Devine Super League Grand Final

FOOTBALL FEDERATION SA

Devine Super League 

Grand Final

Saturday September 22 – Hindmarsh Stadium

MetroStars v Adelaide City – 3pm

Referee: Daniel Goodwin
Assistants: Curtis Wordsworth, Daniel Faulkner
Fourth Official: Regis Queffelec

MetroStars:      20. Daniel GODLEY, 2. David MENECHELLA, 5. Lee ROBERTSON (C), 6. Tony HATZIS, 7. Michael D’ALOISIO, 8. Rocky CALLISTO, 9. Steven GRELLI, 10. Andrew CIARLA, 11. Scott TUNBRIDGE, 14. James YONG,  15. Michael MATRICCIANI, 17. Michael RENDE (RGK), 18. Joseph CRESCITELLI, 19. Francesco MONTEROSSO, 21. Adam VAN DOMMELE, 23. Perry MITRIS

Adelaide City: 1. Luke OSTBYE, 3. Alex Sunasky, 4. Tom Guttormsen, 5. Matthew Halliday, 6. Matthew Mullen, 7. Joel Allwright, 8. Paul Blefari, 9. Anthony Costa, 10. Jonathan Negus, 11. Nicholas Bucco, 12. Pat DeRuvo, 14. Paul Radice, 15. Stephen Jackson, 18. Joe Costa, 20. Fabian Garuccio (RGK), 21. Ricardo Da Silva, 23. Nicky Budin (C)

Reserves: MetroStars v Adelaide City – 12:30pm
U19: Adelaide Blue Eagles v Adelaide City – 10am

Collegiate League Super Cup

Sacred Heart v Adelaide University White – 8am

Gates open 7:15am.

Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Concession, U16 Free

In a repeat of the 2008 and 2009 showdowns, MetroStars and Adelaide City will clash with the ultimate prize on the line in this Saturday’s Devine Super League Grand Final at Hindmarsh Stadium.

MetroStars have already visited Hindmarsh this campaign, leaving with silverware after defeating Para Hills 3-1 to claim the Coca-Cola Federation Cup. 

They were also the first team into the Super League decider following their 1-0 First Semi-Final triumph over Croydon.

With an opportunity to win the double, Coach Rick Cerracchio believes the week off after that match came at the right time and he is ecstatic to be on the sidelines for this contest.

“We needed the week off to rest a few sore bodies, so it came at a good time for us. Now we are primed and ready for this match,” he said.

“As a coach this is huge, it’s something you strive for. Every team who starts the season wants to be where we and City are. The club wants to be successful and we have an opportunity to add to our past victories, including the Cup win.”

Cerracchio claims it will be a tight contest, with the two sides evenly matched after sharing a win apiece this term.

“The past games show we are closely matched but the results don’t count now,” he said.

“Both teams have quick attackers, so on a good surface whoever can be the best ball-playing side, get their danger men involved and be consistent will do well on the day.”

Adelaide City captured their Grand Final spot the hard way, but never looked back after overcoming Raiders in the Elimination Final. 

It is a path they took in 2009 before losing in the showpiece fixture.

This is City’s sixth consecutive Grand Final appearance since 2005 (not including the 2006 and 2007 seasons where no finals were held) and captain Nick Budin is preparing for a battle.

“There won’t be much in it, perhaps just a single goal. It will be battle between the two teams and will come down to who wants it more,” he said.

“We know MetroStars are a great side who work hard and have plenty of experience. They will be up for it just as much as we are.”

The black and whites earned their spot with a 2-1 success over Croydon in the Preliminary Final last weekend. 

However, Budin thought he would not have a chance to feature in the decider after an injury suffered against MetroStars back in Round 11.

“For me this is a huge moment. I thought my season, possibly my career, was over at first,” he said.

“Thanks to the support of the club, my teammates, friends and family I was able to come back. I owe it all to them.”

“The club wants to be at the top. They want success, as do the supporters. For the players, this is why we play the sport.”