Captain Kennerley Returns for King’s Birthday

Norwood will be hoping to build on the momentum of last Saturday’s huge win over West Adelaide when it travels to Unley to take on the undefeated Sturt in Round 9.

It will be a massive game at Thomas Farms Oval against the old Double Blues rivals, which will be held on King’s Birthday Monday as part of a Triple Header (Reserves 9:40am, SANFLW 12:10pm, SANFL 2:30pm).

Norwood has named an extended squad for Monday’s game, but the Redlegs have confirmed the return of captain Jacob Kennerley, who missed the Round 8 match against the Bloods with a calf injury. Kennerley injured the calf in the second half of the Central District game in Round 7.

The Redlegs have also included Jayden Gale, Josh Gillow and Max Hodges amongst the in’s on an extended bench.

After a slow start to the season Norwood’s last five weeks have been much improved, winning two matches against South Adelaide and West Adelaide and putting in solid performances against top four sides Glenelg, Adelaide and Centrals.

In Round 8 the Redlegs headed to Richmond Oval and destroying the Bloods by 104 points, in the club’s best four-quarter performance of the season.

Norwood has been bolstered by the return of key players from the injury list, with Baynen Lowe, Luke Surman, Tom Donnelly and Alec Wright strengthening the side in recent weeks.

The Round 9 game against Sturt is shaping up to be an outstanding contest for a range of reasons, firstly being the public holiday timeslot. Meanwhile, the Double Blues have started the season in great form, remaining undefeated thus far.

Norwood will be keen to rebound from a poor game against the Double Blues in Round 3, where Sturt dominated the Redlegs from the outset.

“It is a great challenge for our footy club,” Senior Coach Jade Sheedy said.

“I think there is none bigger at the moment, and the boys are really looking forward to it and so are we as a coaching group.

“Last time we played Sturt, they belted us around the footy and I think the boys remember that and know what it looked like last time. They are one of the best contested teams in the competition and we pride our game on that part as well so we’re looking forward to it.”

While it’s just Round 9, Norwood will be hopeful the wins keep coming to stay in touch with the fifth placed Woodville-West Torrens. The Redlegs are currently seventh at 2-6, with North sixth 3-5 and the Eagles 5-3. Adelaide also has five wins on the board, but has a game in hand due to the Round 8 Bye.

Scroll down for the Round 9 teams.