Australian Football

Match Report

The lights of City Mazda Stadium shone bright for some Friday Night Mayhem between the Bloods and the Redlegs. Luck has not been on the side of the Bloods too often against the reigning premiers, from the previous 14 matches between the two teams Westies have taken only two wins. One came in early 2010, the other was in late 2012 with both matches played at Richmond. As for the Redlegs, three of those 12 wins came in finals football in two separate 2nd Semi's and of course the 2012 Grand Final. The 2013 series was their last hitout, with the 'Legs romping into the 2013 decider by 56 points.

The slip 'n' slide conditions were going to impact heavily on the night's proceedings, no more evident than the opening term where the Redlegs kicked an inaccurate 1.4 to the Bloods' single behind to lead by nine points at the first change. The Bloods found the big sticks in the second quarter, kicking the only goal of the term plus a behind to Norwood's four behinds. At the half-time break, the Redlegs' were ahead by a goal. More inaccuracy in the third quarter by Norwood allowed the Bloods to reel the deficit back more, Westies kicked two goals to the 'Legs 1.3 as the gap was brought back to just three points going into the final term. But the Redlegs would then ram through 5.2 -- those five goals unanswered until late -- to Westies' 2.2 to finish the night with a 21-point victory.

Kieran McGuinness was named best for Norwood, while the Bloods voted Daniel Caire as their best.