Norwood hosts traditional rival Port Adelaide at The Parade without suspended Mitch Grigg

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton says his side has the depth and talent to cover the absence of dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg and extend its unbeaten start to the season.

• Grigg accepts ban, Fogarty wins challenge
• Grigg faces striking charge as Redlegs sneak home

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton says his side has the depth and talent to cover the absence of dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg and extend its unbeaten start to the season.

The Redlegs were dealt a major blow this week when gun midfielder Grigg accepted a one-match ban for an early guilty plea after striking Sturt’s Steven Slimming.

It meant Norwood would be without its star man for Thursday night’s SANFL blockbuster against traditional rival Port Adelaide at The Parade.

But Cotton backed his ladder-leading charges to step up and build on their 3-0 opening to the campaign.

“It’s up to everyone,” said Cotton, of facing the third-ranked Magpies minus Grigg.

Norwood will be without dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg, who is suspended for the visit of traditional rival Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

“Losing Griggy obviously doesn’t help, but it’s a matter of who comes in having the right attitude and playing their role.

“Adding Dom Barry to the list this year gives us a bit more depth through the midfield and someone like Cole Gerloff will have to take a bit more ownership over the role.

“Obviously when you play Port Adelaide it’s always a big game, but the boys are really excited about it and looking forward to the challenge.”

Forward Luke Surman would again miss out for the Redlegs due to a hamstring niggle, while young gun Dylan Stephens was away representing the Australian under-18 team in Melbourne.

But midfielder Matthew Nunn returned from illness and tall Brady Dawe (hip flexor) was a chance for selection, provided he emerged unscathed from Wednesday night’s training session.

Norwood had struggled for accuracy, kicking a combined 30.36 as it won by less than a goal in each of its first three outings of the season.

Brady Dawe is a chance to return for Norwood after struggling with a hamstring injury. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

But Cotton praised the ability of last year’s beaten grand finalist to dig deep when the chips were down, as demonstrated in last Friday night’s five-point success over the Double Blues.

“Sturt are obviously a really good team and it was just an arm wrestle for most of the game,” third-year Redlegs mentor Cotton said.

“We had our moments and they had theirs, but in the end we found a way to win which is really positive for the group and builds really good belief moving forward.

“In most games you play, there’s always momentum swings and opponents are going to get their chances as well.

“It’s just about being consistent over four quarters and really making sure we keep that in control.”

Port ruckman Billy Frampton would miss the meeting with Norwood, as he served the second match of his two-game suspension for striking South Adelaide’s Joel Cross a fortnight ago.