Australian Football

Match Report

In the final match of Round 3, its time for some Saturday Night Lights as we head up north to the Playford Alive Oval in Elizabeth as the Bulldogs prepared to face the Redlegs. The last 11 outings between these two teams have seen them become the new-age rivals of the SANFL competition, there's been some close finishes at both Elizabeth and The Parade and even a Grand Final. The Dogs have had six wins, but the Redlegs have taken the last two dust-ups at home and away, the last coming at Norwood in Round 15 where the 'Legs took a 23-point win. With Norwood's current form and the Bulldogs a little out-of-sorts, many thought that the reigning premiers would come and conquer without much of a fight.

Nothing could have been further from the truth as the Bulldogs surprised the 'Legs with a 3.2 to 2.1 first quarter to lead by seven points at the first change. As expected, the Redlegs didn't slumber for long, but the Dogs made them earn everything. The visitors managed to keep the Dogs to 1.1 in the second term, but the 4.1 they kicked kept the door open for Centrals. At half-time, Norwood held an 11-point lead. The Dogs sent their fans into a frenzy as they reeled the Redlegs back within striking distance of the lead, only inaccuracy stopping them as they kicked 2.5 to 1.2. The 'Legs were ahead by just two points going into the final term. The Bulldogs just couldn't make up the gap in the end, but the Redlegs would leave Elizabeth with something to think about anyway. Norwood scored 2.2 to 1.1 in the final term as they escaped the scrap with a nine-point win.

The name Thomas would feature as best afield for both clubs this week, with Matt starring for Norwood and Dogs captain Paul leading by example.