Match Report – SANFL Trial Match 3

A fast-finishing Norwood outfit recorded an 18-point win over a strong Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Sunday in the club’s third and final SANFL trial match of the pre-season.

The Redlegs had two wins and a loss from their 2025 trials against Port Adelaide, Tasmania and Central District, but all attention now turns to a Round 1 blockbuster with North Adelaide at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night, March 29 (7:10pm).

Playing a Port side that had 17-AFL listed players, the Redlegs trailed by two goals late in the third term but stormed home with four unanswered goals in the last quarter to claim victory, 9.9-63 to 6.9-45.

With several key players sidelined with injury, Norwood fielded a relatively young and inexperienced squad with several emerging players getting an opportunity.

Defenders George McLeod and Josh Gillow were both solid down back while Daniel Gauci had some nice moments and Jack Hodges battled valiantly as a pinch-hitting ruckman.

Off-season recruits Mitch Nicholas and Charlie Molan were both impressive through the midfield, with Molan kicking his first goal in Norwood colours with a quick snap from the pocket in the last quarter.

Tasmanian brothers Connor and Liam Ling were stationed mostly across the half-forward line, while Tom McCallum had a strong aerial presence in defence against his former side.

With fellow key forwards Finn Heard and Jackson Callow out of the team, Tristan Binder led the way up forward with two goals and a series of strong marks on the lead.

Jake Cresswell also booted two important goals in the last quarter to cap off a typically reliable performance on the wing.

Ollie Sanders was a consistent contributor across the afternoon and was creative with ball in hand, while Billy Cootee was one of Norwood’s best and found plenty of the footy.

Skipper Jacob Kennerley provided his customary toughness around the ball and nailed a set shot from 40m into a difficult breeze.

As he did in Tasmania, Jack Saunders spent more time around the footy and battled hard, as did Declan Hamilton who worked to provide support at both ends of the ground.

Experienced duo Jack Heard and Pierece Seymour led the defence expertly and won some crucial one-on-one contests throughout the day.

Cooper Murley showed plenty of run and dash from the half back line while Isaac Saywell worked hard around the ball as well.

Luke Surman fought tirelessly in the ruck against AFL-listed ruckmen Dante Visentini and Ivan Soldo and followed up well at ground level to win some crucial possessions.

Norwood’s Reserves played South Adelaide in a trial at Alberton earlier in the day, and went down by 41 points in really difficult conditions. South – who had several regular League players returning from injury – had a nightmare in front of goal, booting 6.20-56 to 2.3-15.

The Redlegs long injury list was felt most by the Reserves, who played six current U18 players, but the side battled hard throughout the day.

Eight players on the current injury list, including Matt Ling, Jacob Newton, Mitch O’Neill and Finn Heard are expected to play Round 1.

After the trial, Norwood have 13 days before its season opener against the Roosters on Saturday, 29 March at Coopers Stadium.

Norwood 2.1, 4.5, 5.6, 9.9 – 63

Port Adelaide  2.2, 2.3, 6.7, 6.9 – 45

Goals: Binder 2, Saunders 2, Sanders 2, Kennerley, Molan, Cresswell

By Jordan Routley