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Black and Gold remains on West End Chimney

2 months ago – September 26, 2024

By ZAC MILBANK

It’s not often black and gold remains on the top of the West End Chimney.

But for the first time since 1985-86, and the first at the Thebarton brickworks, Glenelg’s colours will be entrenched for another 12 months much to the delight of the Brighton Road faithful.

Adorning the West End Chimney for the sixth occasion since the highly-respected tradition began in 1954, the Bays were still well-and-truly in celebration mode after their dramatic five-point win against Norwood in the 2024 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, dual Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves was soaking up the enormity of returning for his second ceremony after his first two seasons at the helm.

Noting the retirement of 2019 Jack Oatey Medallist Matthew Snook, Reeves also said 2019 premiership captain Chris Curran was considering his future given his expanding work schedule.

Steering Glenelg to its seventh flag, the New South Welshman was gushing about the South Australian tradition of the colours of the winning SANFL premiership side being painted on top of the iconic landmark on South Road.

Port Adelaide great Fos Williams played a significant role in establishing the annual ritual which began in 1954 when he coached the Magpies to a hard-fought three-point win against West Adelaide in the SANFL Grand Final at Adelaide Oval.

To recognise the Bloods’ gallant effort, Williams suggested that a red stripe be painted underneath Port’s black and white colours to acknowledge the runner-up.

As a result, the tradition of painting both Grand Final teams’ colours on the West End Chimney remains despite the Brewery changing location from Hindley Street to Port Road in 1982 and now being decommissioned at the end of 2020.

Located in Thebarton, The Brickworks Kiln was constructed in 1913 and restored in 2016 by the West Torrens Council.

It stands adjacent to the Brickworks Marketplace, and is the last of the Hoffmann-style kilns still standing in Australia.

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