Novita SANFL Wheelchair League Round 4 Match Wraps

By JORDAN ROUTLEY

Central District 11.4.(70) d West Adelaide 9.11 (65)

West Adelaide got agonisingly close to its first win in the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League against Central District on Friday night, ultimately going down by five points in a classic encounter.

After a tough start to their inaugural season, the Bloods played with great spirit and far better connection, piecing together some quality plays throughout the night.

Trailing by 22 points at quarter time, West slowly clawed its way back into the contest and threatened to steal the win in the dying seconds, but could not find a target in the forward zone as time ran out.

Shaun Whitbread was instrumental for Central, collecting 41 disposals and 28 marks in the centre before moving forward in the last term and nailing four goals to prove the match-winner.

Darren Peters also played a valuable role with three goals from 25 disposals and 16 marks as he offered a key target in attack.

Peters also switched with Whitbread into the centre in the last quarter, winning six hit-outs and making a crucial goal-line save in the final moments to hold Westies at bay.

Henry de Cure had a big impact on the game early and finished with four goals, while James Barker (21 disposals and 15 marks) and Jason Tippins (20 disposals) held up superbly under significant pressure in defence.

West player/coach Giang Danh plied his trade at both ends of the court to finish with 31 disposals, 14 marks and three goals.

Captain Jake Bilsborow also worked hard for his team in defence and gathered 25 disposals and 14 marks, while Darren Mysko featured prominently in the centre with 23 disposals, 17 marks and 13 hit-outs.

Hallam Chitty impressed in his first game for West Adelaide, taking some nice marks in attack to finish with four goals from 22 disposals in a polished performance.

Woodville-West Torrens 18.6.(114) d Norwood 7.3 (45)

Woodville-West Torrens asserted itself as the team to beat in the 2025 SANFL Wheelchair League season, claiming a dominant 69-point victory over Norwood.

After being forced to forfeit their first match-up in Round 1, the Eagles gave a much better account of themselves with their full complement of players, extending their lead at every break on the way to a comfortable win.

Trevor Jarrett was again the star of the show for the Eagles, scoring 14 goals from 31 disposals and 18 marks, which included 13 marks in the forward zone.

The Eagles’ skipper worked hard to find space in the forward zone despite copping some close attention, and also played a ruck-roving role and gathered eight clearances.

Adam Roocke put in another dominant performance in the centre with 53 disposals and 32 marks, with his ability to set up the Eagles’ forwards a major factor in the game.

Steve Edge was also a strong contributor up forward for the Eagles with four goals, passing off several scoring chances to Jarrett in a selfless display of footy.

Wayne Hale was busy in defence with 31 disposals and 18 marks, often serving as the outlet player from the centre clearance and starting many of the Eagles’ attacks.

Soraj Habib was prominent with his speed around the court as he collected 22 disposals, 18 marks and nine forward entries.

On a tough night for the Redlegs’ forwards, Jamie Smyth battled hard to finish with five goals from 20 disposals and 16 marks, including four goals in the first half to help keep Norwood in the game.

Grant Leonard also chipped in with two goals, while Darren Schultz was forced to shoulder much of the ruck work as Rick Leonard struggled with his chair, earning 13 disposals.

Nathan Simpson often repelled Norwood out of defence and collected 14 disposals and eight marks, while Richard Davis also had some important moments in defence