1954 SANFL Grand Final

{{Infobox Australian rules football match

| year =

| competition = SANFL

| match_type = Grand Final

| image =

| home =50px
{{AFL Por}}

| home_abbr =PTA

| home_colours =

| away = 50px
{{SANFL WestA}}

| away_abbr = WA

| away_colours =

| home_qtr1 = 2.4 (16)

| home_qtr2 = 3.6 (24)

| home_qtr3 = 9.10 (64)

| home_qtr4 = 11.13 (79)

| away_qtr1 = 2.7 (19)

| away_qtr2 = 7.7 (49)

| away_qtr3 = 9.12 (66)

| away_qtr4 = 10.16 (76)

| home_score = 11.13 (79)

| away_score = 10.16 (76)

| date = Saturday, 2 October (2:10 pm)

| stadium = Adelaide Oval

| attendance = 42,895

| favourite = {{AFL PA}}

| umpire = Ken Aplin

| coin_toss =

| kick_end =

| prematch =

| anthem =

| halftime =

| postmatch =

| bog = Fos Williams{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article96165634 |title="MIGHTY FOOTBALL" |newspaper=Recorder |issue=14,270 |location=South Australia |date=4 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251588584 |title=THE PREMIERSHIP STORY |newspaper=Messenger |volume= |issue=184 |location=South Australia |date=7 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}
Colin Brown{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article96165634 |title="MIGHTY FOOTBALLL" |newspaper=Recorder |issue=14,270 |location=South Australia |date=4 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245931444 |title=PORT WIN THRILLING GRAND FINAL |newspaper=Northern Suburbs Weekly |volume=II |issue=39 |location=South Australia |date=7 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251588584 |title=THE PREMIERSHIP STORY |newspaper=Messenger |volume= |issue=184 |location=South Australia |date=7 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}

| hall_of_fame = Fos Williams (1996)
Geof Motley (2002)
John Abley (2020)

| network =

| commentators =

| last = 1953

| next = 1955

}}

The 1954 SANFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football game contested between the Port Adelaide Football Club and the West Adelaide Football Club, held at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday 2 October 1954. It was the 56th annual Grand Final of the South Australian National Football League, staged to determine the premiers of the 1954 SANFL season. The match, attended by 42,895 spectators, was won by Port Adelaide by a margin of 3 points, marking that clubs fifteenth premiership victory.{{cite web |url=http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/SANFL/1954 |title=Australian Football - SANFL Season 1954 |publisher=australianfootball.com |access-date=2015-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031054651/http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/SANFL/1954/ |archive-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

Background

Before the 1954 SANFL Grand Final there had been four meetings between Port Adelaide and West Adelaide during the season with the former winning all four encounters.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47622689 |title=PORT CHOSEN FOR 1954 PREMIERSHIP |newspaper=The Advertiser (Adelaide) |volume=97 |issue=29,942 |location=South Australia |date=1 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The SANFL spent £1,500 insuring the game against inclement weather.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131210162 |title=45,000 MAY SEE FINAL |newspaper=News |volume=63 |issue=9,716 |location=South Australia |date=1 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=40 |via=National Library of Australia}} The SANFL also put forward £200 as prize money for the winning team.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47625069 |title=Rich Prize As Added Spur For Finalists |newspaper=The Advertiser (Adelaide) |volume=97 |issue=29,943 |location=South Australia |date=2 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Brothers Fos Williams and Glynn Williams played against each other representing Port Adelaide and West Adelaide respectively.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131210161 |title=She's barracking for both Port and West |newspaper=News |volume=63 |issue=9,716 |location=South Australia |date=1 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=40 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Match Summary

The weather during the day was hot with newspaper writers suggesting that it would be a gruelling match for the players.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245931444 |title=PORT WIN THRILLING GRAND FINAL |newspaper=Northern Suburbs Weekly |volume=II |issue=39 |location=South Australia |date=7 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} It was also humid.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58099273 |title=PORT REALLY EARNED THEIR PREMIERSHIP |newspaper=The Mail (Adelaide) |volume=44 |issue=2,208 |location=South Australia |date=2 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=7 (SPORTS SECTION) |via=National Library of Australia}}

= First quarter =

West Adelaide's small forwards helped them to take a 3 point lead in the first quarter.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131212291 |title=WEST'S PLAY FAST, VIGOROUS |newspaper=News |volume=63 |issue=9,717 |location=South Australia |date=2 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}

= Second quarter =

Towards the end of the second quarter Brian Faehse punched Dave Boyd causing him to fall over.{{cite news|date=7 October 1954|title=THE PREMIERSHIP STORY|volume=|page=1|newspaper=Messenger|issue=184|location=South Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251588584|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=16 September 2021}} As a result of this confrontation a large fracas broke out which was only quelled when the siren to end the quarter sounded.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245931444 |title=PORT WIN THRILLING GRAND FINAL |newspaper=Northern Suburbs Weekly |volume=II |issue=39 |location=South Australia |date=7 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} On the way back to their rooms some West Adelaide players were assaulted by spectators leading to calls after the game for improved security for players.{{cite news|date=5 October 1954|title=Football officials speak out|volume=63|page=36|newspaper=News|issue=9,719|location=South Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131210576|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=16 September 2021}}

During half time Fos Williams gave his players a significant pep talk.{{cite news|date=7 October 1954|title=THE PREMIERSHIP STORY|volume=|page=1|newspaper=Messenger|issue=184|location=South Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251588584|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=16 September 2021}}

= Third quarter =

After the half time break Geof Motley moved to centre-half forward.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58099273 |title=PORT REALLY EARNED THEIR PREMIERSHIP |newspaper=The Mail (Adelaide) |volume=44 |issue=2,208 |location=South Australia |date=2 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=7 (SPORTS SECTION) |via=National Library of Australia}}

