Round 7 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Saturday

Norwood has cemented itself as the team to beat in the Hostplus SANFL League after an 11-goal third term propelled it to a statement-making 50-point win against Central District at X Convenience Oval. 

In what was billed as a highly anticipated, top-of-the-table clash, the Redlegs flexed their muscle with a fine display of attacking, free flowing football to send a clear message to the rest of the competition.

Now placed comfortably at the summit of the premiership ladder after banking a seventh consecutive victory, Jade Rawlings’ charges have set themselves up for a deep run into September.

Leading by just two goals at half-time in what could be described as a dour opening half, the Redlegs blitzed the Bulldogs by piling on 11.5 to just one behind to establish a commanding 82-point advantage by the final change.

It was enough that the visitors could remain goalless in the fourth quarter and concede five goals to the hosts to still enjoy a percentage-boosting triumph.

The Legs’ had a plethora of contributors, headed by Jack Oatey Medallist Harry Boyd in the ruck, who finished with 24 disposals, nine clearances and 42 hit outs.

Norwood midfielders Mitch O’Neill (28 disposals), Baynen Lowe (27 disposals) and Billy Cootee (23 disposals, one goal) all enjoyed the space at Elizabeth while captain Jacob Kennerley made a welcome return from injury to tally 22 disposals and three goals.

Former Bulldog Connor Mclean booted a game-high four majors for Norwood while fellow forwards Finn Heard (two goals) and Jackson Callow (one goal) also hit the scoreboard.

Central’s Kyle Presbury was the leading disposal-winner on the ground with 28 and five clearances while Aiden Grace and Hugo Munn kicked two goals each.

Returning Rhett Montgomerie, who originally signed to play with Footscray in the VFL this season, made a welcome comeback for the Dogs with 21 disposals and seven marks.

South Adelaide streaked to its first win of the season as it easily accounted for Yartapuulti by 73 points at Flinders University Stadium.

Both sides were desperate to chalk up an opening victory for their 2024 campaign but it was the Panthers who displayed great desperation from the first bounce by establishing a 29-point lead at quarter-time.

From there, the hosts were never seriously threatened as they dominated the inside 50m count 58 to 32, clearances 38 to 24 and disposals by 375 to 267.

South coach Jarrad Wright will be buoyed by the performance of his local younger products, led by Charlie Duncan who used the ball nicely while racking up 31 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Panther Angus Bradley collected 23 disposals and 10 marks while Scott Bedford (21 disposals) and Nic Schroder (18 disposals) are others who provide plenty of promise for the future at Noarlunga.

Long-kicking Liam Fitt booted a game-high goals while Eamon Wilkinson contributed four as Kobe Mutch led the disposal sheet with 32 to go with seven clearances and eight tackles.

Yartapuulti, now at the foot of the table chasing its first win, had Tom Clurey, Francis Evans and former Panther Cody Szust each collect 21 possessions.

AAMI Rookie Brayden Calvett, who has crossed over from Woodville-West Torrens, showed promise with his 17 touches while Aidan Turner finished with 17 disposals, eight tackles and two goals.

Sturt’s ominous ability to retain possession has claimed another victim, eclipsing Kuwarna by 61 points at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Double Blues’ skill by foot has been a real highlight of their 2024 campaign thus far, evidenced by their performance against Glenelg on Anzac Day and now the Crows.

Sturt had a staggering 54 more marks than its opposition as it dictated terms in leading at every change, boosted by a litany of contributors in all sectors of the ground.

Despite losing West End State ruckman Amos Doyle as a late withdrawal, the Blues had its star-studded midfield firing on all cylinders with classy Will Snelling chalking up 29 disposals, six marks, eight tackles and an eye-catching stoppage goal.

Casey Voss also registered 29 disposals and 11 marks in a stunning display as tireless pair James Battersby and Tom Lewis each picked up 26 touches and a goal.

Milestone man Henry Carey was his steady self with 17 disposals and a memorable goal but it wasn’t enough to trump his good mate Josh Hone, who nailed 6.2 from 13 disposals and nine marks.

Kuwarna was led by Zac Taylor in the middle with 23 disposals, nine clearances and eight tackles while Will Hamill (18 disposals) and Ned McHenry (17 disposals) also battled hard.

Irish recruit Karl Gallagher and Langhorne Creek product Darcy Clifford each kicked two goals for the Crows.

An efficient West Adelaide eventually wore down North Adelaide to earn a hard-fought 31-point win at Hisense Stadium.

The Bloods earned 21 less disposals and 14 fewer marks yet established an edge over the Roosters in clearances (34 to 25) and inside 50s (49 to 38) to claim a vital third victory of the season.

Not only did the triumph ensure Adam Hartlett’s men kept pace with the Roosters outside the top five, it will serve as a confidence-boost to its younger players who are continuing to develop nicely at Richmond.

Leading by 16 points at the final change, the hosts effectively shut North out of the contest when Hamish Ellem kicked truly five minutes into the fourth quarter.

West’s Kobe Ryan, who earned the SA U20 MVP award last weekend, continued his impressive touch with 25 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles while teammates Sam Frost (24 disposals) and Tom Morrish (23 disposals) were also prominent.

Joel Stevens booted three goals to go with his 21 possessions while fellow young Blood Ned Stevens continued to catch the eye with four goals from 16 disposals and 11 marks.

North recruit Cody Raak was outstanding across half-back in his best game for the club, finishing with 29 disposals and 12 marks while fellow defender Alex Spina had 25 disposals.

Rooster Ewan Mackinlay took the game on with his 18 disposals and two goals while emerging Hughen Wissman had 24 disposals and nine marks for the visitors.