Westies Win Statewide Super Women’s League Prelim Final

By ZAC MILBANK

West Adelaide booked a berth in the Statewide Super Women’s League Grand Final after overpowering Norwood by 24 points in the SANFLW Preliminary decider at Coopers Stadium.

After bowing out in the penultimate match last season, the Bloods ensured they would go one step further in 2021 after booting five goals in succession to lead by a game-high 26 points at the final change.

Despite losing captain Bec Owen to a broken fibula early in the second term, Mark Moody’s charges were irresistible with their attack on the ball and use of the football en route to upsetting the Redlegs.

Norwood’s Rosette Zerella turned sharply and kicked truly on the run for the first goal of the game in the second minute but from there, the visitors piled on the scoreboard pressure through Crows-listed Chelsea Biddell and First Semi-Final hero Mel Elsegood, who each kicked two goals.

West’s Ashlea James kept the momentum rolling for her team with a soccer off the ground early in the third term and by the time Louella McCarthy, featured in the clip below, produced a magical finish on the run, it was well and truly party time for the Bloods.

Hard-running Zoe Venning racked up 23 disposals and four clearances for West, while Richmond AFLW recruit Sarah Dargan had 20 possessions and four clearances.

Norwood was led by Tesharna Maher with 17 disposals and seven tackles while Jessica Macolino also battled hard to register seven tackles with her 14 possessions.

West will now tackle Glenelg in the 2021 Statewide Super Women’s League Grand Final, with both teams playing in their first SANFLW title-decider at Thebarton Oval next Saturday from 12.10pm.