Making history – Norwood’s U18 Girls make inaugural Grand Final

Just like the Senior Women’s side did in the inaugural SANFLW season back in 2017, Norwood’s U18 Girls team have managed to do the same, qualifying for this Sunday’s Grand Final in the first year of competition.

Norwood was the first team to qualify for the AAMI Talent League Girls finals series, with the Round 6 win over Glenelg, and on Saturday night the Redlegs comprehensively dealt with South Adelaide by 47 points in the Semi to progress through to the big dance.

The Redlegs will take on the minor premier Central District in the AAMI Talent League Girls Grand Final, which on Monday morning was announced to be held at X Convenience Oval on Sunday, May 3 at 10:30am.

It was a sensational effort from the Redlegs in Saturday’s Anzac Day Semi Final, defeating the Panthers 10.7-67 (yes 67) to 3.2-20, overturning a 26-point loss to South in the previous week’s Round 7 fixture which cost Norwood a home final.

Instead, the Redlegs travelled out to X Convenience Oval for the Semi Final, which didn’t worry them at all as they banged home five goals to one in a brilliant opening quarter.

Lillian Thomas started the Semi Final on fire, as she booted the first three goals of the game, within six minutes to get the Redlegs off to the perfect start.

Panthers midfielder Zoe Felsfader – who dominated the Round 7 game with 35 disposals and eight clearances – got her side going with an answering goal, but Norwood finished the first term with two more majors from Della McCracken and Isla Wigzell.

It was 5.0-30 to 1.1-7 at the first break, which put the Redlegs in a dominant position.

South had to stand up, and kicked the first two goals of the second term, through Molly Jenkins and Jaidee-Lee Shortridge to make it an 11-point margin.

Taylah Pearson put the Redlegs in a strong position at half time, leading by 17 points, with her first goal coming just before the main break.

It was to be Norwood’s day, holding South scoreless in the second half, while booting four goals of its own to charge into the inaugural Grand Final.

Thomas booted her three goals from 10 disposals, while T. Pearson finished with two goals from 14 touches.

Mia Wood was a welcome return from her State U16 commitments, with 23 disposals and 11 clearances, while Ella Anderson had 20 disposals.

Norwood 5.0, 6.1, 7.5, 10.7 – 67

South Adelaide 1.1, 3.2, 3.2, 3.2 – 30

Goals: Thomas 3, T. Pearson 2, Kailee Colbung-Ware, Marshall, McCracken

Best: Wood, McCracken, Anderson, Tricker, T. Pearson