SANFL First Semi Final – Adelaide V Norwood
After a strong showing in a trough match against Sturt the previous week, Norwood were expected to come out with guns blazing in their do or die match against Adelaide. No one could have predicted that until 26 minutes in, the red and blue would be goalless. Kicking with the wind and smother team play, the Adelaide side had built a formidable opening quarter buffer of 29 points. The early signs had the Norwood players trailing behind their opponents all over the ground, with the only consistent winner being Baulderstone at centre bounces and ball-ups.
The second quarter opened with a pair of Adelaide goals to James Matthews and Ned McHenry, further adding to Norwood’s woes, despite the strong breeze in their favour. Wasteful disposals and poor checking characterised the Legs ‘ gameplay, and each time it looked like they were making headway, a quick turnover sucked the wind from their sails. A soccered goal from Brady Dawe under pressure provided a rare highlight for them, but at the main break Adelaide’s superior gameplay had them ahead by 55 points at the main break. Norwood were going to have to play a hell of a second half if they were to keep their finals campaign alive.
Three further goals early in the third quarter had the Adelaide side firmly in control, while Norwood continued to squander opportunities when they had their shots. Some inconsistent umpiring added to their woes, but a team 67 points ahead at the last change just illustrates the dominance of the Adelaide side on the day.
The last quarter saw Norwood come out kicking with three quick goals, but Adelaide kept on the pressure and saw out the match with a 62 point margin, seeing them on their way to the Preliminary final next week against the Tigers.
Preliminary Final: Glenelg v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, Sunday 15th September.
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