29th April 2019
Poor finishing and indirect kicking impacted heavily on the opening match at the Parade between Norwood and Glenelg.
Both teams showed they were raring to tear into the season, with tempers boiling over early with some all-in roughhousing by the teams.
Glenelg showed class and better stability early, leading Norwood at the first break. Glenelg’s better form carried over into the second quarter, with Norwood’s inaccuracy in front of goals costing them precious opportunities to impact heavily on the scoreboard. Mitch Grigg stabilised the ship with a Captain’s effort goal, before the rain came down and turned the match into a slippery affair
The Tigers hit straight back with a goal off the deck at the 24th minute, taking them into the half time break with a four point advantage.
The third quarter saw Norwood peppering the goals early but failing to convert for a major. Classy rebounding by the Tigers with direct football through the centre of the ground saw McBean finishing off a fine bit of play with a major. Quick free kick punishing Norwood for sloppy play saw Glenelg stretch to a 14 point margin at the final break.
In the final Quarter, Norwood finally pieced together some of the game play that saw them qualify for the 2018 Grand Final convincingly. From the 16th minute, a couple of quick goals and strong leadership from Grigg saw them hit the front for the first time in the match. Glenelg refused to give in, and with some hard fought gameplay, they moved within five points of the home side. Norwood scrappily held on to win by 5 points despite strong the strong challenge and defensive work from the Bays.
Norwood need to blow out the early cobwebs and find better consistency if they want to be a finals contender in 2019, and they were certainly lucky to come away with the match. The Tigers showed a great running game, and if they can work on reducing their turnovers from indirect kicking, they will be exciting to watch.
Sarah List & Courtney Regan
No Comments