Rnd 2 - West v Central @ Richmond (Fri N 8/4)

[Brodlach]

That can't be right. We have just been told how badly the Dogs start the season. I'm confused.

there talking first round games, this is the second round now!

I did say THEIR first round game

[Bum Crack]

Centrals by 10 goals

[The Sleeping Giant]

That can't be right. We have just been told how badly the Dogs start the season. I'm confused.

there talking first round games, this is the second round now!

My mistake. I haven't really been paying close enough attention the last 11 years.

[sjt]

Regardless of the result of this game, there is no reason why West won't improve as much as Central as the year goes on.

There are many reasons why you wouldn't expect West to improve as much as Centrals after this game. The fact they've already had a hit out, big game under lights at home, Centrals just suddenly losing a key forward in the last few days. Not to mention the dogs have a tendency to roll into a season somewhat slowly, just not so slow they lose touch with the top sides.

Will be very interesting to see the adjustment with all these changes in key posts. Best full back from last year gone, one of the premier ruckmen gone, one of the best key forwards of the last 10 years gone and his replacement suddenly gone too. The midfield should be at least as strong when the ball hits the ground, and the backline I have faith in. There is now a chance of our rucks being dominated and the forward line will be interesting. I'm not sure what Daniel Havelberg's fitness is like but if he's back to a good level he could well be the most valuable player in the comp now.

Will be very interesting to see what Fisher does in his second game.

Agreed, no Schell, Obst, Lawry, Callinan, Buckets - have to wait until I see the teams, but I'd be ecstatic if we can win this one. It will also depend on Gunston, Symes, Hartlett etc their availability or AFL duties.

[whufc]

Ill have a crack at how i think the Dogs will line up

F: Gunston - Havelberg - Dutschke
HF: C.Gowans - M.Westoff - Habel
C: Jenner - Williams - Goodrem
HB: Spurr - Hardy - Sansbury
B: Hayes - Sibenaler - Reichart
R: Sutherland - Slattery - Thomas

INT: Milne - Nash - Schiller

[HOORAY PUNT]

Who will take Tippett ? Chance to play as he hasn't played for the Crows for 5 weeks.

[whufc]

Who will take Tippett ? Chance to play as he hasn't played for the Crows for 5 weeks.

I would say our number 1 defender Sibenaler would get first crack at him, though Hardy would probably be the perfect size and shape.

If Tippett plays how does this affect West, will they then be slightly too top heavy as im sure none of Fisher, Hartlett, Sylvester, Ferguson, Moran, Pettigrew or Willits will be dropped, especially for a Friday night game where there could be a bit of dew around.

[redandblack]

I doubt it, HP. I think Adelaide will rush him straight back in.

West will probably also lose Hamish Hartlett and Michael Pettigrew is a chance as well.

[Big Phil]

Who will take Tippett ? Chance to play as he hasn't played for the Crows for 5 weeks.

I thought they said on the radio news last night that he was still in doubt to play at all this weeken, but yeah, you would think if he is passed fit to play then there would be a very strong consideration to give him a run in the SANFL first.

Would be a huge bonus for the Bloods and would really stretch the defence of the Dogs with A.Hartlett, Pettigrew and Brad Fisher up in attack for the Bloods. West could lose a couple to AFL selection also.

[whufc]

I doubt it, HP. I think Adelaide will rush him straight back in.

West will probably also lose Hamish Hartlett and Michael Pettigrew is a chance as well.

That will be a benefit to West, dont rate the bloke at all.

[Brodlach]

I doubt it, HP. I think Adelaide will rush him straight back in.

West will probably also lose Hamish Hartlett and Michael Pettigrew is a chance as well.

I dont think Pettigrew would get a call up, had no impact after quarter time and would barely have touched the ball.

[redandblack]

Had 3 kicks in the first half for 3 goals.

I agree, though, he'll probably stay with us.

[CedeNullis]

Central's fans' efforts to paint their team as the underdog are admirable given their record over the last ten years.

We feel it from within, it's almost spiritual.

Think Sleeping Giant has spent another summer punishing his CDFC voodoo doll.

[The Sleeping Giant]

Don't have room for Central's voodoo dolls. I have 21 Glenelg dolls that I start choking around September.

[Grahaml]

When I said we start slowly, I meant over the first month or so, and more specifically that while we won we didn't play anywhere near the level we would 4 months later. Most teams improve over the year, the dogs have shown over the last decade time and time again that they improve the most.

FWIW I'd be disappointed dropping a game to West. Even early on with West having a few things looking in their favour, I still think they're a side that will battle to make the finals while the dogs should be battling to finish top. But if West were to going to knock us off at all this year, this is their best opportunity. And I think you'll find that's what most of us are trying to say. Not that West are going to belt us (just the usuals who like to lower expectations when possible) or that we'll lose. And the discussion of which West players might play AFL illustrated a key point. Take the AFL listed players who might play AFL out of the West line up, do the same for the dogs and see what you have left. West, IMHO, just lack a few more top level SANFL footballers.

[doggies4eva]

I agree with GL above. While we start slowly we still usually win 4 or 5 of the first 6 games. I would be disappointed if we lose against West but don't think a win is a forgone conclusion. I thought West played well at times against North and we will have to be on our game to limit their scoring opportunities. Our attack is a little unknown at the moment and it will be intesrting to see how we cover the big names that scored our goals for us last year.

[CoverKing]

If Tippett plays, Willits would have to be dropped surely?

[the joker]

if Tippett does play, does that put the match in Westies favour.

[mr o]

the bloods by six points, tippert in the goal square, fisher at half forward, wilits in the ruck, problem solved.

[bloods08]

There is more chance of Roger Luders playing then there is of Tippett playing for us.