Friday Flashback – 1949 Grand Final

The incredible goal kicking feats of Australian Football Hall of Fame member Ken Farmer are well known. But it was on a hot and windy day in October 1949 when he added to his legend by becoming a premiership coach with his beloved North Adelaide.

Having stripped back his playing list since his appointment and promoting youth from within at Prospect, Farmer was duly rewarded when his Roosters responded to a serious challenge as West Torrens edged in front by a point midway through the third quarter.

From there, North managed to kick three goals to the Eagles’ one in the final term, with 1949 Magarey Medallist Ron Phillips the hero when he booted a 50-yard screw punt through to give his side a commanding lead.

A member of the SA Football Hall of Fame, Phillips – who won the 1948 Magarey Medal as a centre half-back – transformed himself into a damaging centre half-forward to win his second Magarey and boot a total of 35 goals in the premiership year.

Tune in to SANFL TV to see vision of the match, which was played at Adelaide Oval in front of more than 40,000 fans.

Highlights in the clip include the swarming of the North players on the ground and behind the scenes footage of the official premiership photo being taken.

West Torrens’ SA Football Hall of Famer Bob Hank can also be spotted giving a trademark thumbs up during the three-quarter time break.

1949 SANFL Grand Final

North Adelaide  4.7  6.13  10.13   13.17 (95)
West Torrens  2.6  5.11  8.15   9.18 (72)

At Adelaide Oval
Crowd: 42,490