Redlegs and Bloods play another SANFLW thriller

Norwood and West Adelaide have played their fair share of thrillers over the journey in the SANFLW competition, and Saturday evening was no different. 

In a game that meant so much to both sides, with Westies playing their 100th SANFLW match and the winner edging closer to finals, it was the Bloods who secured the valuable one point win.

Norwood led by seven points at the final break, 5.3-33 to 4.2-26, in what had been a game of momentum.

The ball lived in West’s forward half for the entire last quarter, but Norwood defended strongly, allowing just one behind in the first seven minutes.

At last the Bloods found a quality shot on goal, a set shot directly in front which was nailed by Lucy Waye.

Waye’s goal levelled the scores at 5.3-33 apiece with 10 minutes remaining.

The last 10 minutes became as much about clock management, as it did finding the winning blow, knowing that the next score may potentially win the match.

That next score came off the boot of the dominant Zoe Venning, who won a free kick. Her set shot went right to the goal line but was punched through, giving West a one point advantage with two minutes remaining.

Norwood threw everything at Westies in the dying moments, but the Bloods were up to the task and clung onto the thrilling win.

West Adelaide held a narrow lead for much of the contest, stretching out to a match-high 12-point lead early in the third term, before Norwood got going.

No surprise that the momentum swing started with a Kiana Lee goal which dribbled over the line at the four-minute mark of the third term to kick-start a three-goal burst for Redlegs.

From there Norwood kicked two more goals in the third term through Charli Hazelhurst and Sharmaine Crosby to go into the final break leading by seven points.

In the end it was the Bloods who managed the tight and tough last quarter better, not giving the Redlegs a single chance to score.

Venning was enormous for the home side, with 27 disposals, seven clearances and four tackles, while Hannah Button was just as problematic with 21 disposals.

Jade Halfpenny was Norwood’s leading disposal winner with 17 touches, five clearances and five tackles.

Norwood’s been improved over the past couple of weeks, and must maintain the rage if it wants to remain in the finals race.

It’s a massive game in Round 11, taking on Sturt at Unley on King’s Birthday Monday, with the Double Blues holding the up for grabs fourth spot on the table.

Norwood 1.1, 2.2, 5.3, 5.3 – 33

West Adelaide 2.1, 3.1, 4.2, 5.4 – 34

Goals: Lee 2, Crosby, Davies, Hazelhurst

Best: Jaques, Halfpenny, Birchall, Lee, Almond, Cameron