Round 1 SANFL Snapshot – Norwood v Port

By ZAC MILBANK

Norwood began life under new coach Jade Rawlings with an impressive 45-point win against Port Adelaide at The Parade.

Opening up their season with genuine impetus, the Redlegs booted six goals in succession after conceding the first of the game to former teammate Luke Surman, who converted for the Magpies.

From there, it was only inaccuracy which prevented the hosts from recording a larger margin, tallying 14.13 (97) to Port’s 7.10 (52).

New Norwood captain Matthew Nunn was sensational leading his charges into battle for the first time, racking up an eye-catching stat line of 39 disposals, 11 tackles, five marks and five clearances.

The elusive midfielder received plenty of support from Richard Douglas with 26 disposals and a goal while silky-skilled Dom Barry was a difference-maker with three majors to go with his 21 possessions and five marks.

Triple Hawthorn premiership forward Paul Puopolo applied his trademark defensive pressure while also kicking 2.3 from 19 touches while Brad McKenzie was his steady self with 17.

Rawlings would have been impressed with youngsters Jacob Kennerley, Nick Pedro, Jed Spence, Henry Nelligan and Jack Heard, who all contributed strongly to the victory.

Former Redleg Surman booted two goals for the Magpies, who had former Lion Sam Mayes lead the stats sheet with 28 disposals and seven clearances.

Father-son draftee Taj Schofield had an impressive SANFL League debut with 22 disposals and a classy snapshot goal while fellow Father-son Trent Bugoyne opened his account with a frenetic checkside in the second term.

Port was dealt a blow late in the final term when veteran midfielder Tom Rockliff left the field with the assistance of two trainers after appearing to receive a knock to his head.