Friday, September 11 delivered a grand final worthy of the occasion, with Adelaide City and West Torrens Birkalla, first versus second after an impressive season meeting on the biggest stage in South Australian football.
On a perfect night for football, Adelaide City entered the contest chasing a historic 20th championship, while Birkalla were looking to claim their first title since 1998. With both sides having enjoyed outstanding campaigns, there was plenty at stake for two teams hungry to finish their seasons with silverware.
Before kick-off, Football SA welcomed the 2026 Life Member inductees: Jarrod Brazzale, Alex Chidiac, Adrian D’Alfonso, Craig Goodwin, Charlotte Grant, Evan Kounavelis, Awer Mabil, Riley McGree, David Mitchell, Jake Monaco, Fulvio Pagani, Robert Parker, Paul Radice and Josephine Trimboli.
Football SA congratulates the 2026 Life Members, whose dedication, service and long-standing commitment to football in South Australia has made a lasting contribution to the game.
Once the action got underway, it was Birkalla who made the brighter start. Coming out of the gates with intensity, Birkalla opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Tsarkani before George Blackwood doubled the advantage 23 minutes later.
With a two-goal cushion, Birkalla appeared to have taken control of the contest. Adelaide City struggled to find a way through, with efforts saved and crosses failing to find their intended targets as Birkalla looked comfortable heading into the break.
During half-time, Football SA announced the 2026 Men’s Gatorade Team of the Season.
The team featured forwards George Blackwood of WT Birkalla, Josh Mori of Campbelltown City and Maksim Ivanic of West Adelaide. In midfield were Patrick Caraccia of Adelaide City, Hamish Gow of MetroStars and Lorenzo Boselli of FK Beograd.
The defensive line consisted of Kane Vidmar and Yohei Matsumoto of WT Birkalla, Bol Mapor of Croydon FC and Jackson Fortunatow of MetroStars, while Adelaide City goalkeeper John Hall completed the side.
The second half began with Adelaide City continuing to search for a route back into the contest, and their persistence finally paid off in the 65th minute when youngster Oliver Western found the back of the net to give City renewed hope.
Adelaide City continued to press for an equaliser as the clock ticked towards full time, and their persistence was eventually rewarded.
Deep into stoppage time, a 92nd-minute own goal from WT Birkalla's Alan Welsh brought the scores level, completing an extraordinary comeback and sending the grand final into extra time.
Neither side was prepared to take unnecessary risks during the additional 30 minutes, with the pressure of the occasion evident as both teams battled to avoid conceding a potentially decisive goal.
With nothing separating the sides after extra time, the 2026 RAA NPL champion would be decided from the penalty spot. Adelaide City won the toss and elected to take the first penalty, with a crowd of 3,100 watching on as the shootout unfolded.
Both sides converted their opening penalties before Birkalla's George Blackwood stepped up for his attempt. After an outstanding season in front of goal, Blackwood saw his penalty saved by Adelaide City goalkeeper John Hall, handing City a crucial advantage.
City then had the opportunity to seal the championship, with Alex Battistella stepping up from the spot. However, Birkalla goalkeeper Nick Harpas produced a huge save to keep his side alive.
After five penalties apiece, the shootout moved into sudden death.Birkalla's Jonathon D'Arrigo stepped up for the seventh penalty with his side needing to score to remain in the contest. He struck his attempt, but the pressure immediately shifted back onto City.
With the championship on the line, John Hall stood tall once again, saving the decisive penalty to send Adelaide City into celebration and secure the club's 20th championship. It was a dramatic grand final filled with momentum swings, late drama and penalty-shootout tension a fitting conclusion to a season in which the two best teams in the competition fought until the very end.
Following the match, Adelaide City captain Nicholas Bucco reflected on the achievement.
“It is an amazing achievement for us to win the premiership and now finish it off with the championship, and hopefully we can represent the state well with the Aus championship.”
Full-time
Adelaide City 2–2 WT Birkalla
Adelaide City won 6–5 on penalties
Match Statistics
Statistic | Adelaide City | WT Birkalla |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Total Shots | 21 | 15 |
| Corners | 11 | 9 |
| Passes | 510 | 449 |
| Free Kicks | 8 | 2 |
Relive all the action with our Official Match Hightlights!