Norwood defeat Port Adelaide in Easter Thursday clash

NORWOOD has defeated traditional rivals, Port Adelaide, by the sum of 45-points in Round one of the SANFL Statewide Super League.

In what was Jade Rawlings first official game in charge at the Parade, the Redlegs were relentless in their pressure with a crowd of almost 5000 cheering them on.

Starting the season with genuine motivation, the Redlegs booted six goals in succession after conceding the first of the game to former Redleg Luke Surman, who converted for the Magpies.

Norwood continued its momentum early in the second term as ball magnet Jed Spence marked strongly which saw an incident behind play bring him within 20 metres out to boot the Redlegs sixth.

With plenty of talent within the Port Adelaide side, Norwood matched the work rate and physicality of their opponents with new skipper Matthew Nunn leading the way for the Redlegs tallying 20 disposals to half time.

With all to play for in the second half, returning Redleg and fan favourite Paul Puopolo caught Port’s Trent McKenzie holding the ball to bring the fans to life before Tasmanian recruit Jackson Callow put the afterburners on to escape his opponent and kick Norwood’s tenth.

The Redlegs were resolute in defence with Jack Heard, Jacob Collins, Cam Ball and Isaac Saywell not giving an inch to the Magpies front third.

The final term saw former Crow Richard Douglas boot his first of the contest as he snapped from a forward 50 stoppage before Puopolo kicked his third to all but seal a memorable Easter Thursday win for Norwood.

Norwood captain Matthew Nunn was sensational leading his charges into battle for the first time, racking up an eye-catching stat line of 39 disposals, 11 tackles, five marks and five clearances.

The elusive midfielder received plenty of support from Douglas with 26 disposals and a goal while silky-skilled Dom Barry was a difference-maker with three majors to go with his 21 possessions and five marks.

Puopolo applied his trademark defensive pressure while also kicking 2.3 from 19 touches while Brad McKenzie was his steady self with 17.

A whole host of youngsters also impressed as Jacob Kennerley, Nick Pedro, Jed Spence, Henry Nelligan and Heard, all contributed strongly to the victory.

SCOREBOARD:

Norwood          5.3       8.8       11.11   14.13   (97)

Port Adelaide   1.2       3.4       4.7       6.10     (46)

GOALS:  Barry 3, Callow 2, Hamilton 2, Puopolo 2, Douglas, Grigg, McKenzie, Nelligan, Spence