Round 11 SANFL Snapshot – Sunday

A super-efficient Norwood kept in touch with the Hostplus SANFL League top five with an 18-point win against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.

Now within just two premiership points of fifth-placed Woodville-West Torrens, the Redlegs accuracy in front of goal proved pivotal after registering seven fewer inside 50m entries than the Magpies.

Finishing with 15.4 (94), the visitors’ scoreboard pressure ensured Port was continually playing catch-up as it came within a goal of Norwood on two occasions during a tense final quarter.

Redlegs premiership star Matthew Panos, who freshened his hamstring during the bye, put his team up by 12 points in the 17th minute with a classy dribbler in traffic.

Magpie Mac Nield brought the margin back to six by booting his first SANFL League goal two minutes later but Norwood goalsneak Baynen Lowe timed his crumb to perfection before snapping truly on the stroke of time-on.

And when the Legs’ Tasmanian recruit nailed his fourth goal of the game in the 26th minute, the game was well and truly in his team’s control.

Lowe combined nicely in attack with tall forward Connor McLean, who also booted four while Panos kicked his three majors at vital stages.

Norwood’s Nik Rokahr was having an influence in the centre square with his 37 disposals and six clearances while Declan Hamilton (25 disposals) was his usual clean self with the ball.

Henry Nelligan kicked two goals and had 21 disposals for the Redlegs while Josh Richards lent valuable support with his 19 disposals, eight tackles and opening goal from the pocket.

Port’s Sam Mayes was tireless through the midfield to rack up 33 disposals and 11 clearances while Trent Burgoyne had his best game at League level with 23 disposals and seven tackles.

Classy forward Steven Motlop regained touch with 28 disposals, seven clearances and two goals, the first a beauty on the run from 50m tight in the bowling club pocket.

Taj Schofield was zippy with his 19 disposals and a goal while Eagles recruit Nick Moore is proving to be a bargain buy as a leading SANFL-contracted player, tallying 18 disposals and 10 tackles.