FootyGoss :: SANFL

Anzac draw for Norwood and South Adelaide

Norwood sqandered a 43-point lead in the third quarter to draw their Anzac Day clash with emerging South Adelaide at Norwood Oval.

The Panthers bagged the last seven goals of the match, including Dylan Williams with just 18 seconds remaining, to level the scores and earn both sides a premiership point.

South Adelaide was switched on from the opening bounce with real desperation at the contest and rushing forward in numbers to put the Redlegs under intense pressure early. Norwood struggled for cohesion and it was not until midway through the second term when they improved their ball use and gained in confidence.

In contrast to the Panthers’ first quarter, Norwood took advantage of their forays forward with highly promising Taylor Walker (three goals) and Jesse Aish (four) dangerous weapons in attack. Six unanswered goals enabled the Redlegs to take in a commanding 29-point lead at half time. 

However, after being sent back out onto the field early at the main break, John Cahill’s charges began to show tremendous spirit and fight to reel in a Norwood outfit that had lost their way.

James Boyd (35 possessions) and Josh Thewlis were best for the Panthers, while Adelaide Crow Andrew Otten continues to show a spark with 24 possessions, 13 marks and four goals. Redlegs’ skipper James Gallagher tried hard all night with 38 possessions, along with Nicholas Duigan and Brett Zorzi.

In the end, both sides finished all square at 11.12 (78) apiece.

Stephen O’Loughlin