REIGNING grand finalists Norwood finally snapped its winless start to the 2025 SANFLW season, securing a nail-biting four point win over North Adelaide on the weekend. In a low-scoring tussle, the Redlegs were able to starve off the Roosters who were buoyed by an upset win over South in Round 2, getting up 3.5 (23) to 3.1 (19).

North Adelaide took control of the game early on, dominating the field in the first 10 minutes of the game. The first quarter was tough on Norwood, with the side finishing the term off with just two inside 50s to the Roosters’ seven.

Despite North Adelaide’s forward dominance, the Roosters were not able to convert any of their opportunities to points on the board, leaving the first quarter a scoreless contest.

Despite a less-than-ideal start, Norwood came out swinging in the second quarter, with Kate Alexander slotting the first goal of the game in the second minute. With the wind on her side, she kicked a long ball from 50 metres out that bounced kindly through the middle.

North Adelaide returned the goal in the 10th minute, after a brilliant interception from Tiara Hatchard saw her run through the middle of her attacking 50 to finally get the Roosters on the board. However, Norwood remained strong in their pressure on the ball, outscoring their opponents 2.2 (14) to 2.1 (13) to make it a one-point game heading into half-time.

With the wind now in its favour again, North Adelaide hit the lead early into the second half by way of a brilliant Zara Molloy goal. Unfortunately for the Roosters, this was their final impression on the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.

Norwood capitalised on the Roosters’ inability to turn their time in their attacking 50 into scoring opportunities in the second half. Despite being closed into their defensive 50 for the better part of the third quarter, usual suspect Kiana Lee fired her squad back into the lead in the 15th minute.

From there, Norwood managed to grind out the victory in a low-scoring fourth term. The Redlegs came out of the hard-fought contests stronger than North Adelaide and made sure to use their time in the forward 50 to their advantage. Norwood’s ability to convert its opportunities led the Redlegs to victory, covering their opponents in the fourth quarter to keep them scoreless whilst they kicked three behinds to ensure their win.

The strong defensive display from Sarah Branford (21 disposals, six tackles, four clearances, two inside 50s and six rebound 50s) proved once again just how indispensable she is for the Norwood side. Branford was well supported by the likes of experienced trio Shai Hiscock, Jade Halfpenny and Sophie Armitstead, while youngsters Alexander and Charlee Brooksby were also prominent in the victory.

Similarly, Djimila Totham was once again a star for the Roosters despite their loss, fighting tooth and nail for her side with 15 disposals, 12 tackles, and four clearances. Laela Ebert and Julia Clark maintained their great form this season through the middle, while Aprille Crooks provided her trademark dash and pressure. Ruck Brooke Wilson also competed hard against Alexander.

Norwood hope to continue their newfound winning form next week in what is sure to be a tough battle away against top-of-the-table Woodville-West Torrens.

NORWOOD 0.0 I 2.2 I 3.2 I 3.5 (23)
NORTH ADELAIDE 0.0 I 2.1 I 3.1 I 3.1 (19)

GOALS:
Norwood: K. Alexander, G. Birchall, K. Lee
North Adelaide: P. Turner, T. Hatchard, Z. Molloy

RMC BEST:
Norwood: S. Branford, K. Alexander, J. Halfpenny, S. Simmonds, S. Hiscock
North Adelaide: D. Totham, L. Ebert, B. Wilson, J. Clark, T. Hatchard