SUMMARY
It’s been a long few months but SANFL footy finally returns this Thursday night at Coopers Stadium. The 2016 premiership season kicks off with a clash between the leagues biggest rivals, and both clubs are fit and ready to start the season on a good note.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Parade, Thursday 24 March. First Bounce: 7:40pm. Reserves 4:30pm.
TICKETS: Tickets available at gate: Adult $14, Concession $8, Children U18 Free.
Port Adelaide's membership department will provide paper tickets to Magpies members who yet to receive their 2016 membership card outside the main ticket office (southern end, outside The Parade gates).
TV AND RADIO: Live streamed on SANFL Radio
LAST FIVE TIMES:
2015, Round 13: Norwood 6.10 (46) def Port Adelaide 6.9 (45) at Coopers Stadium
2015, Round 4: Norwood 7.14 (56) def Port Adelaide 5.5 (35) at Adelaide Oval
2014, Grand Final: Norwood 12.10 (82) def Port Adelaide 11.12 (78) at Adelaide Oval
2014, Semi-Final: Norwood 13.14 (92) def Port Adelaide 12.7 (79) at Adelaide Oval
2014, Round 17: Port Adelaide 9.6 (60) def Norwood 6.15 (51) at Alberton Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. It’s been a while since Chad Cornes has set foot on Coopers Stadium, but he makes his long awaited return with his official coaching debut for the Magpies this week.
2. Both the Magpies and Port’s AFL side made it through the pre-season games with few injuries, giving the coaches plenty of depth in selection and leaving a lot of talent available to play SANFL. None of the club's contracted League players have injuries at the moment.
3. Norwood have also faired well on the injury front, notching up some big wins despite resting a few of their better players.
4. We could see a couple of young Magpies make their league debuts after pulling on the Port guernsey over the pre-season competition, with listed players Keiran Agius and Thomas Corcoran expected to feature for Port this year.
5. Norwood have had the wood on Port Adelaide in recent times, winning four out of the last five games played including the four-point win in the 2014 Grand Final.
6. These two sides have met 404 times, with the wins pretty even over the last 137 years. Magpies have won 195 times, Norwood 192, and 17 draws have been played out.
FINAL WORD
Expect a strong Magpies side after they made it through the pre-season games unscathed, while plenty of eyes will be on Chad Cornes coaching his first game for premiership points.
In the AFL, Port Adelaide hosts St Kilda in AFL Opening Round on Easter Sunday, March 27 at 2:50pm (ACDT).
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