Norwood well placed for minor premiership going into this week's bye

NORWOOD's ability to win while managing a sizeable injury list is paying dividends as it sits perfectly placed to win the minor premiership.

NORWOOD v GLENELG

NORWOOD's ability to win while managing a sizeable injury list early in the season is now paying dividends as it sits perfectly placed to win the minor premiership heading into this week's bye.

The Redlegs at times looked vulnerable, but rarely lost earlier in the year and are now building up a full head of steam as players return.

AFL selections are also aiding the Redlegs, who had five Crows or Power-listed players in an imposing 21-man side, which crushed Glenelg 23.13 (151) to 7.7 (49) in wet conditions at The Parade last Friday.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Adding to the healthy pressure at the selection table will be Bryce Campbell and Michael Newton, who are both making impressive comebacks from knee reconstructions through the reserves.

Newton kicked five goals on Friday.

"We felt like if we won more than we lost early, we would get stronger as the year went on,'' Redlegs coach Nathan Bassett said.

"We've also got Trent Dumont and James Aish, and Orazio Fantasia, who played in the national under-18s, all becoming available, so that strengthens our depth as well."

The Redlegs now have a 10-3 record and are two games, plus percentage clear of a West Adelaide side, which is being hard-hit with injury.

North Adelaide remains in the race, but the minor premiership is Norwood's to lose and the Redlegs can set themselves up perfectly for a tilt at back-to-back SANFL flags.

Simon Phillips was the star on Friday, but Norwood's midfield and halfbacks were the architects of the impressive win.