Hostplus SANFL League Preliminary Final Preview

Josh Worrell (Adelaide) v Matthew Panos (Norwood)

This looms as a salivating tussle should Worrell be assigned the task of quelling Panos inside Norwood’s attacking 50m arc.

The feisty Worrell doesn’t hold back and certainly isn’t fazed against more experienced opponents which would give his coach Michael Godden every confidence he can do the job on the Legs’ wily veteran.

Despite not being at full fitness, the Jack Oatey Medallist doesn’t need many touches to have an impact on the match, as evidenced by his performance against Glenelg in the First Semi-Final.

Panos not only kicked three but created the sealing goal to teammate Jay Rantall in the final term. Worrell will need to be on his game to ensure the 31-year-old is not a factor.

Billy Frampton (Adelaide) v Connor McLean (Norwood)

Adelaide defender Billy Frampton has enjoyed an exceptional finals campaign on a personal note, continuing on his fine minor round form into September.

After having 18 disposals and six marks in the Qualifying Final, the former Power bigman was even more impressive against North in the Second Semi-Final with 21 disposals and 10 marks, with a considerable amount being intercepts.

If he is tasked with standing McLean, the Redlegs’ spearhead will need to pay respect to Frampton once the ball is turned over, to ensure he is at the least rushed in his disposal while rebounding from defence.

McLean kicked two goals in Norwood’s First Semi-Final win and one against Adelaide in the Qualifying Final so will be looking to step things up a notch this Sunday.

The former Bulldog has a nice pair of hands to snare overhead marks while also being flexible enough to find the ball at ground level before snapping a goal under pressure.