A Commanding Victory Propels Norwood to the Grand Final
Norwood, after a dominant 59-point victory over Central District in Sunday's Semi Final, will contest for its 32nd SANFL Premiership on September 22. The Redlegs finished Minor Premiers in 2024 after a 15-3 season and earnt a week of rest in the first week of the Finals Series. The Bulldogs, who defeated Sturt by 11 points in the Qualifying Final, were unable to replicate their strong finish against Norwood, who kicked 12 goals to two after quarter time to secure a 14.10-94 to 5.5-35 win.
The Bulldogs' Early Lead Evaporates in a Dominant Second Quarter
The game started with both sides settling into the contest. The Bulldogs settled quicker and were on the board first with a goal from Beau Thomas. Cootee and Mitch O'Neill were dominant early, with four touches each in the opening seven minutes. Despite equal inside 50m entries in the first nine minutes, Centrals looked more menacing in attack.
While the Bulldogs seemed in control, Norwood looked nervous and fumbly in their first final of the year. However, Izaak Twelftree won a vital contest inside 50m and dribbled a classy snap through the big sticks to score Norwood's first goal. This was followed by a goal from Captain Jacob Kennerley, giving the Redlegs a five-point lead.
From there, Centrals controlled the rest of the quarter with goals from Jai Larkins and Leyton Chisholm, ultimately finishing the first term with a 3.2-20 to 2.0-12 lead. Dyson Sharp had nine disposals in the first quarter for Centrals, while Cootee had nine for Norwood.
A Second Quarter Domination Sets the Tone for Norwood
The second term was a complete turnaround. Norwood came out of the blocks looking like a different team, kicking five unanswered goals to completely shift the momentum.
In one of the first clear passages of play of the day, Norwood worked the ball to Cootee who nailed a running goal from outside 50m. Tristan Binder then won a strong contest close to goal and slotted Norwood's go-ahead goal. Jackson Callow took a strong contested mark and converted the Redlegs' fifth goal, extending the lead to 11 points. Finn Heard won a free kick in a ruck contest and nailed the goal, helping the Redlegs to a handy 17-point lead mid-way through the second term.
Norwood had held the Bulldogs scoreless for 23 minutes in the second term, with Donnelly, Seymour and Lord winning big contests in defense. Cooper Murley nailed a swinging snap down the Riverbank end to put the Redlegs up by 22 points, highlighting the Redlegs' dominance. It was a big quarter for Norwood, who kicked five unanswered goals and restricted the Bulldogs to just one behind to go into half time with a 7.1-43 to 3.3-21 advantage.
Norwood Maintains Dominance to Secure the Victory
After their dominant second quarter, Norwood knew they had to keep the pressure on, as Central District had overturned a 30-point deficit against Sturt in the Qualifying Final the previous week. Binder got the important first goal of the second half, but Norwood then kicked five consecutive behinds and another set shot that didn’t score, holding a 32-point lead which kept the door ajar for Centrals.
The Redlegs managed just 1.6 for the quarter, but O’Neill’s long-range set shot put Norwood 39 points in front half way through the third term. It felt that was the deciding factor in the game. Norwood kicked a wayward 2.7 in the third term, but restricted the Bulldogs to just one goal and held a 34-point lead at the final break, 9.8-62 to 4.4-28.
Rain tumbled during the three quarter time break, and it was Norwood's to lose holding a near six-goal lead. Cootee's sensational day got even better, putting the final nail in the coffin with his second goal. Henry Nelligan's first goal helped Norwood to a 47-point lead, with goals from Jake Cresswell and Murley (two) putting the final score at 14.10-94 to 5.5-35.
The Road to the Premiership
Norwood now awaits the winner of next Sunday’s Preliminary Final between Central District and Glenelg in the SANFL Grand Final on Sunday, September 22 at the Adelaide Oval. Their performance against Central District has cemented their position as a strong contender for the Premiership. The Redlegs will need to maintain their composure, intensity, and winning spirit if they are to secure their 32nd SANFL Premiership. This Grand Final is sure to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and passion. Will the Redlegs be victorious, or will another team claim the coveted title? The anticipation is building, and fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown.
