Australian Football

Match Report

We head down The Parade to Coopers Stadium for some Friday Night Mayhem as that original SA derby kicked off between the Redlegs and the Magpies. Premierships are what these two teams are known for, over 60 SANFL flags between them. Out of those 14 grand finals, the 'Legs are up 8-6 after their 1997 triumph and a 1999 loss. There haven't been anymore premiership moments since for either and Port have taken just two wins from the last 11 games. The last seven have seen Norwood win by as little as three points up to 100, their last win was a 41-point win at Alberton.

Despite their showing against the Bulldogs last weekend, the Magpies found themselves behind the eight-ball early as they went 16 points behind at the first change after kicking five behinds to the 'Legs 3.3. The 'Pies finally found the big sticks in the second term, but despite some inaccuracy of their own the Redlegs extended their advantage after kicking 3.5 to Port's three goals. At half-time, Norwood held a 21-point lead. The weather deteriorated from here, but no-one among the 6000+ crowd would be moved. The ground became slippery and the Magpies managed to reel the Redlegs in some, kicking two goals to 1.4 in the third quarter to bring the gap back to 19 points going into the final change. Unfortunately for the Port, they couldn't replicate last week's effort against the premiership favourites. Even the Redlegs' horrid inaccuracy in the final term couldn't help the Magpie cause as they kicked a further 2.7 to one behind to take a 37-point win.

Brett Zorzi was voted best afield for the home side, while Port named Jeremy Clayton as their standout.