Centrals look the team to beat after big win

Central District made a big statement on Sunday afternoon, comfortably defeating Norwood by 39 points in a top of the table clash. 

The Redlegs and Bulldogs went into the game at Richmond Oval undefeated, but the contest was over early in the piece as Centrals banged home five unanswered goals in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt just after half time.

Norwood was able to ensure the margin didn’t blow out past 10 goals, but was no match for Centrals, who ran out 10.3-63 to 4.0-24 winners.

The Redlegs – who had early season wins against Woodville-West Torrens and West Adelaide – were without last week’s leading disposal winner Amelia Kelly, as well as Taylah Pearson, Olivia Stuart and Lailanie Rioli for Round 3.

Centrals kicked the first two goals of the game, but Norwood was able to work its way into the contest, and get on the board when Lillian Thomas broke through the 50m, took a bounce and slotted the goal.

Norwood was well and truly in the game at the first break, trailing 2.1-13 to 1.0-6, and the stats showed an even contest – leading clearances +6, and narrowly trialing disposals -2, tackles -1, and inside 50m -3.

Ella Anderson had nine disposals and three clearances in the opening term for the Redlegs.

A strong Centrals side took control in the second term, dominating every facet of the game, kicking 4.1 to no score to turn the seven-point quarter time lead into 32 points at half time, 6.2-38 to 1.0-6.

By half time, Centrals were +10 in disposals, +15 inside 50m, +5 marks, +13 tackles and +6 hitouts, while Norwood still held a +1 advantage in clearances.

The Bulldogs kicked their fifth unanswered goal within the first minute of the third quarter, to make it a 38-point lead.

From there, Norwood was able to win the football and link some positive plays together, with a response coming through a Montana Marranya goal.

At the final break, the Bulldogs led 8.2- to 2.0-12.

Both sides kicked two goals apiece in the final term, with the first two coming from Centrals to surge the margin past 50 points.

Lia So kicked back to back goals in the final minutes to bring it back to the 39-point deficit.

Anderson finished with a game high 26 disposals, seven clearances and four tackles, while Mia Wood had 18 touches.

Next Saturday, Norwood heads to Elizabeth’s X Convenience Oval to take on North Adelaide at 10.10am in another quadruple header at the Ponderosa.

Norwood 1.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 – 24

Central District 2.1, 6.2, 8.2, 10.3 – 63

Goals: So 2, Marranya, Thomas