Norwood beat West Adelaide by 49 points to win 2012 SANFL Grand Final
NORWOOD has beaten West Adelaide by 49 points to win its first SANFL Grand Final in 15 years. Replay our cover it live here | Picture gallery
NORWOOD has beaten West Adelaide by 49 points to win its first SANFL Grand Final in 15 years.
A crowd of 29,661 turned out to see the Redlegs strangle the Bloods and give coach Nathan Bassett a premiership in his third season.
Norwood led by 18 points at half time and was never troubled in the second half on its way to victory, 12.7 (79) to 3.12 (30).
Picture special - 2012 SANFL Grand Final
West Adelaide's score was the lowest in a grand final since the Eagles kicked 4.4 in 2004.
The Jack Oatey Medal went to Norwood defender Dean Terlich who had 31 disposals in his rebound role off half back.
"To the family you've been brilliant, to my boys, well done, enjoy it," Terlich said on stage.
The Redlegs spread the goals with Ben Jefferies, Luke Jericho and Ed Smart all kicking two in the win.
Emotions boiled over in the final term when a clash between Jace Bode and Nat Caruso triggered a minor melee but the result was already beyond doubt.
Former captain James Gallagher, who returned from retirement this season, then overcame knee and concussion injuries, was emotional on the ground after the final siren.
"I wasn't even sure we had it until the siren went," Gallagher said.
"That's the best three minutes of my life, that's unreal.
"I'm a very lucky man, I've got a very understanding club and two beautiful kids and they've (family) been unreal."
Full forward Ben Warren, who was recruited from the Southern Football League this season, also expressed disbelief at the Redlegs' triumph.
"It's hard to fathom at the moment, unbelievable," he said.
West Adelaide captain Ryan Ferguson paid tribute to both Norwood and his teammates.
"Three years in the making and you're a quality team and definitely earnt the win," Ferguson said.
"Brett Zorzi, if there was anyone else to hold up the cup, I can cop it being you, you're a great leader.
"To our guys it's been a massive journey, we'll get back out there next year and we'll be a force."
Norwood coach Nathan Bassett thanked West Adelaide and praised the 30,000 strong crowd at AAMI.
"I'd like to thank the board, my coaches, my wife, my beautiful family and especially this playing group, they've been terrific all year, they're resilient, courageous and today they get what they deserve," Bassett said.
The Redlegs never looked in doubt throughout the game, dominating each quarter.
It is the first time the two teams have met in a grand final since 1961.
The victory gave Norwood its 28th premiership.
Reece Homfray covered it live for adelaidenow. Replay his blog below