Norwood’s northern stars set to light up

By ZAC MILBANK

Norwood’s bevy of northern recruits loom as the Redlegs’ x-factor as they seek to win the 2022 SANFLW premiership.

Seeking to atone for last season’s disappointing finals exit, the Legs have signed four promising players from north of the border.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Norwood coach Mat Creeper said Darwin pair Kaitey Whittaker and Grace Mulvahil, together with Townsville duo Steph Simonds and Hayley Cornish, had displayed promising signs at preseason training.

Redlegs 2017 premiership player Nicola Burns returns from the VFLW while SA U18 Academy pair Rosie Boon and Molly Brooksby have been showing off their skills on the track.

Burns’ experience will be vital considering veteran pair Bek McMahon and Kate Fenton have retired while Elisha Gallagher has moved to Canberra, where she will play for the Queanbeyan Tigers.

First ruck Leah Cutting’s absence will be significant in the first half of the season, although Creeper remains confident the St Kilda free agent signing will return to The Parade once the AFLW season concludes.

Norwood is expected to finalise its captains and leadership group at a preseason training camp this weekend.