The Best are in the Big Dance
It happened in Round 7 at Elizabeth, and it happened again in Sunday’s second Semi Final. The Redlegs’ momentum destroyed the Dogs as they kicked 12 goals to two after quarter-time to record a 59-point victory.
Harry Boyd’s best season to date continued in fine fashion for the ruckman. He ended the day with 16 disposals, 47 hit-outs, and 10 clearances. Billy Cootee was also running hot, and collected 25 disposals, six inside 50s, and two goals.
For the Dogs, Kai Pudney (19 disposals and four clearances) offered some resistance. Dyson Sharp (18 disposals and five clearances) picked up where he left off against Sturt, as the 17-year-olds’ draft stock continues to rise.
Central District looked up for the fight early against the Redlegs. The pressure on Norwood was electric in the opening minutes and the Bulldogs were dually rewarded at quarter-time with an eight point lead.
It was Dyson Sharp who was the midfield maestro in the first term, as 2025’s likely number one pick showcased all his talent.
Norwood’s defence was resolute when the Doggies had momentum, standing up when repeated forward 50 entries came from Central District. They were heavily praised by coach Jade Rawlings after the game.
However, the minor premiers turned it on in the second quarter. While the Dogs led clearances at half-time, it was Norwood who got to the loose football on the outside. The Redlegs’ run transitioned the football from defensive 50 in waves to create multiple scoring chances.
In the third quarter, the blue and red show continued on centre stage. A goal to Binder three minutes in put the margin past five goals.
The Dogs overcame a 30-point margin against the Double Blues last week, but the Redlegs couldn’t be stopped. Four minutes from time on in the third, Mitch O’Neill kicked the likely sealer, with the game at a 39-point margin.
Billy Cootee kicked a wonderful running goal to start the fourth, as the Redlegs looked forward to a week off. The Dogs are now preparing for a do-or-die clash with the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Who stops the Redlegs?
This Norwood team look unstoppable. Into 2024’s SANFL Grand Final, they are one win away from their second flag in two years. The blue and red play an attractive and effective style of football, which is well suited to the Adelaide Oval. With stars like Boyd, Cootee, and Lowe firing in finals, it will take a special performance to stop the running Redlegs.
Can the Dogs bite back?
Central District now find themselves against the most in form team in the competition in Glenelg. Both Norwood and the Tigers hurt the opposition in transition. Bulldogs coach, Paul Thomas, believes that Sunday’s preliminary final will be won by the territory battle.
Norwood FC: 2.0 7.1 9.8 14.10.94
Central District: 3.2 3.3 4.4 5.5.35
Goalkickers:
Norwood:
Murley (3), Binder (2), Cootee (2), Callow, Cresswell, Heard, Kennerley, Nelligan, O’Neill, Twelftree
Central District:
Chisholm, Grace, Larkins, Munn, Thomas
Best:
Norwood:
Boyd, Cootee, Lowe
Central District:
Chisholm, Pundey, Sharp