Accurate Legs down the Roosters

NORWOOD has secured itself a spot in the 2021 SANFL Finals as well as a chance to finish in the top three after a tough fought win over North Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.

The Redlegs produced one of their finest performances of the Season to put pressure on the in from Roosters who currently sit third on the ladder only by percentage with one game to play.

Norwood led at every change and seemed to always be in control of the contest as they ran out 12-point winners in wet and windy conditions.

The first quarter saw Lewis Hender kicked the first for the hosts, before two goals in succession to Tristan Binder and Lachlan Pascoe saw them take an early lead.

Karl Finlay started well for the hosts, as he kicked a goal soon after however, it was the Redlegs they kicked three crucial goals in a row to end the quarter 15-points to the good.

Nik Rokahr gave Norwood the perfect start to the second term as he kicked truly from 40-metres before North replied through key forward Keenan Ramsay.

It was goal for goal as North Adelaide seemed to muster a response whenever the Redlegs goaled.

Norwood however proved to be accurate in front of the big sticks as they finished the term 9.2 heading into the main break.

The third term developed into an arm wrestle with Norwood constantly threatening to force North Adelaide’s arm flat. Boyd’s second goal – a 35-metre set shot increased the margin to 10 points before Richard Douglas shot out a handball into the path of Zac Richards to kicked truly from 40-metres to make the task all but harder for the hosts.

As always, the case with the Roosters they continued to fight as goals to Mitch Clisby and William Coombe in the final stages of the third made for an exciting final quarter of footy.

With a 6-point advantage heading into the last term, coach Jade Rawlings implored his charges not to take the foot off the gas with a finals berth well and truly on the line.

And it seemed his side heeded his advice. It took until the tenth-minute mark for Pascoe to mark strongly in tough conditions and convert his third.

With the lead on their side, the Redlegs continued to make life difficult for the hosts who were unable to break down a young Redlegs defence led by Jack Heard who was influential for Norwood with his ability to win one on ones.

Brad McKenzie all but sealed the Norwood win when he kicked a trademark 50-metre goal to give Norwood an 18-point lead entering the final stages.

A goal to Lee Minervini reduced the deficit, however, it was Norwood who ran out 12-points winners.

Veteran Richard Douglas led the way with 29 disposals, nine marks, five clearances and five tackles.

Nik Rokahr was also influential for Norwood with 27 disposals, seven clearances and a goal while Lachlan Pascoe presented strongly in attack to finish with 3.2 from his 12 disposals.

SCOREBOARD:

NORTH ADELAIDE: 2.5 6.10 9.11 10.13 (73)

NORWOOD: 5.2 9.2 11.5 13.7 (85)

GOALS: Pascoe 3, Pedro 2, Boyd 2, Binder, Grigg, Rokahr, Z.Richards, McKenzie, Nelligan

BEST: N. Pedro, H. Boyd, R. Douglas, M. Grigg, N. Rokahr, J. Heard

Photo: Cory Sutton