Australian Football

Match Report

The ABC headed on over to the House Brothers Oval in Unley this week, where the Double Blues played host to the Redlegs. The Blues smashed the hell out of the Redlegs in last year's Elimination Semi-Final to the tune of 71 points. They faced each other four times last year with the 'Legs winning just one game in Round 19. 

Sturt's inaccuracy gave it the lead in at quarter-time, up by seven points after kicking 2.7 to Norwood's two goals. A further 4.2 to 2.4 in the second term saw the Blues ahead by 14 points at the long break. A new strategy was employed by Sturt this day, with 2008 Ken Farmer Medallist Brant Chambers NOT as the focal point of the attacking 50. Instead the goal kicking duties would be shared around and it payed dividends, especially in the third quarter where the Blues landed home 6.2 to Norwood's 3.4 to lead by 34 points at the final change. Too much handballing and not enough kicking played a part in the visitors' downfall -- 149 handballs, 126 kicks. While they did make a last ditch run at the Blues in the final quarter, five goals would not be enough, another 2.4 for Sturt giving them a 20 point victory. 

The Blues would name Michael Bratton as their best afield, the Redlegs named Matt Thomas as their best man who, in a twist of fate was reported for misconduct.