SANFL’s day of favourites and fairy tales
Josh Francou with his battle-hardened Roosters. Photo by Michael Errey
Norwood start hot favourites to win this year’s SANFL Grand Final on Sunday.
The Redlegs have done everything right this year, finishing top and then cruising through the finals series.
North Adelaide, however, have come from fifth and survived three successive elimination contests to set up the chance of a fairy tale end to AAMI Stadium’s forty year Grand Final history.
Norwood forward Mark Evans has been recalled for Sunday’s Final.
The Redlegs’ leading goalkicker this year, Evans missed the Second Semi-Final as a precautionary measure after injuring his ankle against the Roosters in Round 23.
But the strong-marking goalsneak has since proven his fitness to be named in the forward pocket by Norwood coach Nathan Bassett.
“He’s trained well since the injury,” Norwood football manager Mark Ross said of Evans.
“He probably could have played in the last game but Bass just took the extra precaution. He is a renowned goalkicker, he is obviously leading our goalkicking and he is a good young lad who deserves an opportunity.”
Under-18 player Orazio Fantasia is the other inclusion in Norwood’s 23-man squad after also overcoming an ankle ailment.
Veteran Brett Zorzi came through Norwood’s main training session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday night and will certainly start in what could be his last SANFL match.
North Adelaide midfielder Max Thring must prove himself at training on Friday and Saturday if he’s to play on Sunday.
After injuring his left hamstring in the Roosters’ Preliminary Final win against West on Sunday, Thring underwent an MRI scan on Monday which revealed minor damage.
But such is his importance to North’s midfield unit – he polled the most votes for his club at this year’s Magarey Medal – Thring will be given every opportunity to play.
Midfield duo Patrick Boles and Ben Williams have been included in North’s 23-man squad as cover, should Thring not recover for the title-decider at 3.20pm.
Former Crows-listed ruckman James Craig will play his 50th league match if he survives the final cut after being named on the extended interchange bench.
