Reported by Michael Robinson
For VFLfooty.com in Adelaide
In a game that was played in hot conditions with a strong northerly wind in front of a crowd 34355 at AAMI Stadium. Central Disticts got off a great start with the wind after a 4 goal to one opening term.
In the 2nd quarter It was all Norwood with wind led by former Bullants Brett Zorzi the Redlegs added 6.3 to 0.4 to lead by 17pts at the main break.
With the challenge laid out for the Bulldogs in the 3rd team Ian Callinan, Daniel Schell and Gowans twins came into the game as the Dogs added 5.6 to 0.2 to take a 17pt lead in the final change.
The challenge was put to the Redlegs with breeze could they fight back or could the Doggies expierence get them over the line in the hot conditions. Centrals then bottle the game and about half way throught the last quarter they loked like they were home 20pts in front until a late surge from Redlegs and when retiring veteran Tim Weatherald hit the post at 26 min mark there was a goal in it. Their were some nervous people around the stadium and people thinking we might be back next week but the Doggies held on for the final minute to win by 6pts. It is their 9th premiership in past 11 years, 7 in the last 8(all under current coach Roy Laird) and 4 in a row.
First year Coach Nathan Bassett did a great job with the redlegs this year after they lost their 4 games to get them within a goal of the premiership. They will be disappointed but they gave it a real shake today.
Full credit to the Dogs they just know how to win the big games. Ian Callinan with 4 goals and 24 possessions was named the Jack Oatey Medallist for Best on the Ground.
The Gowans twins equalled the SANFL record held by Geof Motley for the most premierships by a player with 9.
SANFL Grand Final
Central 4.1 4.5 9.11 10.11(71)
Norwood 1.1 7.4 7.6 9.11(65)
GOALS
Centrals: Callinan 4, Schell 3, Jenner, C.Gowans, Spurr
Norwood: Davis 3, Shenton, Trotter, Phillips, Rowe, Terlich, Bown
Crowd 34355 at AAMI Stadium
SANFL Reserves Grand Final
Port 6.1 7.3 9.4 11.6(72)
Sturt 2.4 3.7 5.11 8.15(63)
Port's Sam Tonkes won the Bob Lee Medal for best on the ground
SANFL Macca's Cup U18 Grand Final
West 2.4 3.4 5.6 6.8(44)
Glenelg 2.3 5.8 9.9 15.11(101)
Glenelg captain Matthew Snook won the Alan Stewart Medal for best on ground.
Glenelg have won both U18 competitions in the SANFL after format was changed after 2008 season.
