2025 Novita SANFL Wheelchair League Grand Final Match Previews

By JORDAN ROUTLEY

Woodville-West Torrens and Norwood will battle it out for the 2025 Novita SANFL Wheelchair League premiership when they meet in this year’s grand final on Friday night.

A rematch of last year’s decider, the Eagles will be looking to complete an undefeated season with their second consecutive flag, while the Redlegs are aiming for their first pennant.

Held at The Lights Community and Sports Centre in Lightsview, the action will get underway from 7:30pm, with free entry and plenty of food and drinks on offer for attendees.

For those who cannot attend, the match will be streamed live and free on the SANFL Now platform and feature expert commentary.

Now in its fifth season, the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League has again experienced terrific growth in participation and interest, with each club consistently fielding strong teams capable of producing high-quality football.

Woodville-West Torrens have led the way this year with an unblemished 8-0 record, with their plethora of star players making them an imposing prospect.

Reigning competition best and fairest, and Eagles’ captain Adam Roocke has enjoyed another outstanding season, leading the league in disposals, hit-outs, marks, forward entries and score assists as the game’s dominant centreman.

“We are ready to go,” Roocke said.

“We are just treating it like any other game and not putting too much pressure on ourselves.”

Trevor Jarrett has rewritten the record books this year with a stellar campaign in attack, scoring 110 goals in eight games and setting a new benchmark for the highest goal tally in a game with 23 against the Bulldogs last week.

Meanwhile, Soraj Habib and Wayne Hale have been superb in defence and lead the league for disposal efficiency with their precise and accurate ball use when exiting the backline.

While the Eagles have been the standout team throughout the season, their opponents also have no shortage of quality players who will offer a stern test for the reigning premiers.

Forward Jamie Smyth has been an inspired recruit from the Bulldogs, with his 91 goals for the season second only to Jarrett and more than double that of his nearest rival.

Captain Grant Leonard has also been productive in the forward half with 41 goals, while brother Rick Leonard has been valuable in the centre and sits second in the competition for hit-outs.

Chris Simpson has consistently offered valuable drive from defence and ranks seventh for disposals and fourth for clearances.

While Woodville-West Torrens have beaten Norwood in their two head-to-head clashes this season, their most recent battle in Round 7 was the Eagles’ narrowest margin of victory this season in a highly competitive match.

Heading into Friday’s Grand Final, Norwood captain Grant Leonard said his team is “excited as this is something we have wanted to do all year”.

“We knew the Eagles would be the benchmark throughout the season… we know what we need to do to try and stop them,” he said.

“It will be a very challenging game for us but we are excited and up for the challenge.”

Earlier in the evening, Central District and West Adelaide will meet in a clash for third spot from 6:10pm, with the Bloods looking to claim their maiden victory in the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League.

Joining the competition this year, West Adelaide have been a positive addition to the league and shown great spirit and determination throughout the campaign.

Despite not having broken through for a victory, the Bloods have come close to doing so on several occasions, with their best performance coming in a narrow five-point defeat to the Bulldogs back in Round 4.

West have been superbly led by player/coach Giang Danh, who has shown outstanding leadership in playing across all three thirds of the court whenever the team has needed him.

Captain Jake Bilsborow has offered important creativity and skill both in attack and defence, while Hallam Chitty has made a successful return to the competition and given the Bloods a focal point up front.

The Bulldogs will also be keen to finish an inconsistent year on a high note, having displayed glimpses of what they are capable of across the season.

Captain Shaun Whitbread has led the way and provided attacking drive from the centre, while Stewart Webster has been a beacon in attack and finished third in the goal-scoring tally with 42 majors.

Meanwhile, James Barker has been a pillar of strength with his competitiveness and defensive intent in the backline while also proving capable of playing in the centre.

Match and broadcast details

Friday 29 August

Grand Final

Woodville-West Torrens v Norwood | The Lights Community and Sports Centre | 7:30pm

Third Place Playoff

Central District v West Adelaide | The Lights Community and Sports Centre | 6:10pm

Every match streamed live and on-demand on SANFL Now