Round 1 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Friday night

By ZAC MILBANK

If Woodville-West Torrens wanted to make an emphatic statement, it certainly achieved it after ambushing reigning premier Norwood by 46 points at The Parade on Friday night.

Unfurling the 2022 premiership flag was about the only highlight Redlegs fans received as the Eagles went about signalling their intent in ominous fashion, keeping the hosts to just one goal until late in the third quarter.

Playing without Ken Farmer Medallist Daniel Menzel, Shearman Medallist Riley Knight and triple premiership midfielder Jimmy Toumpas, the Eagles were clinical en route to opening up a match-high advantage of 60 points, 10 minutes after half-time.

Eagles coach Jade Sheedy predicted Mitch Hardie was primed for a breakout season after enjoying a flawless summer and the former Canberra Demon didn’t let his mentor down with a best afield display yielding 34 disposals, eight clearances, eight tackles and two goals.

Former Crow James Rowe wasn’t far behind him in his return to the Eagles with 26 disposals and two goals while wily veteran Matt Goldsworthy was his efficient self with ball in hand while collecting 23 disposals and booting two majors.

Eagles wingman Kai Pudney chimed in with 23 disposals as he celebrated his 50th SANFL League game while new captain Joey Sinor was relentless in his first outing as skipper while tallying 21 disposals and nine tackles.

Crafty goalsneak Zane Williams nailed four goals in his return from Geelong while Luke Beecken snuck down for a rare goal on the run from inside the centre square to go with 18 possessions.

On a night to forget for the Legs, captain Matt Nunn fought hard for 21 disposals and six clearances while experienced stars Declan Hamilton and Nik Rokahr had 18 touches each.

But the real bright spot for the Legs was 17-year-old debutant Logan Evans, who looked extremely polished across half-back in his first Hostplus League game.

The AAMI Rookie from Hectorville also collected 18 disposals while taking six marks and laying three tackles in an encouraging display for the hosts.