NFC Match Report – Round 16

NORWOOD has surged into contention for a top-three birth after defeating Sturt by 59-points at Peter Motley Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Legs after a quiet month of football are starting to hit their straps on the back of tough fought wins against South and North Adelaide.

The way the visitors set up victory against Sturt in Round 16 was particularly impressive, making the most of a strong breeze to boot six goals-to-one before the first change.

Finishing with a spread of 13 goal kickers, Norwood put its stamp on the contest early to earn a 15-2 inside 50 advantage within the opening 20 minutes.

Forward Declan Hamilton gave the away fans something to cheer about after nailing a beautiful set shot from 40 metres out on an acute angle to give the Legs a 32-point lead at the first break.

Sturt started the second term with a point to prove as Josh Hone and Jake Sutcliffe kicked back to back goals to breathe some life back into the contest.

In a rather contested game, Norwood’s pressure around the football was a key strength leading the tackle count midway through the second stanza.

Ruckman Sam Baulderstone has been in career-best form in 2019 and he did not disappoint, as he kicked the Redlegs first of the second, before a trademark Dom Barry running goal kept the visitors on top at the main break.

The third quarter was controlled by Norwood, who weren’t giving their opposition any chance of mounting a fightback.

Within this 55-minute period, the Redlegs piled on six unanswered goals to take control of the contest in establishing a 49-point lead at the last change.

Youngster Josh Richards playing only his ninth League game was instrumental in the engine room laying a game-high nine tackles and capped off a solid performance with a lovely goal from 35 metres midway through the Premiership quarter.

Heading into the last term, Norwood continued to press as they piled on another five goals to complete the 59-point win.

The Norwood fans were brought into life, as Mitch Grigg and Matthew Panos were able to find space in the forward line to snap crucial goals to help with Norwood’s percentage heading into the final two games.

Norwood’s contributors were plentiful, with experienced Lewis Johnston and Cameron Shenton leading the way with Nunn as emerging pair Dylan Stephens and Cole Gerloff continued their good form.

In his 50^th League game, Matthew Nunn lead the charge collecting 27 disposals on the back of some delicate ruck work from Sam Baulderstone.

Norwood now hosts Central District on Friday night at the Parade in Round 17 of the SANFL Statewide Super League.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 6.3 8.4 12.5 17.7 (109)

STURT: 1.1 3.7 3.10 6.14 (50)

GOALKICKERS: Barry 2, Baulderstone 2, Dawe 2, Panos 2, Bampton, Gerloff, Grigg, Hamilton, Johnston, Nunn, J.Richards, Smart, Wilson

BEST: Shenton, Georgiou, Nunn, Stephens, Barry, Johnston, McKenzie, J.Richards