 Needing a point to secure the title ahead of Eastern Suburbs, national team midfielder John Perin put City ahead with a 30 yard strike in the first half.With five minutes of normal time remaining, Vic Bozanic looped a ball over the goalkeeper to seal a 1–1 draw, and the championship, sending the 16,000-strong Hindmarsh Stadium crowd into raptures.The 1978 National Soccer League came 13 years before any South Australian side competed in the Australian Football League.