NFC Match Report – Round 6

NFC Match Report
Norwood: 5.0 9.5 9.10 9.14 (68)
Adelaide: 2.3 5.6 8.10 12.14 (86)
Goals: Barry 3, Dawe 2, Stephens, Wilson, Baulderstone
Best: Grigg, Shenton, Barry, Richards, Johnston, Talia
Injuries: Forster (Concussion), Abbott (Knee)

NORWOOD has succumbed to it’s first defeat of 2019 after falling to the Crows by 18-points at the Parade on Friday night.

The Redlegs led by as much as 30-points midway through the second term, however a spirited Crows fightback and solid defensive display saw Norwood held goal less in the second half.

It left the injury depleted Redlegs reeling as they continued to look heavier in the legs as the game wore on with defender Tom Forster sidelined by concussion and midfielder Will Abbott not appearing for more than a quarter with a knee complaint.

Without Bob Quinn Medallist Matt Panos who was a late withdrawal due to the flu, Norwood looked set for a percentage boosting win when Dom Barry kicked a genuine contender for Goal of the Year 20 minutes into the second stanza.

Barry soccered the ball from a tight angle in traffic to bring the Norwood faithful into life. Barry went onto to kick three goals that quarter as Norwood controlled the match with Mitch Grigg and Lewis Johnston finding plenty of the ball.

The Legs were sound defensively and looked to be in control of the contest. However, momentum shifted with the final five minutes of the quarter, as Captain Matthew Wright made no mistake from 30 metres to give the Crows some hope going into the main break.

The second proved to wasteful from Norwood booting five behinds to the Crows three goals. When McAdam and Wilson both kicked truly, the Crows felt the belief to go on and get the result.

The Legs continued to fight, however down two rotations Adelaide continued to press as Stengle and Davis looked lively up forward causing chaos in the Redlegs defence.

A four goal to none last quarter saw Norwood fall to their first defeat of 2019.

Dominant wingman Lewis Johnston led the charge again for Norwood collecting 39 disposals, while Grigg collected 35-disposals and had eight clearances.

Shenton, unlucky not to be selected in the State side, continued to work hard for his 30 touches, while Barry was good again for Norwood finishing with three goals.

Norwood will now make the most of the rest as the State side tackles the WAFL in Perth next weekend before playing the Eagles at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval in Round 7.