Hostplus SANFLW League Prelim Final Match Wrap

By WARREN PARTLAND
Central District has stormed into its first Hostplus SANFLW League grand final with an emphatic 40-point victory over Norwood in the preliminary final at X Convenience Oval.

Producing a tremendous team-orientated performance, the Bulldogs rarely looked threatened as they continued to build on their historic season.

The Bulldogs had already created a club first by qualifying for the finals, now they will confront South Adelaide in the title decider after dominating the Redlegs.

While it was a full team effort, Jasmine Evans was dangerous in attack with three goals, courageous Shelby Smith had an influence on the ball, Caitlin Wendland and Laitiah Huynh shone on the wing and Madison Lane, Shannon Murphy and Georgia Madigan did well in defence.

“We have got a great opportunity,” Bulldogs coach Ben Hunt said.

“We were disappointed about last week (second semi-final loss to the Panthers), we reviewed the game, and moved on.

“The girls brought their best today and hopefully they do that next week. Our pressure on the ball, the girls applied pressure for four quarters, was very pleasing and we hit up targets.”

The signs were ominous early, with the Bulldogs kicking the only goal of the first quarter to go with four behinds, while keeping the Redlegs scoreless.

The competition’s leading goalkicker Katelyn Rosenzweig kicked her second goal midway through the second term, only for the Redlegs to hit back with a goal to Alana Lishmund.

Chantel Reynolds then nailed two goals before half-time for the Bulldogs, but when Rosette Zerella goalled for the visitors early in the third term, the Redlegs threatened a comeback.

Evans then went to work, however, bagging three goals to reward the relentless pressure of teammates and blast the home side clear.

Tahlita Buethke and Lana Schwerdt, whose father Stephen was a former Bulldogs star, worked tirelessly for the Redlegs against the tide.

But the statistics did not lie, the Bulldogs amassing 39 trips inside 50 compared to the Redlegs’ 20 to underline their supremacy.