Minor premier Norwood out to prove a point in final two minor round matches

NORWOOD confirmed its status as minor premier on Saturday, but still has plenty to play for in its final two minor round matches.

Redlegs still have point to prove

NORWOOD confirmed its status as the minor premier after crushing Central District by 53 points at The Parade on Saturday.

But that does not mean the Redlegs do not have some key objectives in the final two rounds.

They face Woodville-West Torrens at Woodville Oval on Sunday followed by North Adelaide in the final round - the two teams they have yet to conquer this season.

Having played those clubs just once this year, Norwood coach Nathan Bassett said the final two rounds were crucial for the club.

"These two games will be a chance to see how we go,'' Bassett said.

"We can build some belief against the sides we are likely to play in the first week of the finals.

"It will be a good challenge.''

The Redlegs will be without Brady Dawe and Mat Suckling again this week, but will regain youngster James Aish after he missed the win over the Bulldogs because of concussion.

Veteran on-baller Brett Zorzi is unlikely to return from injury until the finals.

On the evidence of the victory over the Bulldogs, the hot favouritism tag is justified at The Parade.

And that sits comfortably with Bassett.

"We are the top side and have lost five games in two years so we should be favourite,'' Bassett said.

"We will just keep playing the best footy we can.

"The group is enjoying their footy and there are some good young players coming through."

Bassett said he was pleased with his midfield against the Dogs.

"We had two brand new ruckman who had six games of league footy between them," he said.

"And Trent Dumont and Peter Bampton are two young players.

"Craig Evans has not played much as a midfielder in our side this year.

"We were without Zorzi, Suckling and Mitch Grigg, who has played much of the season with us, and he was playing really good footy before being picked by the Crows.

"It was encouraging we won enough of the footy to give us a chance to win.''