Australian Football

Match Report

Midday football hasn't been a blip on the SANFL radar since the days of AFL curtain raisers in the 1990's, but that was the timeslot for the first Saturday match of the weekend, as the Channel 7 cameras headed north to Playford Alive Oval in Elizabeth for the clash between the Bulldogs and the Redlegs. The Doggies haven't had the best of luck against the Redlegs as of late, the last five clashes have been all Norwood victories. The Dogs last tasted victory against the 'Legs in the 2nd Semi of 2011, as well as the match only three weeks before that. The Redlegs' last win was something the Bulldogs would rather forget, a 53-point drubbing at The Parade in Round 21 last season.

Early on in the day, things looked rather grim for the Dogs even though the Redlegs weren't making maximum impact on the scoreboard as they sprayed 3.5 to 1.1. But take an animated Roy Laird and a few choice words, something happened. The Dogs shocked the reigning premiers in the second term, keeping the 'Legs to just one goal whilst kicking 5.1 for themselves to take a nine-point lead at the half-time break. The Dogs were suddenly playing with a measure of confidence and a sore point was about to be addressed, as they hadn't scored more than seven goals against Norwood for those previous five games. The third term was, compared with the rest of the game, rather dull in regards to scoring. But the pressure by Centrals was enough for them to extend their advantage, they added 2.1 to one goal to go into the final change with a 15-point lead. The Dogs would leave the visitors in their wake in the final term, only inaccuracy made it just bearable for the 'Legs as the home side booted 5.5 to 1.3 to take a seven-goal win. Trent Goodrem led by example for and was duly named best for Centrals, while Norwood voted in Ben Jefferies as their standout.