Norwood runs over Sturt to claim SANFL flag before record TV audience
Norwood stormed home in the last quarter to beat Sturt 13.9 (87) to 11.7 (73) in the 2026 Hostplus SANFL Grand Final at Adelaide Oval.
The decider was played on Sunday, 20 September in Adelaide. A crowd of 38,250 watched at the ground. The win gave Norwood its 32nd premiership, according to the league SANFL.
For newcomers, the scoring is simple. A goal is worth six points and a behind is worth one. The first number is goals, the second is behinds, then the total. So 13.9 (87) means 13 goals and nine behinds.
Sturt controlled the middle of the game. It kicked six goals to one in the third quarter and led by three goals at three-quarter time Norwood FC. Norwood answered after the last break. It finished 14 points clear after the final-quarter comeback.
The television numbers were big. The total national audience on Sunday was 109,700, up 16 per cent on 2025 figures ABC. That made it the most-viewed SANFL Grand Final since the modern VOZ ratings system began in 2022. VOZ combines broadcast TV and streaming.
The total included 93,500 broadcast TV viewers and 16,100 viewers on broadcaster video on demand, known as BVOD. Streaming was up 52 per cent. In South Australia, 71 per cent of televisions switched on were tuned to the Sturt-Norwood decider.
Most of the audience was local. Of the broadcast viewers, 87,500 were from Adelaide. Of the streaming viewers, 12,800 were from Adelaide.
The Adelaide Oval crowd also compared well interstate. The VFL Grand Final drew 12,941 fans and the WAFL Grand Final drew 19,210 people to Perth Stadium.
The celebrations continued on 22 September at Thebarton. Norwood Football Club's colours were unveiled atop the Brickworks chimney to mark the win. The SANFL said the 2026 chimney ceremony was scheduled for 11am at the Hoffmann Kiln at Brickworks Marketplace SANFL. West End and the City of West Torrens presented the event.
It is a nearly 70-year tradition. The ceremony moved from the West End Brewery chimney after owner Lion closed the facility in 2021. Since the start of the decade, the grand final winner and runner-up have displayed their colours atop the 1913 Hoffman-designed kiln at Thebarton. This was Norwood's second time on top since the shift.
The kiln itself is part of the story. It is the last Hoffmann-style kiln still standing in Australia. It was restored in 2016 by the West Torrens Council. The Norwood and Sturt colours will stay on top until the end of season 2027.
What makes this stand out is the double hit. A three-goal comeback in a state-league Grand Final. Then a record TV audience and a full house sense of occasion to follow.
