From the Sidelines with Spyro - The Great Southern Bowl

A season that started in the Barossa Valley came to its conclusion under clear skies at Dry Creek Reserve — the home of American football in South Australia — fans packed the sidelines for a championship spectacle worthy of the occasion. The 2025 Great Southern Bowls delivered two blockbuster games, capping off the biggest and most memorable year in league history with style, noise, and no shortage of drama. From rising junior talent to battle-hardened senior stars, the day showcased everything that makes Australian gridiron thrive.

The UniSA Eagles soared to Juniors glory, completing a perfect, undefeated season and emphatically closing the chapter on last year’s heartbreak with a redemption story for the ages.

In the Seniors, the Adelaide University Hogs proved once again why their dynasty commands respect, powering their way to yet another Great Southern Bowl title.

Two champions crowned, two statements made — and a fitting finale to a historic season.

Juniors: Great Southern Bowl

UniSA Eagles defeat Adelaide University Hogs

Final Score: 52-20

Kicking off the day in spectacular style, the UniSA Eagles overwhelmed the Adelaide University Hogs in a fast-paced, high-scoring clash. With points flowing freely throughout the contest, the two sides combined for the highest-scoring game of the season, as the Eagles cruised to a dominant 52–20 victory.

The Hogs opened the game with possession after the Eagles won the toss and elected to defer. Adelaide University looked settled early, putting together a promising opening drive that should have resulted in points, if not for a series of early penalties that stalled their progress.

Nerves were evident on the Eagles’ first offensive snap, with the ball sailing over the head of quarterback Riley Stewart. However, the miscue did little to slow UniSA’s momentum. On the very next play, Stewart connected with Lochlyn Bates for a 46-yard gain, quickly moving the Eagles into the red zone. Moments later, Stewart found Jesse Paul for the opening touchdown of the game.

Pinned deep in their own territory, the Hogs showed confidence with a bold fake punt on fourth-and-three, gaining 28 yards. That gamble paid off, as Hamish Kennedy connected with Hudson Tebbett for the answering touchdown.

Despite a late interception that the Hogs were unable to convert into points, the Eagles added two more scores before halftime. Stewart crossed the line himself, before eventual MVP Owen Healy broke free for a massive 65-yard run, shrugging off multiple tackles to give the Eagles a 20–6 lead at the main break.

After deferring the opening possession, the Eagles’ high-powered offense took the field to begin the second half and picked up right where they left off. They continued to live in the end zone, extending their lead to more than 30 points midway through the half. While the Hogs found some success through touchdowns from DJ Whyman and Thomas Govey, the damage had already been done.

Adelaide University’s defence had no answer for the Eagles’ destructive ground game, led by an unstoppable Owen Healy. The standout running back rushed for well over 100 yards and 3 touchdowns on his way to claiming Great Southern Bowl MVP honours.

Having built an insurmountable lead early, the Eagles put a full stop on their redemption story from last year’s loss, sealing an incredible undefeated championship soaring high as the best team of the season.

Seniors: Great Southern Bowl

Adelaide University Hogs defeat UniSA Eagles

Final Score: 26-18

The stage was set for the main event, and the heavyweight title fight delivered on its promise. In a bruising, back-and-forth contest, the Adelaide University Hogs were pushed to their limits by a determined UniSA Eagles outfit, forced to earn every point in a hard-fought 26–18 victory.

It was a heart-in-mouth start for the Hogs, who fumbled the opening kickoff before managing to recover. Any early nerves were quickly settled, however, as on just their second offensive play quarterback and eventual MVP Pat Ryan connected with Eddie Hetherington for a 42-yard touchdown through the air, providing the perfect opening statement.

Disaster struck early for the Eagles’ offence. On the first throw of the game, Samuel Crummey was intercepted by Laurence Marin, handing the Hogs excellent field position. Adelaide University capitalised, converting the turnover into another touchdown, highlighted by a championship-calibre catch from Hetherington, who toe-tapped in the corner of the end zone for his second score and a 14–0 lead.

The Eagles responded with a momentum-shifting play of their own. Brock Phillips intercepted Ryan to set UniSA up in the red zone, and Crummey made amends by finding Timoci Tuikaba for a crucial touchdown.

The Hogs then mounted a sustained drive but were unable to punch the ball in on three attempts from the goal line. It appeared the Eagles were on the verge of a goal-line stand before Thomas Humphrey hauled in a tipped pass on fourth-and-goal for a vital touchdown.

Momentum swung again late in the half as the Eagles threatened to turn the game on its head. Crummey connected with Tyson Helmers for a touchdown, and UniSA’s defence continued to apply pressure, with Michael Bates intercepting Ryan in the end zone to halt another Hogs drive.

Despite trailing 20–12 at the main break, all the momentum belonged to the UniSA Eagles.

Both defences stood tall throughout the third quarter, with neither offence able to add to the scoreboard, setting the stage for a tense final term with everything on the line. The Eagles’ defence dominated the second half, effectively creating a no-fly zone as the Hogs struggled to sustain drives. However, UniSA’s offence was unable to capitalise and cut into the margin.

A pivotal moment came when Ryan produced a heroic fourth-down scramble to move the chains. Shortly after, he found Matt Santrac, who turned nothing into something spectacular, making a defender miss before racing down the sideline for a Hogs touchdown.

With just over a minute remaining, it appeared the Hogs were on their way to yet another Great Southern Bowl championship, but the Eagles were not done yet. On their final drive, needing to score quickly, the Eagles struck through Alex Rossi to keep their hopes alive. An onside kick attempt followed, a fitting climax to a marquee matchup, but the Eagles were unable to recover. As the ball fell into the hands of the Hogs, so too did the Great Southern Bowl trophy. Hogs Quarterback Pat Ryan was given MVP honours, as he made big, championship level plays when they were needed most, both with his arm and his legs.

A true powerhouse of Australian gridiron, the Adelaide University Hogs, added yet more silverware to their collection as their dynasty rolled on, despite this possibly being the final championship under their current name. For the UniSA Eagles, the performance was one of pride and resilience, fighting until the final whistle and proving exactly why they belonged on the biggest stage.

It was an unforgettable day of championship football at Dry Creek Reserve, bringing to a close what will be remembered as the biggest season in league history.

Season 2026 cannot come soon enough.