Round 17 SANFL Snapshot – Friday

By ZAC MILBANK

Not even its wayward kicking for goal could prevent Norwood from earning a vital 29-point win against West Adelaide at The Parade.

Coming off a deflating loss to Glenelg in which it booted 8.17 (65), the Redlegs flirted with danger again when they registered 9.15 (69) against the bottom-placed Bloods.

But the hosts’ overall dominance after the main change proved to be more than enough to bank the premiership points and retain a hold on fifth spot on the ladder.

The Legs booted 4.12 to West’s 2.2 in the second half en route to establishing an overwhelming 60-25 advantage in inside 50 entries.

Declan Hamilton led the way on the stats sheet for Norwood with 31 disposals while Nik Rokahr had 27.

But the real difference-maker was veteran Richard Douglas, who tallied 26 disposals, six clearances and two goals, one of which in the clip below was clean from stoppage in the first term.

Former Cat Jacob Kennerley nearly finished with more tackles than disposals, tallying 19 touches while laying a staggering 18 tackles in an outstanding defensive display.

Desperate to atone for their dismal performance last round, West was far more spirited across the board, especially in the first half.

The visitors trailed by just seven points at the long break as Tom Murphy (26 disposals, six tackles) and Kaine Stevens (23 disposals and a goal) found plenty of the ball.

Premiership forward Jono Beech made a welcome return from a hamstring strain to boot two goals while Jordon Boyle and Pat Fairlie each picked up 20 disposals.