Selection dilemma for Norwood as it prepares to face Eagles in SANFL

NORWOOD coach Jarrod Cotton will have to decide whether he will alter his winning line-up to face Woodville-West Torrens following the return of a key weapon.

Norwood's Luke Surman in mix for promotion to league side. Picture: Brenton Edwards/AAP

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NORWOOD coach Jarrod Cotton must decide whether to alter a winning combination for the clash against Woodville-West Torrens at The Parade on Friday night following the successful return of key forward Luke Surman.

Surman missed six games over an eight-week period, the first five because of a dislocated elbow and the sixth after he rolled his ankle at training.

But he satisfied Cotton with his efforts in the reserves win over West Adelaide at The Parade on Friday night, kicking 4.1 in the first half and taking strong contested marks.

Jarrod Cotton addresses his troops during the West Adelaide mauling. Picture: Matt Loxton

Gun midfielder Josh Glenn missed the highly impressive 78-point win over the Bloods in the league game due to a calf issue and he will also be an option should he negotiate training this week.

It was the Redlegs’ 10th successive win and they have surged to the top of the ladder and earned premiership favouritism.

“Luke will be in the mix, as will Josh if he gets through training,” Cotton said. “We have a bye after the Eagles so if Josh is only 50-50 we won’t risk him.

“Selection is going to be tough and it is an excellent position to be in as a footy club. Last year we did not have the right amount of depth.

“The reserves had a gutsy win and there were a few out injured. They will come back and that puts pressure on the reserves players and then that puts pressure on the seniors so it is a roll on effect.”

Redleg Simon Phillips chases Blood Jack Evans at Norwood Oval on Friday. Picture: Matt Loxton

The Redlegs grabbed top spot when Sturt conquered the Eagles by 23 points at Woodville Oval on Saturday. The Eagles fell to second, while the Double Blues have jumped into third spot and on target for the vital double chance in the finals.

South Adelaide took a huge step closer to a spot in the finals following the 41-point win over North Adelaide at Noarlunga Oval on Saturday.