SANFL Grand Final 'won't be easy', says Jai Bednall
ANALYSIS: Norwood will go back to back in the SANFL Grand Final against North Adelaide but it won't be as easy as last year.
NORWOOD will go back to back in the SANFL Grand Final against North Adelaide but it won't be as easy as last year.
When they're on, the Roosters have the weapons to worry any side.
Leigh Ryswyk, Cohen Thiele, Nathan Gordon, Daniel Stewart and Lewis Johnston are all elite offensive weapons at this level and will test the best backline in the competition.
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Norwood's forward line is its only slight weakness and despite conceding larger scores than any other finalist North should match up OK here.
But as Josh Francou has stressed all week, the midfield is the key. North defeated Norwood in round six this year by kicking straight and matching them at the clearances.
The problem is their three best players that day were Andrew Moore, Jay Shannon and Joe Anderson.
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Moore is enjoying his off-season, Shannon has a corked hip which will limit his movement and Anderson is still finding form after an injury lay-off.
That's without considering the expected absence of Max Thring.
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In contrast, Norwood trio Mat Suckling, Matt Thomas and Mitch Grigg couldn't be playing any better.
The Redlegs were also poor defensively in round six, conceding three goals apiece to Daniel Stewart and Tom Langford. It's hard to see that happening on Sunday.
North's best chance is to land a big blow early.
Norwood is really well-drilled but as Mike Tyson said "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" and this Redlegs team isn't used to trailing.
But Norwood also has an edge in on field leadership and should be able to respond if challenged.
North is missing captain Greg Gallman and his deputy Luke Ivens and showed during its five-game losing streak it can lose the plot.
Let's hope that doesn't happen today but expect the Redlegs to repeat their efforts of 1922-23 when they also beat West then North in consecutive Grand Finals.
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