The Redlegs go into Round 1 with a confidence boost after defeating Port Magpies in our final trial game by 22 points on a chilly Thursday night at Coopers Stadium. Luke Jericho and Kris Massie were claimed by the Crows pre-game and along with Health Culpitt, David Trotter, Kendrick Tyrrell, Ziggie Alwan and Adam Cockshell were replaced in the side by Bryce Campbell, Jesse Aish, Brett Zorzi, Nick Lower, Matthew Dawes, Scott Borlace, Luke Nitschke and Chad Gibson from last weeks game.

The home side held ascendancy on the scoreboard for the entire game, 10 individual goal kickers, in what at times was a skilful and other times lacklustre encounter. Bryce Campbell was the team best over the duration, tough at the contest and using the ball well. Sam Rowe seems to have settled into the key defensive post well, playing a disciplined defensive game and providing rebound. Despite taking a few bruising knocks, young Crow Aaron Kite impresses with each outing, his electrifying pace and attack at each contest being a feature of his game. In his first outing the the year, evergreen Brett Zorzi played his typical game on the last line, wingmen Nick Lower and Nick Duigan found plenty of the ball and provided rebound and run while Ed McDonnell worked hard and continued to present himself across half forward.

The reserves side poor kicking for goals cost them the game, 29 scoring shots to 25 and losing by 16 points tells the story. Versatile bigman Alex Stopp was named the teams best in his defensive post, Matthew Hill worked hard, found plenty of the ball and generally used it well in the midfield, fellow State under 18's team-mate Ryan Schoenmakers was a marking and skilful target in the key forward position, Matthew Fuller rebounded well from half-back as did Matthew Fosdike on his wing.

Injuries to Matthew Davis, Joel Coombes and Nick Lower will be assessed over the weekend, Stuart Bown was reported for striking, we will await that outcome, then put together the best possible team to represent the Norwood Football Club in round 1 against Sturt next Friday night at Coopers Stadium.

Training this week will be at Coopers Stadium on Easter Monday at 4.30pm and Wednesday at 5.30pm.

After a long pre-season, finally the Home and Away season is here........ bring it on!

David J Bean
League Team Manager