In a closely fought contest, Norwood edged out South Adelaide by a mere four points in a thrilling clash at Magain Stadium. The match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with Norwood ultimately prevailing in a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final siren.
Final Scores
South Adelaide | 3.3 (21) | 4.6 (30) | 6.9 (45) | 7.10 (52)
Norwood | 1.3 (9) | 3.5 (23) | 3.7 (25) | 8.8 (56)
MATCH SUMMARY
The opening quarter saw South Adelaide take an early lead, scoring three goals and three behinds to establish a 12-point advantage. Tom Gillett, Callum Bennett, and Jesse Nye were instrumental in this strong start, each contributing to the scoreboard. Norwood, however, struggled to find their rhythm, managing only one goal and three behinds, leaving them trailing at the first break.
In the second quarter, Norwood began to find their footing, scoring two goals and two behinds to narrow the gap. Joshua Murphy and Jim Kelly were key players for Norwood, helping to lift their side's spirits. South Adelaide added just one goal and one behind to their tally, resulting in a cumulative score of 30 to 23 at halftime, with South still in front but with a diminished lead.
The third quarter saw both teams continue to battle fiercely, but South Adelaide maintained their lead with a further two goals and three behinds. Oliver Goss, Ethan Johnson, and Corey Grocock all contributed to the scoreboard, pushing the Panthers to a 45-point total. Norwood, however, was relentless, managing two goals and two behinds, which kept them within striking distance as the quarter ended with South Adelaide leading by 20 points.
The final quarter proved to be the most dramatic, as Norwood surged back into contention. They scored an impressive five goals and three behinds, showcasing their attacking prowess and determination to claim victory. South Adelaide, despite their best efforts, could only manage two behinds in response. This late surge from Norwood turned the match on its head, allowing them to snatch a remarkable win with a final score of 56 to 52.
FINAL WRAP-UP
This match was a testament to the competitive spirit of the SANFL, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and tenacity. South Adelaide's early dominance was countered by Norwood's resilience, particularly in the final quarter, where they demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. The narrow margin reflects the intensity of the contest, and both sides can take positives from their performances as they move forward in the season.
BEST PLAYERS
South Adelaide: Tom Gillett, Callum Bennett, Jesse Nye, Oliver Goss, Ethan Johnson, Corey Grocock.
Norwood: None.
GOAL SCORERS
South Adelaide: Tom Gillett (1), Callum Bennett (1), Jesse Nye (1), Oliver Goss (1), Ethan Johnson (1), Corey Grocock (1).
Norwood: Joshua Murphy (2), Jim Kelly (2), Oliver Sanders (1), Daniel Gauci (1), Isaac Saywell (1), Sam Simpson (1).
PLAYED AT
Magain Stadium
By Ben Lawson