Match Report – Tasmania Trials

Norwood’s Senior Men’s side recorded a dominant 67-point win in their first trial match of the 2025 campaign, against a Tasmanian representative side at Kingston Twin Ovals in Hobart on Sunday afternoon.

The visiting Redlegs looked the stronger side right from the outset and extended their lead at every break to finish winners 16.16-112 to 7.3-45.

Six new recruits, Charlie Molan, Connor Ling, Liam Ling, Daniel Gauci, Mitch Nicholas and Tom McCallum, pulled on the red and blue for the first time and slotted seamlessly into the line-up.

Molan moved straight into the midfield and showcased his ability to win the ball and break away from the contest with speed, while Tasmanian recruit Nicholas lined up on the wing and showed plenty of dash.

Former Port Adelaide defender McCallum had some big moments in defence and read the ball nicely, while Connor Ling was a standout through the middle and up forward.

Luke Surman took most of the ruck duties and while undersized against former Andrew Phillips competed strongly and took some big contested marks.

Jackson Callow was one of Norwood’s best with three goals, while Izaak Twelftree showed his versatility to also kick three in his new number 4 guernsey. Finn Heard booted two in his return game from an elbow injury.

Jack Saunders shook off a heavy collision with Callow in the second quarter to kick two goals and have an influence around the ball as well.

Billy Cootee and Ben Simpson were consistent contributors through the midfield, while Pierce Seymour, Josh Gillow and Jack Heard were steady in defence.

However, the win was soured somewhat by a shoulder injury to Ethan Warburton in the second quarter that saw him helped off the ground.

Norwood will next play Central District in a trial match at Elizabeth’s X Convenience Oval on Saturday, March 8.

Norwood  5.3, 6.11, 12.14, 16.16-112

Tasmania 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.3-45

Goals: Callow 3, Twelftree 3, Saunders 2, F. Heard 2, Cootee, Gale, L. Ling, C. Ling, Binder, Sanders

Best: Twelftree, Cootee, J. Heard, F. Heard, Surman

Norwood’s Senior Women brought their pre-season to a close with a thrilling three-point defeat against a strong Tasmanian representative side at Kingston Twin Ovals in Hobart on Sunday.

The visitors were left to rue several missed opportunities in the last quarter as Lucy Thompson’s late shot bounced freakishly over the goal line to snatch the 5.3-33 to 4.6-30 victory for Tasmania.

The contest remained close throughout the afternoon as both teams enjoyed brief periods of ascendancy in a high-quality match-up.

A strong breeze favouring the northern end persisted across the day and made clean passages of play difficult for both sides.

Norwood kicked against the wind in the first term and were forced to defend several early Tasmanian attacks before finding the first goal of the match through a clever snap from Shai Hiscock.

The Redlegs started numerous attacks of their own in the second quarter but were unable to break through the Tasmanian defence until Sophie Arkun converted a long-range set shot on the stroke of half time.

Kiana Lee put the Redlegs back in front early in the third term with a goal earned from a holding free kick in a marking contest.

Norwood managed several more chances on goal, but the wind again played havoc as shots from Mykaela Walker, Lana Schwerdt and Grace Whittaker all fell short.

Trailing by two points at three-quarter-time, Norwood had the last use of the breeze and quickly seized control to start the final term.

Lee capped off a stellar afternoon with her second goal to put the Redlegs seven points clear with 12 minutes to play.

Thompson kicked the final goal of the afternoon for the hosts to help the girls in “the map” guernsey register the three-point win.

While not quite able to get over the line, Norwood will be encouraged by the performance of several key players including Lee, Hiscock, Walker, Coby Morgan and Jade Halfpenny, who were all strong contributors.

Norwood’s SANFLW side will have a week’s break before getting their 2025 season underway against South Adelaide at Magain Stadium on Saturday, 15 March from 6:00pm. The Round 1 encounter will be a grand final rematch from last season.

Norwood 1.0, 2.1, 3.1, 4.6 – 30

Tasmania 1.1, 2.3, 3.3, 5.3 – 33

Goals: Kiana Lee 2, Shai Hiscock, Sophie Arkun

By Jordan Routley