Norwood’s Triumph in SANFL Reserves and U17 Futures Highlights

Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:57 am GMT

Norwood Celebrates 2024 SANFL Reserves Premiership Victory

In a thrilling contest at Adelaide Oval, Norwood has clinched the 2024 SANFL Reserves Premiership, defeating Sturt by 16 points. This victory marks Norwood’s first Reserve premiership win since 2019. With persistent strategizing and teamwork, the Redlegs demonstrated their determination, solidifying their status as a force in the league.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both teams’ ability to come back from missed opportunities.

Key Highlights from the Grand Final

• Dominating Performance: Norwood came out strong, leading at every change of play.
• Dynamic Players: Standout performances were noted from Jay Polkinghorne and Isaac Saywell—who earned the coveted Bob Lee Medal for best on ground.
• Missed Opportunities: While both teams struggled with accuracy, Norwood’s defense held strong under pressure.

Norwood’s head coach Aaron Jelfs praised his team’s performance: “We had a game plan that paid off. The boys worked hard and adapted well,” he said.

First Half Battles

The match commenced with both teams feeling out their opponent, leading to missed early scoring opportunities. in the 16th minute, Polkinghorne gained traction by running into an open goal, putting Norwood on the scoreboard. As the first quarter progressed, Goy Lok assisted Liam Robinson, who extended the lead to 15 points.

As Sturt regrouped for the second quarter, they sought to close the gap. Alex Holt’s stunning goal from beyond the 50-meter line energized the Double Blues. Holt followed up his momentum by assisting teammate Luca Slade, who successfully converted a set shot. Despite their efforts, Sturt’s inability to capitalize on scoring chances left them trailing by seven points at halftime.

Turning Tide in the Second Half

The match took a decisive turn in the second half as Norwood found their rhythm.

• Scoring Streaks: Robinson capitalized early in the third quarter, scoring his second goal.
• Building the Margin: Polkinghorne showcased his talent by scoring two late goals, widening the margin to 21 points heading into the final quarter.

Sturt hoped to mount a comeback when Tommy McCormack kicked a goal. Yet, it was Norwood’s Isaac Saywell who ultimately sealed the victory, running into an open goal to secure the championship.

Players’ Showcase

Norwood’s resilience shone through as Saywell recorded an impressive 30 disposals, alongside contributions from Ben Simpson, Luke Bogle, and Xavier Tranfa throughout the midfield.

On the side of Sturt, Brad Jeffries led in disposals with 28, while Alex Holt contributed a notable 24 disposals and seven inside-50 entries.

Players and coaches gather after the 2024 SANFL U17 Futures match at Adelaide Oval.

SANFL U17 Futures Match Overview

In a parallel event, Team Blue triumphed over Team Yellow by 66 points in the SANFL U17 Futures match, also held at Adelaide Oval.

• Scoring Dynamics: Team Yellow, led by West Adelaide’s Mitchell Marsh, initially opened the scoring, but Team Blue quickly responded with two goals from Redlegs forward Fergus Myall.
• Second Quarter Surge: Central District forward Cameron Nairn sparked a scoring spree for Blue, contributing to a 22-point lead by halftime.

The game showcased remarkable talent, with Blue dominating the third quarter. Notable contributors included Jayden Hawkins and Cameron Nairn, who both had major impacts on the game. Tim Alver impressed fans with his skills, finishing the match with multiple goals.

Final Score Break Down

Looking Ahead

With the SANFL season concluding, both Norwood and the U17 teams have shown significant growth and determination. Coaches and players are optimistic about their future, capturing the attention of fans while laying the groundwork for the next season.

As for Norwood, this premiership win not only boosts team morale but also reaffirms their commitment to competitiveness in the SANFL landscape. This is a moment for players and fans alike to celebrate while looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

The 2024 SANFL competitions have been really exciting and full of action. They are showing us great matchups and new players who are starting to shine in South Australia.