Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Elimination Final

31 August 2025

Norwood overcame a slow start to defeat Central District by 18-points in the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League Elimination Final.

The lead changed hands several times throughout the game, but it was the Redlegs, who have seemingly been playing an elimination final since Round 10, proved too strong for a young Central team.

Central’s vice-captain Aiden Grace got things off to a hot start for the Doggies, converting on a slight angle to nab the first major score of the day.

Pressure from both sides was rampant in the first 10 minutes, with a number of holding the ball calls for either side, as Norwood laid 15 tackles in 10 minutes – Central registering eight.

Doggies’ Anzac Lochowiak took a strong grab in the pocket, snapping truly around the body, before first-gamer Aidan Schubert joined an exclusive club, kicking his first goal with his first kick.

Norwood’s Billy Cootee laid a desperate tackle in the Legs’ forward 50, however, failed to make the distance as the Redlegs still hunted for their first major score of the game.

It was Cootee who finally converted for Norwood, taking a strong overhead grab early in the second quarter to kick a much-needed goal for the Redlegs, who finally got their first major on the board.

The Doggies were making the most of their opportunities when in their forward 50, as Beau Thomas kicked Central’s fourth.

Norwood’s ‘Great Showman’ Jackson Callow finally found the goals, bringing the margin back to 10 points partway through the second term, before Tristan Binder followed up with a goal of his own, the Redlegs’ ship finally steadying.

Midfielder Declan Hamilton kicked a huge goal for Norwood, the Redlegs taking the lead from Central to head into the main break with a one-goal lead.

It was the perfect start to the second half for the Redlegs, as Binder took an excellent mark before kicking his second.

The Doggies responded quickly via teenage star Dyson Sharp, the 18-year-old kicking a brilliant running goal to give the Central some momentum early in the third term.

It was a teenage dream for Central, with Dougie Cochrane kicking a monster goal to give the Doggies the lead back, before Lochowiak capitalised on his side’s momentum to kick his second.

Luca Whitelum took a brilliant mark to cap off a strong quarter for the Doggies, who headed into the final term with a nine-point buffer.

Norwood’s Alec Wright found the goals early in the fourth quarter to bring the Redlegs back within three-points, with Max Hodges following suit to kick his first Hostplus SANFL League goal at a crucial time for his side.

Hamilton dribbled one through to give the Redlegs a nine-point lead, with Cootee coming through with his second, Norwood’s lead extending to 15-points to make things very hard for Central.

Cochrane showed the crowd why he is already touted as a potential number one AFL Draft pick in 2026, kicking another huge goal to get Central back within eight points.

However, Norwood’s Jayden Gale slotted his first with a snap around the body, before Binder kicked his third and it was season oval for the Doggies at Adelaide Oval.

Norwood’s Nik Rokhar was prolific for his side with 27 disposals, 10 marks and five clearances, with Finn Heard proving to be the difference for the Redlegs with 18 disposals, eight tackles, 10 clearances and five inside 50s.

Cootee (24 disposals, two goals) and captain Jacob Kennerley (15 disposals, six tackles) were also both excellent for the Redlegs.

Harry Grant (20 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances), Kai Pudney (14 disposals, seven tackles), Kade Dittmar (10 tackles) and Kobe Annand (35 hit outs) all had strong showings for the Doggies in their final hit out of season 2025.

Norwood will look toward next week’s First Semi Final, where they will play the loser of the Qualifying Final between Glenelg and Adelaide.