Breakthrough wins for U18s & U16s in Elizabeth

Norwood has claimed its first U18 boys win at Elizabeth in four seasons, coming from behind to secure a nine-point win over Central District.

The Redlegs trailed by as much as 33 points in the second quarter, before chipping away at the lead and hitting the front in the final term and holding onto the victory.

The Bulldogs led by 14 points at both half time and three quarter time, but kicked an important goal through Whimpress in the opening minute of the final term to go 20 points up.

Norwood didn’t panic, finding the next goal a minute later through Cooper Allen, and another five minutes later through Ollie Easton to make it seven points.

A Cooper Burrows goal put Norwood in front at the 12-minute mark. Norwood led by one point in a tense last quarter, as neither side could get the all-important next goal.

Finally, it was Easton who slotted the sealer for Norwood at the 22-minute mark, which was enough for the Redlegs to secure its first win of the year, 10.11-71 to 9.8-62.

Centrals had the top four ball winners on the ground, with Charlie Best gathering 23 for the Redlegs in a very even performance across the board.

Thomas Gribben had 20 disposals and five marks, Eddie Sorensen 20 disposals, five tackles and a goal, and Eddie Graham 19 disposals.

Norwood 2.2, 5.4, 6.6, 10.11 – 71

Central District 5.2, 7.6, 8.8, 9.8 – 62

Goals: Easton 2, Waugh 2, Allen, Burrows, Nak, Sheedy, Sorensen, Wilkins

Best: Best, Gribben, Tanner, Waugh, Myall

Life as Norwood’s U16 coach has got off to a winning start for Connor McLean, as his side claimed a 10-point win over Central District at Elizabeth Oval.

The Redlegs 2022 SANFL Premiership player, McLean, took over as U16 coach for the 2026 season, and despite torching the ball in front of goal, secured a 8.17-65 to 8.7-55 win.

Norwood had 34-more inside 50m entries, and 10-more scoring shots than the Bulldogs, but it took all night to wear the home side down and secure the opening round win.

Norwood started brightly, kicking the first two goals, and having eight scoring shots to two in the first quarter, but unfortunately it set up the night as the Redlegs scoreline at the first break read 2.6-18 to 1.1-7.

Centrals capitalised on this in the second quarter, kicking four goals to one to open up a 10-point half time lead.

The third quarter was going goal for goal, until Norwood put the foot down and locked the ball inside 50m, but unfortunately it again translated into 3.7 for the term. It was enough to regain the lead at the final break, holding a two-point advantage.

Blake Langeluddecke kicked the first goal of the final term for the Redlegs to go ahead by eight points, but it was four behinds in between the next Zayne Hitch goal which just about sealed the win.

Harrison Tink had 25 disposals for Norwood, Zayd El Hosni 24 and Tyler Hitch 22 disposals and two goals.

Norwood plays again on Wednesday night at Alberton Oval, taking on Glenelg in the U16s and U18s.

Norwood 2.6, 3.6, 6.13, 8.17 – 65

Central District 1.1, 5.4, 7.5, 8.7 – 55

Goals: T Hitch 2, Z Hitch, Langeluddecke, Launer, Mudge, Poulton, Thomson

Best: El Hosni, Fraser, T Hitch, De Lucia, Clark