AFTER previewing the three afternoon games yesterday, we take a look at the fourth and final SANFL Women’s game which sees reigning premiers Central District hosting Norwood. The last time these two sides faced off it was just two points the difference with the former getting up back in Round 1.

FORM

Both teams are coming off thrilling games with Central District winning another tight contest, this time over West Adelaide for a goal. Norwood’s Round 10 match was even closer with the Redlegs splitting the points with ladder leaders Glenelg to go that point clear of fifth spot.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Central District: 4
Norwood: 5

It is neck-and-neck between these sides in the head-to-head with Norwood marginally ahead, but having won five of the first six encounters between the sides. The Bulldogs have chewed into that deficit with the past three wins, though two of those have been by just two points including in Round 1 this year.

TEAMS

Central District:

B: Tara Lord (31), Lauren Breguet (28)
HB: Sophie Eaton (12), Shelby Raven (36), Tess Gerhardy (33)
C: Liz Wilson (14), Shelby Smith (1), Jasmine Evans (27)
HF: Laitiah Huynh (41), Mikaylah Antony (54), Maddy Lane (40)
F: Katelyn Rosenzweig (2), Tessa Doumanis (8)
R: Miyu Endersby (3), Charlotte Riggs (9), Dakota Williams (38)

INT: Tiarna Grovermann (45), Caitlen Teague (17), Ella Sergi (37), Tarly Borgas (16), Karissa Searle (22), Erica Rowe (19), Jovanka Zecevic (23), Demi Sonneman (20)

Norwood:

B: Emily Bartsch (27), Rosie Boon (46)
HB: Sophie Arkun (43), Charli Hazelhurst (39), Charlotte Nenke (44)
C: Coby Morgan (2), Kate Alexander (61), Tahlita Buethke (1)
HF: Amelia Rusden (10), Lana Schwerdt (41), Adrienne Davies (8)
F: Mykaela Walker (35), Shai Hiscock (13)
R: Sarah Branford (9), Sophie Armitstead (36), Jade Halfpenny (22)
INT: Emma Clark (7), Tesharna Maher (14), Kiana Lee (28), Candice Belbin (26), Nicola Burns (23)

CHANGES

Central District has left its lineup unchanged from its tight win over West Adelaide, with an extended bench that includes Ella Sergi, Tarly Borgas and Demi Sonneman added to the squad.

Norwood has made the four changes with some experience and youth returning in the form of Amelia Rusden, Adrienne Davies and Mykaela Walker up forward, and Coby Morgan on a wing. The four players out of the side are Emma Daley, Elle Lineage, Grace Mulvahil and Ailene Hiebner.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

Central District duo of AFLW Academy members in Charlotte Riggs and Jasmine Evans are among the top South Australian prospects this year, though the Bulldogs have top-end talent for the next three drafts. Classy Sophie Eaton can impact both inside 50 and through the middle, while double bottom-ager Miyu Endersby and recent State Academy inclusion Mikaylah Antony have been providing great run out of defence.

STATS THAT MATTER

These two sides are the top two scoring sides in the competition, but Norwood is ranked third best for least points conceded, while Central is last. However the Dogs are so potent in attack, they generate plenty of scoring chances and are the most accurate team in the competition. Norwood is ranked first in handballs, while Central District is eighth, showing the difference in gamestyles.

PREDICTION

At home Central District is difficult to beat most of the time, though Norwood at its best is a huge threat. Expect this to be a single-digit margin with both sides putting up big scores as they are capable of doing.