Emotions run high at Elizabeth as Central District records first ever win in SANFLW
Central District finally broke through for an emotional win in the Dogs’ debut season, while Glenelg and Norwood continued their unbeaten starts in round three of SANFLW.
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Central District finally broke through for an emotional win, while Glenelg and Norwood continued their unbeaten starts in round three of SANFLW on Friday night.
Read Messenger Community News’ wrap of all the action.
CENTRAL DISTICT 10.6 (66) WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS 5.8 (38)
Central District SANFLW coach Shaun Ribbons found it hard to contain his emotions after his side’s inaugural victory at The Parade on Friday night.
In sweltering 40C heat, the Bulldogs were never really threatened and stormed home to a 10.6 (66) to 5.8 (38) victory against fellow competition newcomer Woodville-West Torrens.
Central went down in its opening two matches, losing to West Adelaide by 20 points and then to Glenelg by 17.
But Ribbons knew his team was building something special and believed players would head into this weekend’s league-wide bye brimming with confidence for their clash with Sturt on March 15.
“I am just amazingly happy for the girls because I know how hard they have worked since the 23rd of October,” Ribbons told the Northern Weekly after the game.
“We’ve shown moments in the last couple of games but to get that first win and to see the smiles on their faces, that truly meant something and it was pretty emotional, really.
“I just wanted to instil that confidence in them because our best footy is good enough to beat anybody.
“We had seen patches of it late in games but tonight we were able to bring it early and we know we always finish strong.”
Both the Bulldogs and the Eagles had an AFLW-listed player in their line-up – Katelyn
Rosenzweig – who was yet to debut for the Crows – in a Bulldogs guernsey and Sarah Perkins with the Eagles.
Perkins booted two goals, while Rosenzweig finished with three and won more contested, one-on-one battles, ultimately helping the Bulldogs take the win.
Isabella Wilson and Chantel Reynolds were the other multiple goalkickers for Central with two each.
Abbey Scheer, the older sister of Crows AFLW midfielder Chloe Scheer, and Danielle Stewart were the Bulldogs top possession winners with 13 apiece.
“Whenever the ball is in Katelyn’s area, you know she’s probably going to win it,” Ribbons said.
“But our whole forward line functioned unbelievably well, we seemed to score almost every time we went inside 50.”
Although there will be no games this weekend, Ribbons will still hold training sessions and expects his players to be fresh for the match against the Double Blues, who are yet to win a game.
GLENELG 7.6 (48) NORTH ADELAIDE 5.3 (33)
Glenelg coach Jason Fairall is keeping expectations in check for his improving side despite a 3-0 start to the season.
The Tigers knocked off their most well-credentialed opponent to date in a 7.6 (48) to 5.3 (33) victory against North Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Friday night.
Glenelg opened the season with wins over league newcomers Central District and Woodville-West Torrens.
The Tigers are top of the ladder, ahead of fellow undefeated side Norwood on percentage.
“For a club which only won one game last year, any win is great and you can’t single out one as better than the others,” Fairall said.
“But North are a good side.
“I still think we have to some respect to earn around the league … but three wins is a great start.”
Glenelg trailed by a goal in the third term before kicking the final three majors to take the 15-point victory.
Chelsea Packer provided ample rebound from the back half with her game-high 16 touches. Madisyn Freeman booted two goals.
The Tigers will face another test when they take on fourth-placed West Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Friday, March 15 after a bye this weekend.
NORWOOD 5.7 (37) STURT 3.5 (23)
Norwood and Sturt’s contrasting fortunes continued at Norwood Oval on Friday night as the Redlegs ran out 14-point victors.
The Redlegs are 3-0 on the season and second on the ladder behind Glenelg on percentage, while the Double Blues are bottom and winless.
Sturt took the game to the hosts early but could not hold on in the second half as Norwood kicked 3.2 to 0.5 after the main break to win 5.7 (37) to 3.5 (23).
Redlegs coach Steve Symonds was looking forward to giving his side a break with no games this weekend before facing winless Woodville-West Torrens at Elizabeth Oval the following week.
“We planned for the bye, having a big pre-season and going hard these first three rounds, so it’s a good chance to have a breather now,” Symonds said.
“We won’t be taking the Eagles lightly, they’ve got some talented girls who are quite dangerous.
“And (Eagles coach) Tess Baxter was an assistant here so will have some knowledge on us, but not too much I hope.”
Sophie Armistead (19 disposals), Monique Hollick (17 and one goal) and Najwa Allen (13 and one goal) led the way for the Redlegs.
Alex Ballard impressed with 13 touches for Sturt and Crows-listed Maisie Nankivell picked up 12 in her first game for the Double Blues.
Sturt takes on Central District at Elizabeth Oval following the bye.
SOUTH ADELAIDE 7.6 (48) WEST ADELAIDE 5.2 (32)
Reigning premier South Adelaide bounced back from a defeat by finishing strongly to take a 16-point win over West Adelaide.
The Panthers booted the last two goals of the game to triumph 7.6 (48) to 5.2 (32) in a controlled performance.
South’s win came after a defeat to Norwood in the grand final rematch.
Indy Tahau kicked a pair of majors for South, while Czenya Cavouras was dominant as she racked up 29 touches and 10 tackles.
West’s Chelsea Biddell backed up her record-breaking six-goal haul from last week with 2.1.
In round four, the Panthers host North at Noarlunga Oval, while the Bloods are at home to Glenelg.
ROUND FOUR
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
■ Norwood v Woodville-West Torrens – Elizabeth Oval, 6.15pm
■ South Adelaide v North Adelaide – Noarlunga Oval, 6.30pm
■ West Adelaide v Glenelg – Richmond Oval, 7.45pm
■ Central District v Sturt – Elizabeth Oval, 8pm
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