Rel’s Review – Round 12

With the equation of finals off the table we went to Coopers Stadium with nothing to lose. The feel of the group was one of focus and a real calm.  We are a hard-working side both on and off the field and we strive to want to perform at a level that reflects this.

Norwood have had a great season and are vying for the top four and we set ourselves to show we can match any team in SANFLW when we play to our strengths. We had tweaked a few things during the week to bring things back to contest and backed ourselves in that phase of the game. From the first bounce we looked focused and ready to play.  It was an old-fashioned arm wrestle all day and at half time scores were all tied up. We didn’t do ourselves any favours in the third quarter where Norwood dominated on the stats sheet even though we had created more scoring opportunities we only managed to score 4 points.

The last quarter was a flip re the important numbers, we dominated but couldn’t score.  It was looking like another honourable loss with Norwood scoring a major at the 6 and ½ minute mark to grab an 8 point lead. The Mids lifted including Leah Cutting leading from the front, and young gun Lucy Moore who had a breakout performance and was everywhere. When Rosette Zerella earned a free 30m out kicked a vital goal with ease we drew within 1 point. This was followed closely by a mark close to goal when Klaudia O’Neill stood tall kicked the goal to put us 5 points in front.  n the dying parts of the game Cher Waters executed a chase down tackle to prevent a goal and clear the D50. It is great reward for Cher, an unheralded defender who has had a brilliant season. Imogen Trengove is thriving behind the ball in her new role as a defender and played a key role in our bounce off half back.

It was a true team performance and now we suit up again against a determined West as they try to push for the top four and we again are hoping to spoil the show.

Narelle Smith – SANFLW Senior Coach