SANFL Wheelchair League Grand Final

Norwood will take on Woodville-West Torrens in the 2024 SANFL Wheelchair League Grand Final at The Lights Community and Sports Centre on Friday night.

The Grand Final will get underway from 7:30pm in Lightsview on Friday, August 2, following the Third Place Playoff between Sturt and Central District from 6:10pm.

Norwood Captain Grant Leonard said his side was excited and ready for a tough battle against the Eagles.

“It has been a few years since we have had a shot at the title, I am very proud of the full team and now we have to get the job done on Friday night,” he said.

“It will be a big challenge but we are there and that’s the main thing.”

The Redlegs have a tough task in the decider, coming up against the undefeated minor premiers in the Eagles, who have comfortably dispatched everyone in their path to the Grand Final.

Norwood has taken on the Eagles on three occasions this season, improving their output with every encounter, beginning with a 72-point deficit in Round 3, 56 points in Round 6, and 29 points in Round 9 last Friday night.

Norwood captain Grant Leonard said each improved result against the Eagles gave his side the confidence to hopefully cause an upset on Friday night.

“The Eagles are going to be a very tough team to beat, they are a good side and credit to them – they are really strong, and have some great depth,” he said.

“We knew this would be our challenge and we only need to beat them once this year.

“The improved results give us some confidence, now we have to take it with both hands and go for it.”

The Redlegs have had a much-improved 2024 campaign, finishing second on the ladder with a 4-5 record after the nine-round season. This comes after a winless 2023 season.

“The main focus this year was to improve, so to get four wins on the board is great. It’s been a tight season, so I am very proud to make it to the Grand Final,” Leonard said.

“Our player movement around the court has given us more stability across the board, so having Chris Simpson across half back, Rick Leonard in the middle getting more game time, and Michael Neroni up forward with me has been really good. We have been able to share the load.

“Rick and Michael have really stepped up. Rick’s rucked all year, and Michael’s played forward which has been a different role for him.”

The Eagles are coming off back to back minor premierships, but Norwood will be hoping that history repeats itself with Sturt upsetting Woodville-West Torrens in the Grand Final last season.

Head out to The Lights Community and Sports Centre this Friday night to get behind the Redlegs in their quest for the 2024 SANFL Wheelchair League flag. Entry to the match is free, or you can watch live on the SANFL Now App.