Indigenous Round SANFL Snapshot – Sunday

Norwood took a major step toward playing in September with a spirited 24-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Right from the first bounce the Redlegs set the tone for the afternoon with their fierce tackling pressure as coach Jade Rawlings watched on from home after being sidelined by Covid Health and Safety protocols.

Even with captain Matthew Nunn and star veteran Matt Panos being late withdrawals, the visitors shocked the reigning premier by booting the first five goals of the game whilst keeping them goalless in the opening quarter.

It allowed Norwood, which has now won its past three games in succession, to open up a 32-point lead early in the second stanza when emerging midfielder Jay Rantall kicked the second of his three goals for the match.

Eagles premiership star Daniel Menzel tried to haul his side back into the contest by kicking the next three goals in a row, trimming the deficit back to just 14 points nearing time-on.

But whenever the hosts surged Norwood had an answer as it built a commanding 36-point advantage when experienced defender Mitch Wilkins goaled on the run seconds before the three-quarter time siren.

With the wind at their backs in the fourth quarter, the Eagles got within 18 points when 200 Club member Jarred Allmond wasted no time with his set shot.

Answering goals to dangerous forwards Connor McLean and Ben Jarvis ensured Norwood would take the premiership points though, as it assumed fourth place on the ladder whilst sending the Eagles tumbling to sixth.

Former Collingwood midfielder Rantall was outstanding in playing a major role constructing the victory in the first half, earning the Coles Value Player Award.

Rantall tallied a game-high 36 disposals, six marks and eight tackles while also hitting the scoreboard with his three goals.

Reinvigorated McLean kicked four goals while Jarvis finished with three as the Legs recorded a commanding tackle count of 83 to the Eagles’ 60.

Consistent Nik Rokahr collected 29 disposals and six clearances while Jed Spence made the most of his inclusion into the team by racking up 26 disposals, 14 tackles and a goal.

Former Eagle Pierce Seymour relished fronting up against his old side with 19 disposals and five marks while Norwood ruck Harry Boyd had 20 disposals, six marks and eight clearances.

Eagle Riley Knight was tireless in the centre square for his 34 disposals and 11 clearances while fellow midfielders Dylan Clarke (26 disposals) and Joseph Sinor (25 disposals) provided solid support.

Daniel Menzel finished with four goals from his 12 disposals while Matt Goldsworthy kicked three goals to ensure the margin didn’t get out of check.