West Adelaide captain Brian Faehse was injured early in the third quarter.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47603180 |title=Faehse's Injury Turning Point |newspaper=The Advertiser (Adelaide) |volume=97 |issue=29,944 |location=South Australia |date=4 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}

= Fourth quarter =

West Adelaide had opportunities to win the game in the last quarter but wayward kicking let them down.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245931444 |title=PORT WIN THRILLING GRAND FINAL |newspaper=Northern Suburbs Weekly |volume=II |issue=39 |location=South Australia |date=7 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}

= Post-match =

The Port Adelaide players and officials had a celebratory dinner at the Largs Pier Hotel after the match.{{cite news|date=7 October 1954|title=THE PREMIERSHIP STORY|volume=|page=1|newspaper=Messenger|issue=184|location=South Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251588584|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=16 September 2021}} Bob McLean placed Lloyd Zucker at the head of the table as a gesture of appreciation for his game.{{cite news|date=7 October 1954|title=THE PREMIERSHIP STORY|volume=|page=1|newspaper=Messenger|issue=184|location=South Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251588584|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=16 September 2021}} Six of the Port Adelaide players had to leave the dinner early to attend a function run by radio station 5KA, the precursor to Triple M Adelaide, which was held at the Port Adelaide Town Hall.

= West End Brewery chimney =

The 1954 SANFL Grand Final was the first instance of a tradition where the chimney of the West End Brewery would be painted in the colours of the winning team.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131211341 |title=Port have it in black and white |newspaper=News |volume=63 |issue=9,718 |location=South Australia |date=4 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}} At the suggestion of Fos Williams, the runner up would also have their colours added to the West End Brewery chimney.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131211341 |title=Port have it in black and white |newspaper=News |volume=63 |issue=9,718 |location=South Australia |date=4 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Teams

The teams were unchanged.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131212291 |title=WEST'S PLAY FAST, VIGOROUS |newspaper=News |volume=63 |issue=9,717 |location=South Australia |date=2 October 1954 |accessdate=16 September 2021 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}

width=92% |

{{Australian rules football kit

|pattern_b=_portadelaide_heritage2|pattern_so=_hoops_black|body=|shorts=000000|socks=FFFFFF|title=}}

|{{Australian rules football kit|pattern_b=_redrightsash|pattern_so=_hoops_black|body=000000|shorts=FFFFFF|socks= FF0000 |title=}}

{{Aussie rules team | title = {{highlight | {{font color|#ffffff|{{0}}Port Adelaide{{0}}|link=Port Adelaide Football Club}} | black }} | color = #000

| backpocket1 = John Robinson

| fullback = John Abley

| backpocket2 = Laurence Stevens

| halfbackflank1 = Colin Parham

| centrehalfback = Roger Clift

| halfbackflank2 = Allan Greer

| wing1 = Harold McDonald

| centre = Dave Boyd

| wing2 = Kenneth Tierney

| halfforwardflank1 = Basil Jaggard

| centrehalfforward = Brian Coldwell

| halfforwardflank2 = Geof Motley

| forwardpocket1 = John Hall

| fullforward = Tom Garland

| forwardpocket2 = Marx Kretschmer

| ruck = Lloyd Zucker

| ruckrover = Ted Whelan

| rover = Fos Williams

| interchange1 = Neville Hayes

| interchange2 = Dean Trowse

| interchange3 = Kevin Growden

| interchange4 = Ronald Leaver

| interchange5 =

| interchange6 =

| coach = Fos Williams

}}

{{Aussie rules team | title = {{highlight | {{font color|#FF0000|{{0}}West Adelaide{{0}}|link=West Adelaide Football Club}} | black }} | color = #000

| backpocket1 = Clarence Cannon

| fullback = Doug Thomas

| backpocket2 = Leon Lovegrove

| halfbackflank1 = Max Hewitt

| centrehalfback = Brian Faehse

| halfbackflank2 = Bob Lee

| wing1 = Brian Slattery

| centre = Gar Burkett

| wing2 = Ken Eglinton

| halfforwardflank1 = Bishop

| centrehalfforward = Ralph Packham

| halfforwardflank2 = Stan Costello

| forwardpocket1 = Kies

| fullforward = Ken McGregor

| forwardpocket2 = Jimmy Wright

| ruck = Fred A'Court

| ruckrover = Glyn Williams

| rover = Colin Brown

| interchange1 = Max Chynowoth

| interchange2 = Perry

| interchange3 = Jack Richardson

| interchange4 = Vic Stoll

| interchange5 =

| interchange6 =

| coach = Laurie Cahill

}}

Scoreboard

{{AFLGameDetailed

|title = Grand Final

|date =

|home team = {{AFL PA}}

|home Q1 = 2.4 (16)

|home Q2 = 3.6 (24)

|home Q3 = 9.10 (64)

|home final = 11.13 (79)

|home goals = Zucker – 4
Motley – 3
Jaggard, Hall, Coldwell, Hayes — 1

|home best =

|home injuries =

|home reports =

|winner =

|away team = {{SANFL WA}}

|away Q1 = 2.7 (19)

|away Q2 = 7.7 (49)

|away Q3 = 9.12 (66)

|away final = 10.16 (76)

|away goals= 3 – Wright
2 – Kies, Bishop
1 – McGregor, Brown, Packham, G. Williams, Cannon, Costello

|away best =

|away reports =

|venue = Adelaide Oval

|crowd = 42,895

|report =

|umpires =

|BOG award =

|BOG winner =

|broadcast =

|anthem =

|notes=

}}

References

Category:South Australian National Football League Grand Finals

SANFL Grand Final, 1954