Hostplus SANFL League Snapshot – Preliminary Final

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg will play in its fifth Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final in seven years after winning a chaotic Preliminary Final against Norwood by two points at Adelaide Oval.

The Tigers’ aim of creating club history by winning a third flag in succession remains alive after an absorbing battle in which the brave Redlegs threw everything at them only to fall agonisingly short.

Norwood key forward Tristan Binder had an opportunity to put his side in front when he marked a nice Connor Ling pass on the lead with little over a minute to play.

But Binder’s set shot from 40m out directly in front swung to the left for a behind in the 27th minute of the fourth quarter.

It would have restored the lead for the fifth-placed Redlegs, instead, it was the Bays who found a way to cling on for the last minute to book a berth in the Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final against Sturt next Sunday.

Darren Reeves’ charges had six fewer inside 50s and three fewer scoring shots yet still found a way to win, even without 2023 premiership captain Max Proud, who was forced from the field in the opening minute of the final term.

Displaying his trademark courage, Proud went back with the flight of the ball but was met strongly by burly Norwood forward Jackson Callow in a marking contest.

It forced the 33-year-old from the field for the last time as he suffered a suspected punctured lung in what will almost certainly be his final game for Glenelg.

Neither side led by more than two goals throughout the epic battle, with Glenelg cancelling out its six-point three quarter-time deficit with majors to Matt Allen and Liam McBean putting it seven points up early in the fourth.

But the reigning premier’s stretch of seven scores in succession, for a return of 2.5, was broken by Norwood recruit Charlie Molan who juggled a chest mark before converting from close range.

It brought last year’s runner-up within a goal but they were unable to conjure a winning play as the Bays fell over the line to begin planning for the Double Blues.

Glenelg’s Jonty Scharenberg stood tall to collect 23 disposals and lay seven tackles while midfielders Luke Partington (24 disposals) and Corey Lyons (21 disposals) lifted for the cut-throat final.

Tiger forwards Lachie Hosie and Liam McBean booted two goals each while Riley Holder will be monitored throughout the week after copping a knock to his thigh.

Norwood was led by Nik Rokahr who racked up 29 disposals and a goal while the classy Billy Cootee finished with 22 disposals and two majors.

Redlegs ruckman Finn Heard was again outstanding with his relentless attitude at the stoppages with 19 disposals, five marks, seven clearances, 21 hit outs while Molan tallied 18 disposals to go with two majors.

Despite Glenelg earning a narrow lead at quarter-time, it was Norwood which finished the first half with plenty of spirit.

The Redlegs boasted a 29-21 inside 50m advantage at the main change as their run and link play start to show signs of making a difference on the scoreboard.

Inaccuracy plagued the Legs as the tallied 3.9 (27) to the Bays’ 4.3 (27) as they also led clearances by 16 to 12.

Cootee booted an eye-catching snap for Norwood’s opener but it was the only genuine highlight in the tough opening half as both sides threw their bodies in to keep their season alive.