Round 1 Hostplus SANFLW Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District proved it is far from a spent force, flexing its authority with a statement-making 31-point win against Glenelg at X Convenience Oval in Round 1 of the Hostplus SANFLW League.

Bundled out of the top-four after a shock loss to Norwood in last year’s first semi-final, the Bulldogs proved they will again be around the mark for a major round berth by accounting for the Bays with an overwhelming 38-15 inside 50 advantage.

Keeping the visitors scoreless in the first half, Central established a match-winning lead of 35 points by three-quarter time as premiership stars Katelyn Rosenzweig and Lauren Breguet each booted two goals, together with Sturt signing Alysha Healy.

Bulldogs Sophie Eaton (25 disposals), Jovanka Zecevic (22 disposals) and Tesharna Maher (21 disposals, one goal) all contributed to cover the retirement of ball-magnet Shelby Smith.

Prolific Tigers midfielder Jess Bates found plenty of the Sherrin to tally 37 possessions, seven clearances and a goal while impressive teenager Georgie Fielder racked up 25 disposals and six clearances.

The match marked the Hostplus SANFLW League field umpiring debut of 2017 Norwood premiership captain Bek McMahon, who has steadily risen through the SANFL ranks, having also officiated in the SANFLW Development League and at SANFL under-age matches.

Woodville-West Torrens’ determination to qualify for its inaugural Hostplus SANFLW League finals berth was on full display as it toppled Sturt by 35 points at Eastern Parade Reserve.

Admitted into the competition in 2019, the Eagles have a steely resolve under coach Narelle Smith to create history in 2025 by reaching the major round.

The hosts’ efficiency proved pivotal in the result, having only five more inside 50 entries than the Double Blues yet managing a healthy tally of 8.5 (53) compared to Sturt’s 2.6 (18).

An even contribution was a feature of the Eagles’ win as Christina Leuzzi collected a match-high 19 disposals and 10 clearances, while Lucy Moore had 16 possessions and a goal.

Key Eagles focal point Klaudia O’Neill booted two goals to be among her team’s seven goal kickers.

Sturt’s Alex Ballard battled hard in her 50th SANFLW League game to collect 16 disposals, with teammates Izzy Kuiper (19 disposals) and Monique Bessen (18) also working hard.

West Adelaide appears to have solved its potency problems as Norwood recruit Alana Lishmund made an instant impact in the Bloods’ dramatic five-point win against North Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

Recruited from The Parade in the off-season, Lishmund carried her promising preseason form into Round 1 by booting three majors including the go-ahead goal for the Bloods in the 17th minute of the final quarter.

Displaying the sort of form which catapulted her to the 2022 SANFLW Leading Goal Kicker award, Lishmund ran back with the flight of the ball to take a courageous chest mark before calmly nailing her 20m set shot to seal the Roosters’ fate.

Newly-named joint vice-captains Zoe Venning (32 disposals, one goal) and Hannah Button (24 disposals, one goal) were instrumental in earning the victory while impressive teenager Emily Mableson collected 13 disposals.

Rooster Polly Turner had a debut to remember, booting two goals from her 13 disposals and four marks while also laying three tackles as Aprille Crooks and Julia Clark also fought valiantly for the visitors.

South Adelaide began its premiership defence in bright fashion with a convincing 24-point win in the Hostplus SANFLW Grand Final rematch at Magain Stadium.

Overcoming a goalless first quarter, the Panthers clicked into gear by booting the final three majors of the second term.

Rick Watts’ charges then displayed their supreme fitness in the fourth quarter by piling on 3.2 to the Legs’ 1.1 to bank valuable percentage.

South’s Shae Archbold hit the scoreboard with three majors but it was the stunning performance of tall utility Taya Maxwell which caught the eye as she recorded 24 disposals, six clearances and four marks.

Panthers captain Jordann Hickey racked up 23 disposals and five marks while teammates Layla Vizguadis (22 disposals) and Emma Charlton (21 disposals, one goal) were also influential.

Norwood received great service from leadership group member Jade Halfpenny with a team-high 21 possessions and nine tackles while Sophie Arkun (18 disposals) and Elle Lineage (two goals, 10 disposals) flew the red and blue flag.