Sturt starts where it left off in pressure cooker

UNLIKE 2017, Sturt has wasted no time banking two points as it shoots to defend back-to-back flags, winning a hard-fought 12-point triumph over Norwood at The Parade.

STURT needed five games last season to finally break through for a win in defence of their 2016 SANFL crown.

This year, the Double Blues will defend back-to-back premierships and unlike last season, they wasted no time banking two points with a hard-fought 12-point triumph over Norwood at The Parade.

Both teams wasted opportunities in front of goal, and there was a flood of skill errors and turnovers. But, the heat was on from the outset, the pressure relentless in the entertaining battle between two clubs needing just one game to offer plenty of hope for fans.

“We talked a lot about our start this year and not repeating what we did last year,” Double Blues coach Marty Mattner said.

“It is tough beating them here, it is a good win. It was a tough game, it was hard, there was a lot of contested possessions and probably not a bad one to start.

“They (Redlegs) played some really good footy at stages and we played some good footy.”

The pressure from the two sides was outstanding from the opening bounce, especially from the Redlegs, as players attacked the contest with tremendous enthusiasm.

Every possession had to be earned and the home side caused early issues for the Double Blues.

The pressure was intense from the outset. Here Norwood's Patrick Levicki is tackled by Thomas Read and John Greenslade. Picture: AAP Image/ Brenton Edwards

However, the Redlegs coughed up a string of skill errors early in the second term and the Double Blues pounced to be camped deep in attack for lengthy periods. There were simple dropped marks from the Redlegs as well as missed targets with foot.

But the Double Blues failed to capitalise fully and after lingering in the battle, the Redlegs regained some composure to get a succession of entries inside 50, only to waste them with poor kicking at goal.

Double Blues defenders Fraser Evans and Jack Stephens were outstanding while up forward Mark Evans was dangerous. Shane McAdam showed promise in attack.

The biggest margin in the third quarter was eight points, evidence of the tight conflict.

“The players thought it was like a finals type intensity around the ball,” Redlegs coach Jarrod Cotton said.

“The pressure was up to the standard needed, but if you can’t hit a kick or handball when under pressure you turn the ball over and that is when they score on you.

“I was proud of the effort and the intent, they had a crack.”

Lewis Johnston was never far from the action for the Redlegs, Ed Smart was creative with his run, an onballers Mitch Grigg and Matthew Panos amassed the disposals.

STURT 2.3 5.9 7.12 9.15 (69)

NORWOOD 3.3 3.8 6.11 7.15 (57)

BEST — Sturt: F. Evans, Kirkwood, Stephens, M. Evans, Slimming, Colquhoun. Norwood: Johnston, Smart, Grigg, Panos, Phillips, Talia.

GOALS — Sturt: M. Evans 3, McAdam 2, Veale, Penfold, Read, Dodd. Norwood: Shenton, Surman 2, Panos, Hamilton, Phillips.

UMPIRES — Sobieraj, Galletly, Medlin.

CROWD — 5286 at Coopers Stadium, Norwood.