Teams: SANFL Round 1

Norwood gets its SANFL season underway at Coopers Stadium this Saturday night, taking on North Adelaide in a huge Round 1 clash.

The Redlegs are hoping to start the season strongly, off the back of a strong pre-season with new coach Jade Sheedy, and three trial matches against Tasmania, Central Districts and Port Adelaide.

Norwood takes on North from 7:10pm on Saturday, March 29 at Norwood’s Coopers Stadium. The Reserves will kick off from 4:30pm.

The Redlegs have named an extended squad for Saturday night’s encounter with the Roosters, with potentially up to seven players making their debut.

Connor Ling, Tom McCallum (club debut), Josh Gillow, Daniel Gauci, Jack Hodges, Liam Ling and Charlie Molan (club debut) have been named in the League squad.

Luke Surman will ruck, lining up in the centre circle alongside Nik Rokahr, Billy Cootee and Mitch O’Neill.

Matthew Ling, O’Neill, Finn Heard and Tom McCallum have recovered from pre-season injuries to be fit for Round 1.

Norwood captain Jacob Kennerley said his side was ready to hit the ground running.

“Every year we get that first night game, North always have a strong crowd, so we hope Norwood fans come out because Saturday night at The Parade doesn’t get much better,” he said.

“We are really excited and we have a really positive mindset for the season ahead.

“There is a buzz in the air with footy season upon us. I am really looking forward to Saturday night against North Adelaide, we have been working towards this for months now and I’m feeling really confident about how the boys have prepared.

“It’s been a great pre-season under Sheeds, it’s been great getting to know him, he’s added some new elements and theories to the team. Sheeds has handled it really well and the group has too.

“I’m excited to see what we can do.”