Australian Football

Match Report

In the final match of the round, its off to the Coopers Stadium in Norwood for the much-anticipated match up between the Redlegs and the Bulldogs. The last match between these sides saw the Redlegs end a forgettable season on a high note, winning by a goal at The Parade in Round 23. Many have been labelling the Redlegs as giant-killers, but a real test was needed and in came the reigning premiers. 

The Dogs started off best, kicking 5.2 to 3.3 to lead by 11 points at the first change. Centrals would then find themselves under a persistent Norwood attack in the second quarter and would have their lead cut down to five points by the long break after the 'Legs scored 2.4 to 1.4. One thing that would concern the Bulldogs would be the lop-sided free kick count -- ending at 27 to 15 -- which would only get worse in the second half. The third quarter was evenly fought, the Dogs holding off the marauding Redlegs to maintain their hold on the lead. A 3.4 to 3.3 third quarter would see the visitors up by a single goal leading into the final stanza. For the first time in a long time, the Dogs were held goalless in a quarter of football and some poor discipline crept in. Pressure wasn't a problem, but timing was. The Redlegs scored 1.5 to Central's two behinds to nick a three-point win, in what would probably be one of the matches of the season. 

Brett Zorzi was voted best for Norwood, while Brad Symes was named best for the Bulldogs.