A LADDER-defining clash takes place on Kings Birthday at Unley with Sturt playing host to Norwood in what promises to be a massive match. We preview the huge contest.

FORM

Sturt came away with the vital win at home against the Bulldogs last round and now face another side hungry to take the Double Blues’ fourth spot in Norwood. If Sturt secure the win, it is realistically just a win away from finals, while if Norwood get up, then it is game on for not only the Redlegs, but Bloods and lesser extent, Dogs too.

TEAMS

Sturt:

B: Gypsy Schirmer, Lily Whitcombe
HB: Imogen Szegedi, Hannah Prenzler, Sophie Thredgold
C: Lily Smart, Georgia Swan, Summer Ross
HF: Sienna Fox, Edwina Thornquest, Molly Fletcher
F: Georgia King, Lily Whiteman
R: Amy Brooks-Birve, Isobel Kuiper, Gemma Grivell
INT: Ruby Cunningham, Isabella Drew, Zina Hunt, Millie McCarthy, Grace Powell, Tahlia Walker, Zara Walsh, Skout Young

Norwood:

B: Georgie Jaques, Nicola Burns
HB: Sarah Branford, Sophie Arkun, Georgina Birchall
C: Kiana Lee, Jade Halfpenny, Charlee Brooksby
HF: Stephanie Simmonds, Amelia Rusden, Lana Schwerdt
F: Mykaela Walker, Adrienne Davies
R: Kate Alexander, Candice Belbin, Elke Cameron
INT: Lottie Almond, Sophie Armitstead, Emily Bartsch, Sharmaine Crosby, Jazmine Egan, Elle Lineage, Coby Morgan, Grace Mulvahil

CHANGES

Both these sides have benen forced to make a couple of changes with Monique Bessen (National Academy) and Charli Hazelhurst (All Stars) both playing yesterday from Sturt and Norwood respectively. Jasmin Fejo also misses due to basketball with an extended bench named for Sturt, with debutants Zina Hunt and Skout Young among a host of possible inclusions including forward targets, Zara Walsh and Millie McCarthy. For the Redlegs, Ashlee Gould is the other confirmed out, with skipper Steph Simmonds and defender Emily Bartsch massive inclusions, both returning from injury.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

The Double Blues have quite a few draftable talents running around including defender-midfielder Sophie Thredgold and speedy wing pairing Lily Smart and Summer Ross. Lily Whiteman is one for the future as are Norwood duo Kate Alexander and Charlee Brooksby, while defender Lottie Almond has been consistent at League level since coming into the team.

PREDICTION

Sturt’s consistency this season has been strong when against lower ranked sides, though this is a danger game. With no Fejo and Bessen, and the Redlegs gaining quality players back, the scale tips in Norwood’s favour. In saying that, being at Unley, the Double Blues will be wanting to put on a show for the home crowd and really build a gap inside the top four. A couple of other sides will be barracking for the Redlegs in this one given their finals aspirations.