Round 14 Coach’s Review

Norwood Senior Coach Jade Sheedy says he is pleased with his team’s second-half fightback that saw the Redlegs defeat West Adelaide by 17 points on Saturday.

In wet and windy conditions at a boggy Richmond Oval, the Bloods had all the early running and led by 15 points early in the third term, before Norwood stormed home with seven of the last eight goals.

Speaking to The Redlegs Review podcast, Sheedy pointed to Norwood’s improved contest work in the second half as the main factor in the result.

“After half time we tried to play a little bit straighter and get more numbers to each contest, and we just wanted to be a bit more connected through playing straighter and using our numbers in front of the footy,” Sheedy said.

“We got enough ball inside 50 early, but we just didn’t compete strongly enough in front of the ball and they were too good in marking and running the ball out because we didn’t come forward to defend quickly enough, but those are little areas we’ll keep working on.”

“In the first half we didn’t maximise contests in front of the ball, and then Max Hodges and Tristan Binder took two marks inside forward 50 each in the third quarter, and little parts of our game just started to change around winning contests in key areas.”

“We adapted a bit better at half time to the conditions, and to the boys’ credit, they were excellent around the footy in the second half, got the ball going our way and made some really strong contests in our front half as well.”

Coming up against a strong West Adelaide team in good form, Sheedy highlighted the importance of overcoming the Bloods’ determined challenge throughout the day.

“They are very distinct in terms of how they want to play and they’re a good contested possession team, so to come away with a win against a good contested side in those conditions was positive.”

“We discussed that a bit in our review last night that you don’t have things all your own way in footy, and we’ve got a distinct game style in how we want to play, but we also want to value all parts of our game, starting with contest and defence, then how we want to move the ball.

“The opposition will play a certain way and try different things, and then there are individuals and conditions to contend with, so for us to come into the second half and compete really strongly around the footy against a strong contested footy side was pleasing.”

A key facet of the contest battle was Ben Simpson’s tagging role on West Adelaide star Kobe Ryan, who was restricted to just 11 disposals and minimal impact on the game.

“We value what we do very highly, but we respect opposition and what they do as well and try and take little parts of their game away from them.”

“He (Ryan) was really strong the week before, and he’s probably their main starter in the midfield. Ben has done multiple roles for us this year and we know that if we need him, he can go to the opposition’s best player and help us win the game of footy.”

Sheedy also explained the decision to replace suspended defender Aaron Francis with small forward Ollie Sanders, who nailed a crucial final-quarter goal to seal the contest.

“It was more around their forward line. They played two key forwards, and then the other four were 178cm or less, so it was match-up dependent, and then with the conditions as well, we leaned more towards a ground ball game in those conditions.”

“Ollie has put together a really good body of work over a long period of time and he deserved his opportunity.”

The coach also reserved praise for ruckman Finn Heard, who produced another stellar effort to finish with 23 disposals, 36 hit-outs, 10 clearances and eight inside 50s.

“He was a big reason, especially in the second half, as to why we won the game of footy. We started going directly out of contest and then in front of contest we started marking the ball.”

“Finn had three or four centre bounces where he took the ball out, and he’s not only really good at that, but also when the ball hits the ground he can be an extra mid for us, and in those conditions that was crucial.

“His form is probably as good as anyone in the competition right now.”

Sheedy also provided an update on key pair Baynen Lowe and Harry Boyd, who are both nearing their returns from injury.

“Harry and Lowey should return after the bye at this stage, and Aaron (Francis) is coming off his suspension this week, so he’ll be available for selection.”

Norwood now turn their attention to a crucial clash with Central District at Coopers Stadium on Sunday afternoon, who will be looking to continue their good recent form.

“They have got a bit of stability back in their side in terms of the balance of their team. They are probably the opposite of how West Adelaide played on the weekend, in that they are a bit taller in their front half and have some players down there who can mark the ball.”

“They are a very direct team from stoppage and had 65 inside 50s on the weekend and dominated that game of footy. Their form over the last four or five weeks has built and is pretty good.”