Round 3 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Friday Night

Norwood maintained its composure to record its first win of the Hostplus SANFL League season, overcoming South Adelaide by 22 points at The Parade.

The Redlegs built their triumph on the back of a game-breaking seven goal third quarter, after both sides managed just six majors between them in a tight opening half.

South earned a dominant inside 50 advantage of 16-4 in the first term but the hosts’ back six held firm all night, led by an intercept marking masterclass from Aaron Francis and Pierce Seymour.

Francis, a star signing for the Legs during the off-season, positioned himself beautifully on countless occasions as he finished with 30 disposals and 10 marks while the unassuming Seymour snaffled 13 grabs to continually steady up play.

Scores were level at the main change but Jade Sheedy’s charges suddenly stretched their advantage to five goals by three-quarter time. In the context of such a tight tussle, it was always going to be a difficult margin for the Panthers to overcome.

Impressive forward recruits Josh Murphy and Matt Harms were right among the action during the match-defining periods as they hit the scoreboard, Harms producing a dribbling goal which sparked an incredibly enthusiatic celebration in front of the Premiers Bar.

Key Legs forward Tristan Binder bagged his third deep into time-on of the third quarter as Norwood took a stranglehold on the contest.

Prolific Norwood midfielder Nik Rokahr dominated with 35 disposals, 14 marks and eight tackles, even in the absence of star ruck Harry Boyd, who was sidelined with a hand injury.

Finn Heard stepped up to fill Boyd’s role with 23 disposals, five marks, five clearances and 24 hit outs while Baynen Lowe had an impactful match with 31 touches, seven tackles and a goal.

Slipping to a 1-2 win-loss record, South was powered by Arlo Draper in the middle with 26 disposals and a left-foot snap goal while vice-captain Ollie Davis kept his side in the contest with 25 disposals, six marks and an important set shot goal early in the final term.

Bailey Pilmore was South’s only multiple goal scorer with two, while Jack Delean produced a highlight with a classy crumbing goal right on the half-time siren.