Norwood finish as Runners Up in 2024 SANFL Wheelchair League

Woodville-West Torrens capped off its historic undefeated season by claiming the 2024 Novita SANFL Wheelchair League premiership with a hard-fought 48-point win against Norwood in the Grand Final.

Earning their first flag after breaking Sturt’s run of three consecutive victories, the Eagles led at every change as they continued to extend their advantage throughout the title-decider, which was played in front of a crowd in excess of 400 at the Lights Community and Sports Centre.

Exciting young Eagles talent Cooper Spillane was a fitting winner of the Best on Court medal, racking up 36 disposals at 81 percent efficiency while also proving he was a key architect in the triumph with a game-high nine score assists.

Eagles captain-coach Trevor Jarrett was also influential with a game-breaking eight goal haul while Steve Edge lent valuable support in attack with four majors as Adam Roocke found plenty of the Sherrin with 32 disposals and six score assists.

A gallant Redlegs outfit was led by former Eagle Chris Simpson, who tallied 26 disposals and four score assists while Michael Neroni had a strong performance by chalking up 21 disposals and three goals.

Norwood captain Grant Leonard hit the scoreboard with two goals while teammates Darren Schutz had 25 possessions at 76 per cent efficiency.

The Eagles got off to the better start with four goals to two in the first quarter, to take a 12-point lead into the first break.

Norwood backed up with two more goals in the second term, but again the Eagles had an answer with three of their own to extend their lead to 18 points at the half  time break.

Woodville-West Torrens pulled away in an impressive third quarter display, finding four goals to Norwood’s one to take an 11.3-69 to 5.3-33 at three quarter time.

It would be the Eagles day with a further four goals to two in the final term to run out 15.4-95 to 7.4-46 winners.

In the playoff for third place, the Double Blues accounted for Central District by 60 points as captain Giang Danh put through a game-high eight goals.

The winner of the 2024 Novita SANFL Wheelchair League best and fairest award will be announced at SANFL’s Magarey Medal Function on September 9, with the the top-three place-winners in alphabetical order being revealed as Mathew Gregory (Sturt), Adam Roocke (Eagles) and Chris Simpson (Norwood).

The Norwood Football Club is proud to acknowledge the achievements of the Redlegs SANFL Wheelchair team in 2024, and through the club’s Count Me In Program we recognise and appreciate team sponsor Estara and the work they do throughout the community for people with a disability.