Needing a win to ensure they would appear in the major round, the Redlegs bolted out of the blocks with an eye-catching eight goal first term. After a rather disappointing loss at the hands of Centrals a fortnight ago, the Redlegs looked determined to bounce back as they moved the ball with precision and executed their chances.

Promising duo Cole Gerloff and Dylan Stephens started the charge with five goals between them, while Anthony Wilson and Mitch Grigg found plenty of space to capitalise on their opportunities. The Legs looked somewhat irresistible in the opening 20 minutes as they looked to take some meaningful form into next weeks elimination final.

After quarter time the Redlegs managed 2.7 as Gavin Colville’s West Adelaide outfit restricted Norwood’s swift ball movement and ability to generate inside 50 entries.

In what turned out to be a rather scrappy affair, West Adelaide managed to kick the only two goals of the second quarter to cut the margin to 20-points heading into the main break.

Jarrod Cotton’s men came out of the blocks early in the third term, as Peter Bampton executed truly to bring the Norwood fans to life. Norwood had chances to put the game beyond doubt yet struggled to execute their set shots. West Adelaide continued to fight, however, proved to be inaccurate in front of goal missing five chances in a row to get back into the contest.

Despite Norwood absorbing plenty of pressure, third gamer Cam Ball marked strongly for Norwood from 45 metres out to kick his first league goal towards the end of the final term.

Lewis Johnston again found plenty of the ball collecting 29 disposals and 12 marks, while Dylan Stephens was again impressive finishing with 22 disposals and two goals.

The Legs will now face the Double Blues in a cutthroat Elimination Final on Saturday at Adelaide Oval from 3:20pm.

Norwood 8.1 | 8.3 | 9.6 | 10.8 (68)

Goals: C. Gerloff 3, D. Stephens 2, C. Ball, M. Grigg, P. Bampton, D. Hamilton, A. Wilson

Best: D. Stephens, C. Shenton, C. Ball, M. Panos, L. Johnston.

West Adelaide 2.2 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 6.14 (50)

SANFL Statewide Super League Round 18 Norwood v West Adelaide Highlights