From the Sidelines with Spyro - Semi-Finals Review

Semifinal Saturday delivered exactly what many expected— dominance and destiny. Both No. 2 seeds rose to the occasion with commanding victories, punching their tickets to the Great Southern Bowl, proving they were more than just second best all season.

The stage is now set for blockbuster championship clashes, with the UniSA Eagles & the Adelaide University Hogs set to face off in both the Junior and Senior Great Southern Bowls. While the Chiefs’ historic run in the juniors ends and the Spartans fall short of back-to-back senior bowl appearances.

The road to championship glory now leads to rivalry showdowns with everything on the line.

Juniors: (2) Adelaie University Hogs defeat (3) South City Chiefs

Final Score: 20-8

Out of the two semi-final matchups this was the one that could have gone either way. These programs met 3 times throughout the regular season, with an instant classic that came down to the wire taking place in Round 2. Heading into this playoff game the Hogs led the season series 2-1 with the largest margin of victory only being 7 points which came in last weeks victory for the Hogs.  

These Hogs had been locked in the top two all year, while the Chiefs found their best form down the stretch after a slow start to the season, and it all came to a head this past Saturday. It was the Hogs who put an end to the Chiefs 5-year reign of dominance claiming a 12-point victory, the largest between these 2 proud teams all season.

Although many may have expected another back and forth classic, that was not the case in this one. The Hogs were laser focused and it showed, it was a professional performance with big plays on both sides of the ball leaving the Chiefs with no answer.

While the season ends for the Chiefs absolutely nothing can be taken away from them. They were a dynasty that reigned over the Junior division for half a decade, and all good things eventually come to an end. Rest assured they will be back contending come the 2026 season.

The Adelaide University Hogs move onto the Juniors Great Southern Bowl for a chance at glory. Awaiting them is the undefeated 8-0 UniSA Eagles looking to make amends for last year’s championship loss.

Seniors: (2) UniSA Eagles defeat (3) Port Adelaide Spartans

Final Score: 30-6

The Spartans were tasked with an almighty challenge in their hopes to reach a second straight Great Southern Bowl. Because standing between them was the 1 loss UniSA Eagles who in 3 meetings throughout the season were undefeated against the Spartans, with an average winning margin of 24-points and keeping them scoreless twice.

It was dominance all too familiar with this Eagles side who picked up exactly where they left off from last week's 40-0 win over this very Spartans team. They powered through the Spartans defence all day cruising to a 24- point victory, the same number as their average winning margin across their previous 3 encounters.

It isn’t all negative for the Spartans as any team would have struggled against this powerhouse, it wasn’t the year they had hoped for, but they still gave themselves every possible chance at another crack for championship glory.

This result sets up the marquee blockbuster matchup everyone was hoping for. The 2 best teams all year, with their only losses coming against each other.

It will be the Adelaide University Hogs taking on the UniSA Eagles in the Seniors Great Southern Bowl.

Great Southern Bowl Fixture:

Juniors: Great Southern Bowl @ 11:00AM

(1) UniSA Eagles vs (2) Adelaide University Hogs

Seniors: Great Southern Bowl @ 2:00PM

(1) Adelaide University Hogs vs (2) UniSA Eagles