Woodville-West Torrens record an upset win against SANFL ladder-leaders Norwood

Woodville-West Torrens coach Sam Lonergan says his side finally got the win it deserved after a shock 11-point triumph over SANFL ladder-leading Norwood at home on Saturday.

Daniela Abbracciavento

2 min read

May 20, 2019 - 11:06AM

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SANFL: Eagles v Norwood at Woodville Oval. Eagle's Louis Sharrad kicks towards goal as Norwood's Tom Forster attempts to smother the kick. 18 May 2019. (AAP Image/Dean Martin)

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Woodville-West Torrens pulled off a remarkable upset win over ladder leaders Norwood on Saturday.

The Eagles recorded their first victory following five consecutive losses, prevailing over the Redlegs 10.21 (81) to 10.10 (70) at Woodville Oval.

Norwood held a two-point advantage at three-quarter time but the Eagles wrestled back the momentum and kicked two clutch goals late in the final quarter — one to Jared Petrenko on the boundary line and one to Jimmy Toumpas — to seal the victory.

The triumph should have been by more in the end but the finals-like, pressure-filled game forced the Eagles to be inaccurate in front of the big sticks.

Eagles livewire Jared Petrenko takes a run down the centre of the oval to have a shot at goal. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

Jordan Foote showed class in the Eagles’ midfield with 28 disposals, nine clearances, four tackles and two goals.

Jesse Lonergan was also a standout with 22 possessions.

The hosts’ midfielders were aided by the strong performance from ruckman Jarrad Redden who finished with 19 hit-outs, 21 touches and a goal.

“It was a great four-quarter effort which we probably haven’t been able to do all season,” Eagles coach Sam Lonergan said.

“The players have been working really hard over the past four weeks and they got what they deserved today.

Woodville-West Torrens forward Angus Poole tackles Norwood's Zac Richards. Picture: AAP//Dean Martin

“We had 31 scoring shots against a team that’s top of the ladder, so the win was convincing in my eyes.”

Woodville-West Torrens shocked Norwood with its fierce intensity, tough tackling and pure desperation to win the ball which led to a seven-point advantage at the first break.

The Redlegs worked their way back into the match with the speed and poise of ex-AFL midfielder Dom Barry and dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg combined with three goals to AFL draft prospect Cam Taheny.

Norwood took a 13-point buffer into half-time but also squandered chances in front of goal.

Jake Von Bertouch then put the Eagles in front early in the final quarter before Cole Gerloff then levelled the scores minutes later.

Eagles’ James Rowe handballs out of trouble under pressure from Norwood's Mitchell Wilkins (front) and Jace Bode (left). Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

But the Eagles refused to give up and despite a goal to Norwood ruckman Sam Baulderstone on the siren, the hosts snuck over the line.

Grigg (32 possessions, five clearances), Barry (23 touches two clearances) and Lewis Johnston (23 disposals) were standouts for the Redlegs.

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton conceded the Eagles were just more desperate to win.

“I thought we played some pretty good footy in patches but we’ve just been a bit inconsistent,” Cotton said.

“They played some hard footy and wanted it a bit more than us.

“I thought our first two quarters were pretty good but probably didn’t make the most of our entries in the second quarter but then our third quarter was really disappointing.”