After the disappointment of the 2000 grand final, in losing to Goodwood Saints, the core of this group were looking for atonement in 2001. Retaining players like Simon Sapranidis, Roman & Sherif Catic, Darren Royals & Darren Pickering would provide experience while the acquisition of Tim Hammond from the 2000 A Grade premiership team would provide the side with a never say die attitude. An influx of younger players also helped the enthusiasm of the team.

As usual the season started with plenty of numbers to choose from but (as usual with the C grade) most weeks they struggled to field a full team. Some tactful recruiting from the coaching staff & some top clubmen fronting up after B grade matches a strong part of a successful season.

There was only one loss for the year against SHOC in round seven, which was probably the jolt the side needed. Again, Goodwood was the main rival, along with SMOSH, Rostrevor & Adelaide Uni.
Some of the more memorable games included the home game against SMOSH. After PHOSC led for most of the day, SMOSH made a surge in the last quarter to take the lead for the first time of the match with less than a minute remaining. Daniel Rowe and TIm Hammond sent the ball forward, where Garth Wright gathered the bouncing ball, wheeled around and coolly slotted through a major, to give PHOSC a fantastic victory. Garth Wright was tremendous all day, finishing with seven goals.
Other good victories for the year were the home game against SHOC where the team avenged its only loss for the year with a resounding win. A complete four quarter game is very rare in C grade, but the home win against nemesis Goodwood in round 9 was probably as sweet as it gets. PHOSC dominated all day, all over the ground for a 7 goal win and outright premiership favouritism.

Round 18 saw another clash with Goodwood, played at Colonel Light Gardens, with the winner going into the finals the following week with plenty of confidence, as PHOSC and Goodwood finish 1 & 2 on the premiership table at the end of the minor round. After a spiteful game the Phantoms won out with a 6 point victory and a physical and mental edge on their rivals.

In the second semifinal it was PHOSC Vs Goodwood at Mitcham oval (the scene of last year's grand final). A very wet and unusually late winter provided quagmire conditions. With Tim Hammond, Simon Sapranidis and Sherif Catic controlling the midfield, they gave their forwards plenty of opportunities to score, but with the tough conditions goals were hard to come by. Mark Baker, Tony Heffernan and Roman Catic held sway in defense, while Damien Nunan and Jamie Cranage dominated their wings. In the end the scoring shots showed the dominance of the Phantoms with PHOSC coming out on top 2.14 to Goodwood 1.0. Darren Pickering and Bruce Clements kicked the goals. The victory gave PHOSC another grand final berth and a well needed weeks rest, especially for the older players.

Again the two sides met in the grand final at Hectorville oval, in what can only be described as the worst conditions ever seen in football. With mud that went half way up the shins, this game was not going to be won with skill, but with grit and determination. PHOSC got off to a good start with a goal from coach Bruce Clements from 40 metres out. Little did the Phantoms know that this would be their last goal of the year. Goodwood replied in the second quarter with a goal of their own and at half time the scores were tied at one goal apiece.

The second half was an absolute slog. With PHOSC getting two rushed behinds and taking the lead, at the ten minute mark of the last quarter, coach Bruce Clements put all players on the defensive side of the ball. With Geoff Braun and Adam Hull in ruck, and captain Darren Royals at the bottom of every pack, the Phantoms held on to atone for last years loss and became deserved premiers.
Special mention must be made of everyone that helped the C grade during 2001. Our runner Marco Tarca, team manager David Steinberg, players that filled in when we were short on numbers, Mark 'Dougy' Smith on his career as a senior player at PHOSC, and to Tim Hammond, who won the league medal with 28 votes (the runner up getting 14 votes) on an outstanding season.

Coach - Bruce Clements
Captain - Darren Royals

League Awards
Association Medal Winner - Tim Hammond (28 votes)
Association Leading Goalkicker - Bruce Clements (66 goals)

Club Awards
Best & Fairest - Tim Hammond
Runner Up Best & Fairest - Roman Catic
Most Improved - Shane Gilby
Coaches Trophy - Lachlan Roberts