The Redlegs have opened their winning account for season 2008 with a gutsy 33 point victory over west Adelaide on a warm afternoon at Broadspectrum Oval.

Bryce Campbell, Brad deVries, Josh Donohue, Ken Tyrrell, Brendan Littler and Adam Cockshell came into the side for Stuart Bown, Heath Culpitt, Aaron Kite, Stephen Doyle (all injured), Nick Gieschen and Chad Gibson (omitted).

West Adelaide were out of the blocks early in their first game for the season under new coach Andrew Collins taking a 9 point lead at the first break but would manage just 2 points in the second quarter while the Redlegs kicked 3.3 and gained ascendancy in most position on the ground, but weren't finishing the hard work on the scoreboard.

The Redlegs piled on 5 goals to 3 in the premiership quarter to extend their lead to 30 points at the last change, a healthy lead considering both sides were visibly tiring due to the warm conditions and after a tight tussle in the final quarter, were 33 points in front at the final siren.

The scoreboard told the story in more ways than one, just as important as the result, 33 scoring shots to 20 was a true indication of the Redlegs workrate, ability to find the ball and team play, our finishing just letting the side down in a game we managed to dominate for the most part.

Best players were difficult to find in a fairly even team effort, Matthew Dawes sheer workrate just inspirational, Ken Tyrrell gave our onballers first use of the ball, Brett Zorzi again impassable on the last line of defence. The Norwood side always looks better with hard man Bryce Campbell around the fall of the ball, Jesse Aish was creative at half-forward, the young legs of Josh Donohue and Paul Puopolo were invaluable, captain Gallagher willed his team to victory with another effort leading from the front.

The Reserves side also had a new look, James Skinner, Matthew Hill, Matthew Fosdike, Alex Stopp and Ryan Shoenmakers coming into the side having played Under 19's the week before. Ryan (3 goals) and Alex were the dominant key position players at either end of the ground, Ziggie Alwan provide plenty of rebound, run and skill from defence, Mal Douglas, Tim Webber and Benjamin Speight being the best of the midfielders.

Next week, the ultimate challenge in South Australian football, Central Districts under lights at Hamra Homes Oval from 6.30pm. No-one needs reminding of June 30, 2007, several players missing this week may be available, next Saturday can't come quick enough for the Norwood Football Club.

David J Bean
League Team Manager