North beat South in SANFLW grand final rematch with final kick and no crowd
Teams playing without a crowd amid coronavirus fears, a grand final rematch, a club making history and the season’s first draw. The weekend’s round of SANFLW had it all.
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There were two games played without fans due to coronavirus fears, a club making history with its first ever victory and the season’s first draw recorded.
Read The Messenger’s round four match reports here:
SOUTH ADELAIDE 3.1 (21) NORTH ADELAIDE 4.1 (25)
The grand final rematch between South Adelaide and North Adelaide played out very differently than last year’s title decider – and not just because of the result.
South and North were forced to play the game of the round at Noarlunga on Saturday night without a crowd cheering players on.
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The SANFL banned fans from attending all matches as of Saturday amid coronavirus fears.
But the match lived up to its expectations with the Roosters beating the reigning premier with the final kick of the game.
Last year’s leading goal kicker Kelly Barltrop got on the end of a coast-to-coast goal to put her side in front by four points with two minutes to play.
North triumphed 4.1 (25) to 3.3 (21) despite South defenders claiming Barltrop’s goal was touched.
South coach Rick Watts said it was a difficult build up for both sides with players getting their temperatures checked prior to playing to ensure it wasn’t high as that was a symptom of coronavirus.
Watts was proud of his side and said the Panthers were just beaten by a better team on the day.
“It was a strange build up to the game and it wasn’t the greatest preparation for all teams that played,” Watts said.
“There was definitely some different parameters leading into it with everyone getting their temperature checked and no crowd which made it really interesting.
“It was an awesome contest, though, considering the situation both teams were in.
“It was really competitive and high-skilled.
“We were really proud and impressed with our girls even though we didn’t get the result.
“We won most of the critical stats, especially the inside-50s but unfortunately we just didn’t capitalise at the right time and North is a quality side.”
North Adelaide did suffer a blow despite the win with Olivia Gallio and Hannah Ewings being stretchered off.
The Roosters remain top of the ladder and undefeated.
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS 7.3 (45) GLENELG 3.2 (20)
Woodville-West Torrens’ women’s team made history on Friday night, winning its first game since entering the competition last year.
The Eagles held Glenelg goalless in the second half to triumph 7.3 (45) to 3.2 (20) at Elizabeth.
Fortunately for Woodville-West Torrens, the match was played in front of a crowd despite coronavirus fears.
The SANFL’s policy to ban fans at games to help stop the spread of the virus only came into effect from Saturday.
Crows AFLW-listed ruck Rhiannon Metcalfe was dropped back to the SANFLW and lined up with the Eagles, finishing with 26 hit-outs and 15 disposals.
Kiana Lee and Nicole Collie booted three goals apiece for the Eagles.
“The girls did very well and it’s nice to experience this side of it,” Eagles coach Tess Baxter said.
“We didn’t start too well … but the girls just regrouped, pushed through and were able to perform in that second half so that was very pleasing.
“Rhi (Metcalfe) was relentless with her effort and her hit-outs were great.”
Glenelg coach Jason Fairall, meanwhile, said his young side had “learnt a lot” from the loss.
“They monstered us around the ball after half-time,” Fairall said.
“They learnt a lot but unfortunately it came at the price of the game.
“I think a little bit of inexperience around the ball hurt us. I’m not happy we didn’t finish the game well but that first half was really good.”
NORWOOD 3.5 (23) WEST ADELAIDE 3.5 (23)
Norwood and West Adelaide recorded the first draw of the SANFLW season on Saturday night – and without fans watching.
But that did not stop the match from going ahead and although Norwood trailed for much of the match at Noarlunga, players battled hard to draw 3.5 (23) apiece.
The Redlegs were held scoreless in the first term and trailed by 15 points at three-quarter time.
But roles were reversed in the final stanza as Norwood stopped the Bloods from scoring while booting 2.3.
Matilda Zander finished with a game-high 22 disposals for Norwood, while Jade Halfpenny snared five marks.
Mattea Breed (one goal), Leah Cutting and Michelle Reid also were prominent for the Redlegs.
Bloods coach Mark Moody said the final 90 seconds the match cost his side a win after it led by seven points at the main break and 15 points at three-quarter time.
“In the end it was really disappointing,” Moody said.
“We led in all of the key stats, so the last 90 seconds leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth.
“We didn’t execute the way we should have.”
STURT 4.2 (26) CENTRAL DISTRICT 2.3 (15)
Sturt’s young guns played a key part in the team’s 11-point win against Central District in the SANFLW clash at Elizabeth last Friday night.
Sturt won 4.2 (26) to 2.3 (15) on the back of a solid 2.1 to no score opening quarter.
The victory led to the Double Blues moving to fourth spot on the ladder.
Rising star Zoe Prowse, an AFLW Academy member, finished with 23 disposals which included 10 clearances, three tackles and a goal.
Kate Harris took four marks, while Isobel Kuiper hit in hard with eight tackles.
Sturt coach Bruce Dawes said his side worked hard to set up its win.
“We certainly got the jump but Central’s tackling pressure was very good,’’ Dawes said.
“It was actually good to hang on as Central probably won most of the key stats but our young players did well and players like Zoe Prowse were outstanding.
“It is a very tight competition and there looks to be a lot of tight games ahead. North and South (Adelaide) look the standouts but you could throw a blanket over the rest of us.’’
A downside for Sturt was a possible knee injury to debutant Louise Firth who kicked a goal.
Former Crows AFLW-listed forward Katelyn Rosenzweig starred for the hosts, booting 2.1, while rising star Shelby Smith amassed 15 touches.
THIS WEEK, ROUND FIVE:
■ Central District v Norwood – X Convenience Oval (Elizabeth) Friday, March 20, 6pm.
■ Sturt v North Adelaide – X Convenience Oval (Elizabeth) Friday, March 20, 7.45pm.
■ West Adelaide v Woodville-West Torrens – Hisense Stadium (Richmond) Friday March 20, 6pm.
■ Glenelg v South Adelaide – Hisense Stadium (Richmond) Friday, March 20, 7.45pm.