Norwood carries SA hopes in Foxtel Cup after West Adelaide’s loss
NORWOOD will carry the hopes of the SANFL when it begins its Foxtel Cup campaign on May 27 after West Adelaide was bundled out of the competition.
NORWOOD will carry the hopes of the SANFL when it begins its Foxtel Cup campaign on May 27 after West Adelaide was bundled out of the competition by Tasmanian minnow Western Storm on Tuesday night.
The Bloods, fielding a team which was barely recognisable, lost 9.7 (61) to 8.9 (57), at Adelaide Oval as its Cup defence fell at the first hurdle.
MATCH REPORT: BLOODS’ FOXTEL CUP DEFENCE OVER
Norwood plays East Perth at Patersons Stadium later in the month, a ground no SANFL side has won at during the Foxtel Cup’s four-season history.
The entry of the Crows into the SANFL meant the Bloods-Storm match couldn’t be scheduled during West’s bye round.
The club was faced three matches in eight days and coach Mark Mickan clearly made the decision not to risk any of his stars.
The Bloods managed to close to within a goal late in the match when Jesse Watchman goaled but never led the match at any time.
The loss is the most embarrassing for an SANFL side since Port lost Queensland club Morningside, in 2012.
Tom Schott was the Bloods' best with his creative work through the midfield and clever goal, while Lachlan Jennings and Ryan Dijksman fought hard and Richard Newell showed flashes.
Phil Hopton kicked two goals but they were unable to match the visitors who progressed to the semi finals in June.
Jake Huett mopped up across half back for the Storm, while former Brisbane Lion Bart McCulloch and fellow big man Mitch Hills dictated terms in the ruck.
McCulloch and Shaun Collis both kicked two goals in the win.
The Bloods trailed by 14 points at three quarter time and although they had most of the play in the last term, they couldn't put it on the scoreboard.