SANFL Wheelchair League Round 3 Match Wraps

Central District 16.5.(101) def Norwood 9.2.(56)

Central District surged a game clear atop the SANFL Wheelchair League ladder with a clinical 45-point win over Norwood at The Lights Community and Sports Centre on Friday night.

In a crucial top-of-the-table clash, the Bulldogs continued their hot start to the season with a third consecutive win in impressive fashion.

Despite being shaded in disposals (118-125) and marks (66-93), the Doggies’ extra firepower in attack proved the major difference, scoring 16 goals from 31 forward entries.

Star recruit Jay Dohnt led the way up front, scoring nine goals to go with 33 disposals, 18 marks and five clearances, with his speed and skill setting the tone.

He formed a formidable tandem with attacking partner Stewart Webster, who chipped in with seven majors of his own from 23 disposals and 19 marks, as his contested marking made life difficult for the Redlegs.

Shaun Whitbread (33 disposals, eight clearances and 15 forward entries) made a welcome return to the line-up and orchestrated countless Bulldogs attacks with his sharp passing.

Meanwhile, Darren Peters played a pivotal role in the ruck, finishing with 16 disposals, 14 hit outs and 10 marks in a tireless effort.

Jack Webster (10 disposals and seven marks) had some crucial moments in defence and showed terrific poise with the footy in hand.

Coming off a record haul of 24 goals last week, Norwood spearhead Jamie Smyth worked hard in attack to finish with seven goals, along with 19 disposals and 14 marks.

Rick Leonard again fought strongly in the ruck, tallying a team-high 25 disposals, 22 marks and 12 hit-outs as he also worked hard around the court to provide support in offence and defence.

Darren Schultz (19 touches) was another reliable contributor for the Redlegs, while skipper Grant Leonard added two goals.

Michael Neroni (14 disposals and 12 marks) and Chris Simpson (13 possessions) continually repelled their team from defence, while Richard Davis (13 touches) also stood up with some key moments at the back.

Woodville-West Torrnes 25.11.(161) def West Adelaide 0.0.(0)

Woodville-West Torrens made a stunning return to form and registered their first win of the season with a huge 161-point win over West Adelaide at The Lights and Community Centre on Friday night.

Having lost their opening two games of the season, the defending champions were back to their very best in a commanding display to put the competition on notice.

The win coincided with the return of key playmakers Adam Roocke and Siraj Habib, who both added speed and attacking flair to the Eagles’ line-up.

In his first appearance for the season, Roocke picked up where he left off last year, hardly skipping a beat in collecting 39 disposals, 26 marks, 10 hit outs and 12 forward entries.

Skipper Trevor Jarrett was also at his prolific best up forward, scoring 10 goals to go with 32 disposals and 19 marks as his smarts and positioning continually caused issues for the West defence.

Fellow forward Steve Edge also enjoyed a stellar night, finishing with 10 goals of his own from 27 disposals and 21 marks, proving a constant threat in the attacking zone.

Such was the Eagles’ dominance that they even had the luxury of swinging defender Wayne Hale into attack, who scored five goals to go with 24 disposals, six clearances and 16 marks.

Habib made a seamless return to the line-up after missing last week’s loss to the Bulldogs, collecting 18 disposals, 11 marks and eight forward entries as he provided his customary drive and rebound from defence.

Recruit Lloyd Townsend produced another impressive performance in his debut season, splitting his time between the ruck and defence to collect 22 touches, 11 marks and eight forward entries.

Meanwhile, Peter Routleff (11 disposals) followed up his outstanding debut last week with a near faultless display in defence.

On a lean night for West Adelaide, the Bloods were well served by skipper Jake Bilsborow, who fought hard to finish with 32 possessions, 17 marks and six clearances as he continually tried to get the ball moving his team’s way.

Hallam Chitty (28 hit outs, 18 marks and 15 hit outs) produced a valiant effort in the ruck, while Henry de Cure and Josh Wilson toiled away in a defence that was often under siege.