Norwood has secured two very valuable premiership points with a hard fought, yet at times scrappy 38 points victory over West Adelaide at Coopers Stadium.

Pre-game Luke Nitschke and Kenrick Tyrrell dropped out of the named squad of 22, replaced by Adam Cockshell who was made available by Port Power. James Gallagher won the toss and kicked with the breeze to the Southern End, the Redlegs taking advantage to skip to 3 goals lead by the first break. The home side managed to keep the bloods goalless with the breeze in the second, scoring 2 of their own against, Vlatko and Cockshell asserting their authority inside the forward 50 while Westies were completing hard and getting their fair share of the ball but unable to apply any scoreboard pressure. Whilst the quarter would not be remembered as any great football spectacle the Redlegs workrate was pleasing with the 29 point half-time margin well-earned.

The third quarter was a more even and entertaining contest, both sides contributing 5 goals on the scoreboard with a much higher standard of disposal and clean movement of the ball. The Redlegs dug deep in the last quarter, restricted with Paul Puopolo off the ground with a slight hamstring strain and not willing to risk gun midfielder David Trotter who was fatiguing after working exceptionally hard in the first three and a half quarters in his first game in 5 weeks, the home side kicked 6 goals to 4 to run out victors by 38 points.

Mid-season recruit Tim Weatherald (25 possessions) was the teams most outstanding for the day with a very even, disciplined hard working and possession effective game. Matthew Dawes returned to his customary defensive post for the first time in several weeks and like Tim was exceptionally effective collecting 23 possessions, back to his best with his renowned desperation, trademark one percenters and hard run. Adam Cockshells last month of league football has been terrific, up forward he kicked 3 goals, in ruck he won some effective hit-outs, his around the ground play improving each week. Jamie Vlatko must just love playing against West Adelaide, 18 goals in his past 4 games against the Bloods following his tally of 7 today - he lead with purpose, marked strongly and kicked with accuracy in a pleasing return to his best form. Others to contribute well were James Gallagher (23 possessions) and Kris Massie (24) in the midfield who racked up quality contested possessions and were responsible for many forward trusts and Stuart Bown who continues his stellar year in defence.

The reserves side returned to the winners circle after their big loss at Unley Oval with a very even team effort by 6 points highlighted by 12 individually goals-kickers, State Under 18 Ryan Schoenmakers topping the list with 4. Brendan littler was back to some of his best form through the midfield, ably supported by Ryan Holm and Heath Culpitt all of whom were given first use of the ball by bigman Ken Tyrrell. Special mention to Alex Stopp who played the game following the most extraordinary of pre-game personal circumstances, showing his well known outstanding qualities as a young man and love for his club.

Not such a good day at Broadspectrum Oval with both our juniors sides failing to get the points. Stewart Fincher was named best for the Under 19's in their 75 point loss to the 6 placed bloods with Darren Shillabeer 4 goals and Simon Muster 3 goals the leading goal-kickers. Luke Roberts continued his good season with 4 goals for the Under 17 in their 43 point loss, Mitchell Grigg and Dillon Harding the teams better players.

Next week a trip to Noarlunga where our fortunes have been mixed over recent years and where the premiership points are absolute must have against a team coming off a bye that will also be likely to have the services of favourite son Brendan Lade. An effort no less that our best will be required return to Coopers stadium victorious.

David J Bean
League Team Manager