Central District Football Club

2012 Round 15 Centrals vs Norwood

2012 Round 15 Centrals vs Norwood

BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE

By Robert Laidlaw

Central District tried something new, was involved in its longest game from start to finish, and lost by 23-points to Norwood at the Parade in Sunday's SANFL clash.

In an interesting twist, the Bulldogs ran out before the game and proceeded to stretch near the race until Norwood entered the arena, then followed the Redlegs around on a warm-up lap, as well as form a huddle next to the opposition just before the start.

It didn't work.

Then after half time, the players from both sides ran out, but had to return to the changerooms as a supporter had broken his leg and remained on the ground for over 30 minutes waiting for an ambulance.

The day was just bizarre, with Norwood also virtually wrapping up the minor premiership.

Initially the early unusual tactic seemed to have had the desired affect, when the first six free kicks of the game all went to the Dogs, including two shots on goal, which results in a behind, and then a goal to Jarrod Schiller.

But then the following seven frees went to the home side, including for two pings at goals, for two majors, as Norwood led 2-4 to 1-1 at the first break.

With the first three goals of the second term, the Redlegs laid the foundation of its win, with Trent Goodrem taking a courageous mark and converting for Central's lone major of the period, for the Dogs to trail 2-4 to 6-7 at the long, long break.

After almost an hour's break for the unfortunate supporter, it seemed Central was preparing to fight back, but consecutive misses at goal by the normally reliable Justin Hardy resulted in just two behinds.

Norwood controlled the middle part of the third term to boot three unanswered goals, with a Gowans twins double act resulting in James kicking the Bulldogs only major of the period just before lemons.

Trailing 3-9 to 9-10 at the final change, Central was out of the contest but at least won the final stanza with four goals to two, Luke Habel's under pressure shot from 40m the goal of the game.

James and Chris Gowans were solid contributors all game, while Jack Hannath won in ruck, and Paul Marschall was the best of the defenders.

This Saturday Central has a home game against Sturt and need a win to get back on track.

Norwood         2.4    6.7    9.10    11.11    (77)
Central District    1.1    2.4    3.9    7.12    (54)
Best: J. Gowans, C. Gowans, Jenner, Hannath, Marschall, Williams.
Goals: J. Gowans 2, Schiller, Goodrem, Habel, Lawton, C. Gowans.