Round 4 Hostplus SANFLW Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Sturt strengthened its position at the top of the Hostplus SANFLW League table with a convincing 52-point win against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

Seeking to qualify for their first finals berth since entering the competition in 2018, the Double Blues are well advanced to play in the major round after opening the season with four successive victories.

Former captain Georgia Bevan proved pivotal in the result, kicking three goals to go with her 17 disposals and five tackles while Ally Ladas (three goals) and Ellen Lynch (21 disposals) were also influential.

West’s Louella McCarthy (19 disposals) kicked her team’s first goal in the second term but the hosts were outclassed after managing just one behind in the fourth quarter.

A classy four-goal cameo from Caitlyn Swanson steered Glenelg to a hard-fought 10-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at Hisense Stadium.

With her team trailing by 14 points midway through the first term, Swanson struck with her opening goal to stem the tide before kicking the sealer with a mark on the goalline with three minutes to play.

Tiger teammates Jess Bates (29 disposals), Sarah Goodwin (25 disposals) and Tessa Kohn (22 disposals and a goal) also contributed strongly.

Eagles teenager Shineah Goody continued her hot start to the season with 23 possessions while key forward Mckenzie Dowrick kept her team in the contest with three goals.

North Adelaide overcame a slow start to display its potency in an eye-catching 46-point win against Central District at X Convenience Oval.

First-year Central teenager Georgia McKee kicked two goals late in the first term to put the visitors on the back foot before the Rooster onslaught arrived after the opening change.

North had as many as seven goal kickers – including Jaimi Tabb, Katelyn Pope and Doreena Hansen who booted two each – as their team climbed into the top four.

Bulldog leaders Shelby Smith and Isabelle Starmer collected 16 disposals each but it wasn’t enough to back up last round’s breakthrough victory for the hosts.

Norwood’s fast start was the catalyst in its 17-point win against South Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium.

The Redlegs almost put the game beyond doubt with their 3.6 to the Panthers’ 1.0 by the first change, inaccuracy proving the visitors’ only downfall.

Super-fit Lana Schwerdt, the daughter of former Crow Stephen Schwerdt, led the way for Norwood with 25 disposals while captain Ali Ferrall collected 22 and Jade Halfpenny 20.

South’s Ella Radbone kicked a memorable running goal on debut while experienced midfielder Nicole Campbell was the Panthers’ best with 23 disposals and 11 tackles.