FootyGoss :: SANFL

Sturt the Real Deal

Sturt showed that they are the real deal in 2008 with an imposing 60-point victory over Norwood at Norwood Oval on Friday night.

The Double Blues got off to a flyer with four goals in the opening 15 minutes before Norwood hit back with three late in the term to close the gap to just five points at the first break.

A tight start to the second was blown open after 12 minutes when Sturt scored their first goal of the quarter and then with two more late, they took the margin out to 21 points. However, the Double Blues really failed to capitalise on their opportunities with missed shots and defensive rebound from the Redlegs.

Former Adelaide Crow Ian Perrie was proving the difference, providing a strong focal point up forward for his new club, finishing with 13 marks and six goals. While Norwood’s inability to find a forward option cost them dearly, which allowed Sturt to run the ball out with ease due to the Redlegs loose checking. Sturt co-captain Jade Sheedy, Panther recruit Scott McGlone and Luke Crane dictated terms in the midfield.

In front of a crowd of over 6700, the Double Blues attack on the ball and body was relentless after the main break as they stretched the lead out to 41 points. Their run continued in the last term to claim the season opener 14.12 (96) to Norwood 4.12 (36) and show that they are a true premiership contender.

The only shining light for the Redlegs was Brett Zorzi’s nullification of last year’s leading goal-kicker Brant Chambers, but, as a whole, their swag of new recruits struggled to gel and could not even to register a major from midway through the second quarter.

Stephen O’Loughlin