Norwood captain Jace Bode sparks decision to play him in the reserves against South Adelaide
Norwood surprised supporters when it named Jace Bode in the reserves this week, but the move followed the captain’s chat with coach Jarrod Cotton.
Norwood captain Jace Bode instigated the surprise decision to send him back to the reserves this week rather than risk his form in the crunch battle against South Adelaide at The Parade on Saturday.
The veteran defender spoke with coach Jarrod Cotton on Monday, the day after the 46-point loss to Glenelg at the Bay, to discuss the best options for his immediate future.
Having played just two games in the past 10 weeks, Bode questioned whether the best move would be to give him time in the reserves to find form before returning to the league side.
Redlegs football manager Mark Ross said the pair had regular meetings so their “catch up” was not unusual, but Bode had felt after the Tigers defeat he had been unable to contribute as a captain should in relation to his performance.
“We rushed him back against Glenelg because of his leadership on and off the ground, we were keen to get in last week and he was keen to play,” Ross said.
“He has just not played enough footy though and they discussed all the options. Jace wondered if he should train for another two or three weeks and get a core amount on the track.
“He has had an ankle injury this season, a shoulder, a knee, and has not had continuity in his training and then playing. He questioned whether it was better being out there as a leader or making sure he was playing decent footy in the reserves and coming back when he is right.
“You have got to give him credit for acknowledging his form is not where he would like it and he needs match fitness and touch.”
The importance of this contest is reflected on the ladder with the Redlegs seventh, but only percentage behind the fifth-placed Panthers with five rounds remaining.
The Redlegs face bottom three clubs North Adelaide, Central District and West Adelaide in the final four games.
The Roosters will continue their bid to avoid the wooden spoon a season after premiership glory when they host Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday.
SANFL ROUND 14
SATURDAY
North Adelaide v Adelaide
Prospect Oval, 2.10pm
Norwood v South Adelaide
Coopers Stadium, Norwood, 2.10pm
Radio: 1629 SEN SA
SUNDAY
Eagles v Central District
Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville, 2.10pm
Radio: 1079 Life FM
Port Adelaide v Glenelg
Alberton Oval, 2.10pm
Sturt v West Adelaide
Peter Motley Oval, Unley, 2.10pm