Norwood conquer South Adelaide in hot SANFL contest

NORWOOD, led by Sam Baulderstone and Mitch Grigg, dominate South Adelaide at the stoppages to claim an impressive 47-point victory at The Parade.

Mitch Grigg gets his handpass away. Picture: SARAH REED

NORWOOD coach Jarrod Cotton gave Mitch Grigg some honest opinions at quarter-time of the contest against South Adelaide in the heat at The Parade, demanding more presence from the Magarey Medallist.

He had failed to register a possession and Cotton spoke to Grigg about being a leader of the football club and the need for him to play well.

There was no sugar coating from the coach, he told Grigg he was not working hard enough.

And Grigg responded, climbing into the game in the second term before exploding after halftime when he worked off the dominance of ruckman Sam Baulderstone.

Late in the third quarter, Grigg worked hard to win possession while three Panthers stood back. He gave off the handball to Matthew Nunn who ran inside the 50m arc and goalled to put the Redlegs 41 points clear and in control.

It was a passage of play which reflected the battle after halftime, the Redlegs finding more players willing to outwork their opponents and total supremacy at the stoppages in the 47-point triumph.

“South played on Good Friday and we played Monday so they had three extra days to prepare,” Cotton said. “So credit to our fitness people and the players to work hard.

“We were excellent after halftime when we used the ball with more composure and defended well.”

@TheTiserSport @SANFL Josh Glenn (green boots) makes debut for @NorwoodFC in reserves v @southadelaidefc at The Parade. pic.twitter.com/mFkRwhhdTl

— Warren Partland (@warren_partland) April 8, 2018

It was not until the second quarter before the Redlegs started to get some control, aided by a wasteful Panthers who added 1.7.

Baulderstone was winning his duel with Keegan Brooksby and that became a massive issue for the Panthers after halftime as the Redlegs’ midfield ran rampant.

There were some simple dropped marks by the visitors as they became lazy in the heat. That was not a problem for the Redlegs, who constantly blasted forward courtesy of Grigg and Matthew Panos.

The composure and work ethic of the Redlegs midfield went unmatched by the Panthers.

“In the second half the uncontested possessions, they were plus 60,” Panthers coach Jarrad Wright said. “We were a bit fumbly around the contest and they managed to get it on the outside.

“Stoppage wise Baulderstone was all over us all day.”