Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Second Semi-Final

Norwood has marched into its second Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final in three years with a comfortable 59-point win against Central District in the Second Semi-Final at Adelaide Oval.

Earning direct entry to the title-decider for the first time since 2018, the Redlegs set up their victory on the back of a commanding second term, in which they piled on 5.1 to the Bulldogs’ one behind.

With Magarey Medal favourite Harry Boyd (16 disposals, 10 clearances) playing a commanding role in the ruck and midfield trio Billy Cootee (25 disposals, two goals), Baynen Lowe (22 disposals) and Mitch O’Neill (20 disposals, one goal) finding plenty of the ball, Jade Rawlings will be aiming to guide his men to a second flag under his tutelage on September 22.

Despite finishing with two fewer inside 50 entries, the Legs were barely troubled in the second half as they charged into their seventh Grand Final in 15 years.

Central ensured the minor premier was on the back foot early in the encounter, booting three of the first five goals to lead by eight points at the first change.

Paul Thomas’ men came with plenty of pressure on the back of a confidence-boosting Qualifying Final win against Sturt but Norwood quickly swung the momentum in its favour with six goals in succession.

The defensive-minded Legs were also able to dry up the Dogs’ scoring, as they went from the 23rd minute of the first term until the 19th minute of the third without a major.

Pierce Seymour (19 disposals, four marks) was at the forefront of Norwood’s miserly attitude, with Tom Donnelly also playing well in keeping Dogs dangerman Aiden Grace to just seven disposals and a goal.

Central’s Dyson Sharp was again a key contributor with 18 disposals, five tackles and five clearances while Kai Pudney was the Bulldogs’ leading disposal winner with 19.

Central co-captain Kyle Presbury, in his 150th game, used the ball well by foot with his 17 disposals but his team will now look to reset ahead of next Sunday’s Preliminary Final against Glenelg.