Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Manufacturing) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday afternoon a capacity crowd of over 50,000 people, virtually creating a sea of red around Adelaide Oval, turned out to watch Adelaide United win the 2016 Australian Soccer League grand final over Western Sydney Wanderers in a 3-1 result. After ending the season on top of the ladder, yesterday's win made clear that in 2016 Adelaide United was the best team in the competition.

Having played but lost grand finals in 2007 and 2009, it was the first A-League championship for Adelaide United. That of course will make it so much more memorable for the players; their coach, Guillermo Amor; their supporters; and everyone who in any way contributes to the club.

I acknowledge Greg Griffin, who several years ago took over the reins of Adelaide United as chairman and whose determination to get the team to the top has been unrelenting. I give a special mention also to Adelaide United captain and goalkeeper, Eugene Galekovic, whose partner Nancy had only a week earlier given birth to their son Jayden and who finished the season with a cause for a double celebration.

I also commiserate with the Western Sydney players but give well-deserved congratulations to Adelaide United. You have done your club and your State proud, and South Australians celebrate with you.

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