NORWOOD has produced a resolute performance in difficult, muddy conditions to hold off an in-form South Adelaide side, beating the Panthers for a 17-point win at Revo Fitness Oval in Round 8 of the SANFLW, 4.12 (36) to 3.1 (19).

The Redlegs were under pressure at times against the reigning premiers, but it was Norwood who adapted to the wet weather best, booting the first three goals of the game. They remarkably lead 3.3 (21) to 0.0 (0) after ruck Kate Alexander booted back-to-back majors early in the second term. South responded with two before half-time to cut the deficit to 10 points.

Amelia Rusden kicked the only goal of the third term as Norwood booted 1.9 after Alexander’s two majors. It was enough though, with only double bottom-ager Jaidee-Lee Shortridge kicking a goal for South Adelaide midway through the last term.

Norwood controlled the game statistically with 236-209 disposals, 39-27 marks, 35-26 clearances and 33-22 inside 50s. South Adelaide fought hard in the ruck with 47-40 hitouts and applied immense pressure with 100-89 tackles and 28-18 rebound 50s.

Jade Halfpenny was the standout on the ground for the Redlegs with 30 disposals, four marks (one contested), 13 tackles, six clearances, five inside 50s, and three rebound 50s. Ashley Baker continued her strong form since joining Norwood with 26 disposals, two marks, seven tackles, five clearances, and five inside 50s. Kate Alexander was huge in the ruck and up forward with 22 disposals, four marks (one contested), six tackles, nine hitouts, five clearances, two inside 50s, and 2.4 on the scoreboard.

Mia Wood (17 disposals, nine tackles, five clearances, two inside 50s, two rebound 50s) and Coby Morgan (15 disposals, four marks, four tackles, five inside 50s) were also important contributors, while debutant Kaianne Colbung-Ware impressed with 13 disposals, three marks, four tackles, and three behinds in her first senior outing. Lana Schwerdt (12 disposals, four tackles, five clearances, two inside 50s) and Amy Gaedtke (10 disposals, two marks, six tackles, 30 hitouts, three clearances) rounded out a strong team effort.

For the Panthers, experienced ruck Soriah Moon was immense in defeat with 19 disposals, two marks (one contested), 11 tackles, 41 hitouts, eight clearances, four inside 50s, and three rebound 50s. Esther Schirmer (20 disposals, two marks, nine tackles, four clearances, two rebound 50s) and Holly Ifould (17 disposals, two marks, three tackles) were consistent across the game. Olivia Evans (16 disposals, seven tackles, two clearances, three inside 50s) and Madison Brown (13 disposals, nine tackles, three clearances, three rebound 50s) worked tirelessly in the conditions.

NORWOOD 1.3 | 3.4 | 4.8 | 4.12 (36)
SOUTH ADELAIDE 0.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.1 (19)

GOALS:
Norwood: K. Alexander 2, A. Rusden
South Adelaide: J. Shortridge

RMC BEST:
Norwood: J. Halfpenny, A. Baker, K. Alexander, M. Wood, C. Morgan
South Adelaide: S. Moon, E. Schirmer, H. Ifould, O. Evans, M. Brown

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Central District snapped a six-game winless streak with a thrilling two-point win over North Adelaide at Revo Fitness Oval, 3.2 (20) to 2.6 (18). Defender Georgia Madigan kicked the go-ahead goal late in the third term as Amber Ward kicked a couple of behinds in the last quarter where North fell short.

Holly Tralaggan was the most prolific player on the ground for the Dogs with 20 disposals, two marks, eight tackles, six clearances, three inside 50s, and two rebound 50s, while Shannon Murphy (19 disposals, six marks, four rebound 50s) and Shelby Smith (19 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances) anchored the side superbly.

For the Roosters, Julia Clark (30 disposals, two marks, seven tackles, eight clearances, three inside 50s, five rebound 50s) and Ella Metcalfe (24 disposals, five marks, four tackles, two clearances) worked hard in a difficult afternoon.

Sturt claimed a dominant 37-point victory over Glenelg, 8.6 (54) to 2.5 (17). The game was close throughout the first half with Glenelg leading by four points after Eloise Mackereth kicked her major midway through the second term, but it was all Sturt from then on, booting 6.6 to 0.1.

Isobel Kuiper was outstanding with a 27-disposal, six-tackle, nine-clearance, three-inside 50 performance. Georgia Swan (25 disposals, three marks, eight tackles, 10 clearances, two inside 50s) was a driving force through the middle, while Summer Ross and Millie McCarthy each kicked two goals. For the Bays, Isla Wiencke (22 disposals, 11 tackles, six clearances) and Asha Dufour (19 disposals, four marks, six tackles, two clearances) battled hard.

Woodville-West Torrens extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a hard-fought 26-point victory over West Adelaide, 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7). The Eagles raced out of the blocks to boot the first three goals of the game, and in what was a tough game to score, held the lead throughout the contest. Jemima Woods kicked the only West Adelaide goal in the third term, but the Eagles finished off with two in the last.

Alice Tentye (34 disposals, five marks, nine tackles, five clearances, three inside 50s) and Poppy Waterford (20 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances, six inside 50s, one goal) were again the driving force through the middle. Klaudia O’Neill kicked two goals from nine disposals.

For West Adelaide, reigning league best and fairest winner Zoe Venning was the standout on the ground with 34 disposals, four marks, four tackles, eight clearances, three inside 50s, and six rebound 50s, while Madi Russell (23 disposals, six marks, three tackles, two clearances, four rebound 50s) and Iilish Ross (22 disposals, eight tackles, 10 clearances, five inside 50s, four rebound 50s) were tireless in defeat.