SANFLW Round 1 Teams & Preview

Norwood will commence its SANFLW campaign at Coopers Stadium on Friday night in a tough test against last year’s Premiers Central District.

It is the third consecutive year that Norwood has launched its season against the reigning premiers, coming up against North Adelaide in the opening round of 2023 and Glenelg in Round 1 2022.

Norwood coach Brad Ferrall relished the tough start to the season, with his side also taking on last years runners up in South Adelaide in Round 2.

“Someone at the SANFL doesn’t like me,” he joked.

“I like that we are playing Centrals and South in Rounds 1 and 2 – they were the two best teams last year so we will see where we are at.

“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves if we win the first two, or get down on ourselves if we lose the first two. We will learn a lot, but hopefully we have two wins.

“It’s been a long pre-season so it’s nice to get into some games with points on the line – we are more than ready to get into the season.”

Norwood has announced its Round 1 teams, naming three debutants into the SANFLW side.

Interstate recruits Emma Daley from the Bendigo Pioneers and Candice Belbin from Tasmania have both been named in the first 21, while 15-year-old Kate Alexander will also start in the ruck.

“Emma Daley has done a great job to come into our program, she’s going to be a star of the future,” Ferrall said.

“She has a bit of learning to do, but she is across that and eager to learn.

“One that I didn’t see coming at all, even eight weeks ago was Kate Alexander. She’s only 15 years old and she’s going to ruck for us this week – that’s a massive achievement.

“They are two new faces to our program who have been outstanding.”

It is Ferrall’s first season at the helm, taking over from Brad Snell at the conclusion of 2023.

He is expecting a very close season across the board.

“It is going to be so even this year, the competition has tightened up over the past few years but gaps have really closed up this season,” he said.

“You don’t want to have a bad day against anyone because they will get hold of you.”

The SANFLW game will get underway at 7:40pm on Friday, March 1, and the Development League game from 5:40pm.

Norwood will be carrying out an on-field tribute to Ashleigh Young from 7:30pm, and there will also be a tribute match between Wilderness and Sacred Heart girls programs on Norwood Oval from 4pm.

Entry to the ground will be $10 ($5 concession, U18 Free). Entry to the ground will be free prior to 5pm for the tribute match.