SANFL Wheelchair Football – Round 1 Match Report

The SANFL Wheelchair Football season got underway on Friday night, with all four teams playing at the Lights Community and Sports Centre in Lightsview.

Norwood opened its season against Central District, and it was the Bulldogs that got their season off to the perfect start, defeating the Redlegs 9.7-61 to 8.6-54.

Norwood captain Grant Leonard said it wasn’t the desired result but he did see some positive signs from the Round 1 performance.

“With new coaching roles and a new player to our League side Darren Schutz, there is a lot to look forward to as we progress throughout the nine-round season,” he said.

“With just five players on the field for the entire game, we fell just short by seven points on Friday night.”

Leonard scored three goals and Wayne McNamara scored the other five.

Norwood trailed by two points at the first break but fell away in the second quarter by allowing Centrals to get three unanswered goals.

The half time score was 5.7-37 to 2.3-15.

Returning after halftime and down by 22 points, Norwood needed to tighten a few gaps up.

We didn’t lose any ground but were still down by 20 points at three quarter time.

Both sides scored quick goals early in the fourth term, but Centrals managed to get out to their biggest lead of the game, 26 points.

Norwood made a late charge in the final term to get back within seven points and even gave itself the opportunity to get closer but fell short.

“There were many lessons already learnt from this game and with some players and a Coach returning we hope to push it hard against Sturt next Friday night for Round 2,” Leonard said.

Norwood 2.2, 2.3, 4.5, 8.6 – 54

Central District 2.4, 5.7, 7.7, 9.7 – 61

Goals: McNamara 5, Leonard 3,