand final for a long time now,” Lokan said at a press conference at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday morning.
“It’s exciting to be able to play out here on Adelaide Oval against a rival in Glenelg is exciting - not only for us but I think for the competition as well.
“The game that we played in the second final was a fantastic game of footy, and I think the weekend is going to be pretty similar.”
Since joining Port Adelaide as the club’s SANFL captain, Cam Sutcliffe has understood just how big the rivalry is between the Magpies and the Bays.
Sutcliffe also explained how important the supporters have been throughout the year, and has urged the black and white army to come out in full force on Sunday afternoon.
“I think it’s pretty evident,” Sutcliffe said on the fierce rivalry with Glenelg.
“The first game we played at Glenelg - I don’t think we had too many supporters there that day, and they smoked us.
“The second semi final against these guys was a tough day. When they got back in front, you could really feel the support for Glenelg. But when we got back in front, we could feel our support.
“Hopefully that helps us having a few more supporters on the weekend.”
Glenelg finished minor premiers in season 2019, and Lokan is well aware of the challenges they provide, but he is looking forward to the battle of the midfield groups.
“They are a good side - we’ve seen that all year,” he said.
“We know that their forward line is really potent. But I think it’s a game that’s going to be won in the midfield.
“Jesse White was really good against us last time we played them. It will be won and lost in the midfield.”
Port Adelaide and Glenelg will battle it out for the 2019 premiership on Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Oval, with the game commencing at 3.00pm.
