SANFL Wheelchair League Round 1 Match Wraps

By JORDAN ROUTLEY

Central District 17.6.(108) def West Adelaide 6.2.(38)

Central District kicked off the 2026 SANFL Wheelchair League season in fine style with a commanding 70-point win over West Adelaide at The Lights Community and Sports Centre.

In a rematch of the thrilling third-placed playoff last season, the Bulldogs were rarely troubled as a barnstorming eight-goal second term paved the way to victory.

Marquee Bulldogs recruit Jay Dohnt slotted in seamlessly up forward, with the dual Paralympic swimmer scoring five goals from 31 disposals and 22 marks in his SANFL Wheelchair League debut.

Shuan Whitbread was again instrumental for Central in the ruck, registering 36 disposals, 14 marks and 16 forward entries to continually get his team moving.

Meanwhile, Stewart Webster continued his superb form from last year, slotting 11 goals from 20 disposals and 17 marks as his height and strength proved influential in attack.

Another highlight for the Doggies was the debut of Stewart’s son, Jack, who split his time between defence and attack to finish with nine disposals and a goal.

Darren Peters (23 disposals and nine clearances) had an impact both in the ruck and behind the ball, while Lloyd Banwell also had some important moments in defence.

West Adelaide toiled valiantly throughout the evening, but their lack of height in the ruck and defence made the going difficult.

Tony Wade led the way with a spirited performance in the ruck and backline, showing terrific composure under pressure to collect 31 disposals, 18 marks and nine forward entries.

Jake Bilsborow (20 disposals and 13 marks) provided important drive from the backline, while Hallam Chitty (19 disposals) was tireless in his efforts.

Fabio Savoia provided some outstanding highlights in attack, scoring three impressive goals from long range to keep his team in the contest.

Norwood 11.9.(75) def Woodville-West Torrens 6.2.(38)

Norwood signalled its SANFL Wheelchair League premiership intentions with an emphatic 37-point victory over dual reigning premiers Woodville-West Torrens on Friday night.

Facing their grand final nemesis in a rematch of last year’s decider, the Redlegs produced a powerful display to put the competition on notice.

Star forward Jamie Smyth picked up where he left off last season, starting the new campaign in impressive fashion with 36 disposals, 26 marks, 10 clearances and eight goals.

Rick Leonard (17 touches and 12 hit-outs) used his height advantage to dominate the ruck duels, providing silver service to his rovers while also working hard to offer support in defence and attack.

Darren Schultz (24 disposals) was similarly effective when rotating into the ruck, showing excellent composure with ball in hand.

Captain Grant Leonard (21 possessions) was lively in the front half and could have had an even bigger game if not for some uncharacteristic inaccuracy, finishing with 3.5.

Chris Simpson (24 disposals and 21 marks) was everywhere down back and blended attack and defence nicely.

Richard Davis and Michael Neroni were customarily resolute in defence and did a stellar job in shutting down the Eagles’ dangerous forwards, while recruit Luke Manhire gave a good account of himself on debut.

Without reigning League best and fairest Adam Roocke and young gun Cooper Spillane, the Eagles lacked their usual pace and potency in attack, which proved telling in the result.

Reigning leading goalscorer Trevor Jarrett was forced to shoulder some of the ruck duties early but still managed to finish with four goals on the back of some clever forward craft.

Wayne Hale held up valiantly in defence, making several crucial intercepts while finding a team-high 30 disposals, 20 marks and eight forward entries.

Soraj Habib (22 touches and 13 marks) also battled strongly in a defence that was often under siege, launching numerous attacks with his speed and quick hands.

Recruit Lloyd Townsend (18 possessions) showed plenty of fight in the ruck in his Eagles debut, rotating with fellow debutante Riley Hennessey, who also provided some defensive support.