Glenelg have lead from start to finish to run out comfortable winners over a disappointing Norwood by 45 points at Challenge Recruitment Oval, Glenelg.

Matthew Thomas was made available by Port Power Friday afternoon and replaced Brendan Littler in the starting 21 while Stephen Doyle is still being frustrated by his hamstring and decided a another week on the sidelines was the best long-term decision for himself.

Glenelg kicked with the breeze to the Northern end and banged on 4 goals to just two points to set up a handy lead at the first change, big Todd Grima being a focal point marking strongly and kicking three (3) of them. The Redlegs were able to peg back just one goals in the second quarter as the home side showed how to kick goals into the strong south westerly breeze.

The premiership quarter was just that, for Glenelg at least as they piled on six (6) to just three (3) to establish a 6 goal buffer by the last change. The Redlegs found themselves in a role reversal from the same time last week, needing to come from behind to win, the home side would have none of it though kicking the first 4 goals of the last quarter to snuff out any Redleg hopes, at one stage extending their lead beyond sixty (60) points before the Redlegs kicked the last four (4) of the game to salvage some respectability on the scoreboard.

Realistically, the Redlegs never looked like winning the encounter, statistically both sides had a similar possession count, Glenelg however used the ball much more effectively, made less errors, gave away less free kicks, were more effective and organised around stoppages and played to their strengths. Todd Grima finished with 7 goals and was the dominant forward, the Glenelg mid-fielders confident to move the long and direct to his hands, that never let him down. On the other-hand the Redlegs too often were slow in moving the ball from defence, allowing our opponents time to push back into defence, our delivery to our forwards was poor more often than not and resulted in turn-over's from which we were made to pay dearly. Taylor Walker (3) and Simon Phillips (2) were our only multiple goal scorers for the game.

Glenelg are clearly the measuring stick of the competition and were also going to react from last weeks shock loss to South Adelaide, good sides don't loose two games in a row, particularly on their home ground, even allowing for the absence of Tyrrell and Trotter the Redlegs reaction to their heartbreaking loss last week was disappointing.

Brett Zorzi was the teams best for the second week running, superlatives from his team manager hardly sum up how important he is to the Norwood Football Club, his discipline, sheer competitive instincts, never-say-die approach along with simply being a smart player are an example to his team-mates. He did not have a goal kicked on him today. James Gallagher and Tim Weatherald certainly never game up trying, winning plenty of ball and propelling their team forward. Simon Phillips had arguably his best game in the Redlegs jumper, not only contributing 2 goals but being a genuine forward option and working well at the feet of Vlatko, Rowe, Cockshell and Walker. Aaron Kite was also terrific in defence, accountable yet providing plenty of rebound and generally using the ball by both hand and foot well. Reality is however we had too few players, play well for 4 quarters today, that is the difference between the top three (3) sides of the SANFL competition and those jostling for the last two (2) positions to participate in September action.

In a complete contrast to the league game our Reserves side were not headed all game, putting in a hard-nose, skilful and an ultimate team effort to record a deserved 33 point win over the second placed side, that had previously lost just 3 games for the season. Leading the way was 18 year old Ben Speight, who played arguably his best game at reserves level, strong at the contest, hard running both forward and into defence from his wing and using the ball thoughtfully with great skill. He also contributed 2 goals. Almost the same could be said for fellow youngster Trevor Baust in the mid-field while Ziggie Alwan continued his purple patch of good form. James Skinner lead and marked strongly to finish with 3 goals, Robbie DeJong, Matthew Fuller and Peter Marshall were the other multiple goal kickers.

Mixed results for our junior sides at Coopers Stadium, the under 19's grinded out a hard fought seven (7) point win over the third placed Tigers while our Under 17's were no match for their opposition being defeated by 39 points.

The Redlegs venture to Alberton Oval next Sunday, for another encounter against the old foe. Kenrick Tyrrell will be back from suspension, hopefully Stephen Doyle will be ready to play. To use a well worn cliché it is a season defining game for both sides, the Magpies need to win to keep their finals chances alive, the Redlegs simply need to get back into the winners circle after two disappointing losses and more importantly put another two points between us and the teams charging from behind.

David J Bean
League Team Manager