Norwood knock off the reigning premiers

Norwood took a big scalp on Saturday afternoon, defeating back to back reigning premiers South Adelaide by 17 points at Revo Fitness Oval. 

Hoping to dust off and move on from a disappointing loss to Sturt in Round 7, the Redlegs were outstanding against the Panthers from the outset, and went on to claim the 4.12-36 to 3.1-19 win. 

The two sides last met in Round 1, and the Redlegs never looked in the game, but Saturday was a different story as they slammed home the first three goals of the match. 

Norwood’s lead got out to 21 points early in the second term before South had even scored, but as good teams do, the Panthers responded.

South Adelaide kicked the next two goals to reel the margin back in to a more manageable 10 points at half time, 3.4-22 to 2.0-12.

Norwood kicked the only goal of the third term, through Amelia Rusden, but had the chance to put the Panthers away, booting 1.4 to no score. At the final break, the Redlegs had left the door ajar, leading by 20 points.

The Redlegs continued to kick poorly in front of goal, starting the final term with three behinds. South got the all-important first goal of the fourth quarter, through Shortridge to make it 16 points the margin at the 11-minute mark. 

Norwood held its nerve, and kept South scoreless for the remainder of the game, and went on to claim its fifth win of the season. 

Jade Halfpenny again led from the front with 30 disposals and 13 tackles in a wet, wild and muddy day at Prospect, while Ashley Baker had 26 touches, and Kate Alexander 22 disposals, four marks and two goals from six shots. 

Alexander was named best on ground, while Coby Morgan was second best in her 50th SANFL Women’s match. Kaianne Colbung-Ware had 13 disposals and four tackles on debut, and a first goal illuded her, booting three behinds. 

Norwood have another massive test this Saturday, travelling to Maughan Thiem Kia Oval to take on the top of the table Woodville-West Torrens. 

Norwood 1.3, 3.4, 4.8, 4.12 – 36

South Adelaide 0.0, 2.0, 2.0, 3.1 – 19

Goals: Alexander 2, Rusden, Walker

Best: Alexander, Morgan, Halfpenny, Baker, Gaedtke