Adelaide Plains Football League

[Agreeed 2 terms]

not sure bout yourself but i can really feel something special coming che cockatoo collins in the next few weeks. i feel he is the key for united, feely for mallala and that jerico from hummocks these are the game breakers

[The Rooster]

i think you overestimate his contribution.

Willy is definatley their game breaker and his form has been superb, Che is a gun we all know whats he's done and where he's been but is he really there for premiership success the same way that a Shultz or Pym are. He will probably like to win, but does he really want it the way that Swampie or Josh Hollit do, the point i'm trying to make is is he going to really turn it on, Wanga's is a step up from Che, but Gav played and slotted 8 or something and left everyone in the plains thinking "WOW, a real talent". Che has had a good season but is it all you would have expected from an ex AFL player and does he have any more to give?

[Swamp Donkey]

Id have to agree Rooster, but i hope he doesnt read this and lift it up a notch for our sake. Che played a super match when gavin played, he was superb that day Having said that he was quiet sat when there was a grand final appearance at stake Willy is definately going to be the defining factor for united this year. They have a lot of hard workers, but still lack that real zap and flair that say a ryan reid, a jericho or j hollitt seem to be able to produce. Pace is just so important and a real weapon, believe me if The plains producer put that question to me as part of thier weekly player profile my answer would be extra pace (hard being a slug and getting caught 3 times holding the pill saturday rubs salt into those wounds). These potential gamebreakers all possess genuine pace and its great to watch. Lurch played really well sat and played with the type of will that rooster is talking about.
Lets right the tigers off, on thier day 21 hard workers will win most finals matches they play in. If they re there on the 15th they will be tough to beat, make no mistake.
Wouldnt it be great for TW and the league to pack out the ground on Saturday, big crowds at these smaller grounds for finals make for a great atmosphere.

[torp]

eagles have the best engine room(tough&skillful), that's where games are won, these guys have been there before as a team!(hard to bet finals experience) finals footy is all about heart and club passion. GO THE EAGLES

[wedge tail]

The best thing about the blow out on sundee was the player management. We were able to keep blokes as fresh as possible. Reedy a bit sore but it all went back in nicely and will keep a lot to keep him out of the game and then knock him out during it. Barnesy had a hammy spasm but more from fatigue than anything else. He was unreal on sunday. Hard as nails and just so clean.
Moz and Youngy back up for selection this week so the biggest problem his what team to field. Young Rowey has been good all year, Mushy Oswald is growing in stature each week and Nappa performs at every opportunity. Its just disappointing the 2's couldnt get up to give some of these blokes that will miss out somewhere to play.
The mid field will fire and they have been unchanged in the last 4 grand final games so reckon the experience will be handy.
Fingers crossed the boys get over the line and willie gets some decisions go against him as karma for the ones his old man has made all year. Particularly towards me. I know, sore loser and a cheap shot, but take them when you can

[torp]

2nd semi on fathers day! so football is more important that fathers day? or the peckers holding another GF

[The Rooster]

hey wedgie, what is going on with Evo Arnold?

He was spotted looking at campervans in gawler a while back, has he caught the breeze and is travelling or just working? Not that you blokes need him at present but has the all conquering goal machine hung up the boots, c'mon son, spill the beans.

[The Rooster]

And a better question is what will happen at long plains when the go out in straight sets as it looks like, last week was their chance and they blew it. and bowing out of the finals cheaply after finishing the minor round on top would be a little embarrassing. I'ts would be fair to say that Mick Mcardle will look for someone to throttle.

Then that will be two years in a row where they have played finals and gone out without firing a shot.

[Drop Bear]

Fair go Rooster. As we all know, United, Mallala and Hummocks all tied on points and were only seperated by percentage. It's been an even comp all year, and unfortunately one team will have to bow out for the GF.

The Tiges and Mallala played a great contest on Saturday and will certainly take it up to Hummocks this week. I reckon the Eagles will start favourites being defending champs, but they'll have to be at their best to win. I think Hummocks will take the cake , but if Calyun and Warnes shake off their injuries it'll be a close one.

[Swamp Donkey]

Maybe droppie, but broady copped a nasty knock late in the game, che has a suspect hammy, m east has a broken finger and didnt go near it and Paul vandenberg badly twisted his ankle, im sure chris calyn and warnsey will play but not sure united will get within 5 goals of the eagles this week.
Someone will cop it out at united if they do loose, and if its broady its rubbish. i think hes done a good job this year, as good as a playing coach can. Personally i wouldnt go down that path but hey if a young strong willed bloke like broady believed he could do it and they give him the job than the club must back himin for a few years. Even sat you could clearly hear on the ground, thier supporters ripping shreds off their own players. Lets hope they stay out of the loop for cricket season

[Drop Bear]

Yeah it's never good to hear your own supporters tearing into thier own players. Not good enough as far as I'm concerned. I reckon Broady has done a great job this year and it would be disappointing if he's not backed up. Can't doubt his entusiasm when it comes to the club and he supports all the functions.

You never know Swampy, you might have a few more boys supporting you out on the cricket field this year! Just make sure you make a few runs!!

[wedge tail]

Settle down boys United have not been knocked out yet and the eages are expecting a tough match.
Kevin Arnold has done his knee. Did it earlier in the year when lost to Mallala. Was mis diagnosed and came back to play albeit struggling. Went back to get it looked at and was told "sorry mate, you are done". So thats his career at this stage. Has just found out he is going to be a dad so i think he will concentrate on that next year. We talk about Gav coming up to the league but it is a credit to the league and Hummocks that they can attract the likes of Ev. Kicked over 500 goals in div 1 amateurs and was captain of the all conquering Blacks the year before he left to come up. It wasnt for money either but for family ties. Another Wilson connection. Leading goal kicker in the APFL 2 years in a row and back to back premiership player. He will be missed this week and if they make it especially in the GF. Its hard to replace his 4-5 goals a game fully fit.

[The Rooster]

Don't Get me wrong boys, im not writing off the tiges but it surely will be a tough ask and i'm almost certain Broady won't cop it, you can't keep turning over coaches hoping one will jag it, it not as simple as that. From what a few of the tiges told me Broady has employed a few late night sessions and a bit of runnig late in the season which i reckon ws not expected by the main group, but it certainly is the road they would need to keep going.

Sad news about Arnold, yeah he kicks bags and has done for the last ten or so years, but he was always as good on the lip, rest assured you could always hear Evo getting in your ear if something didn't go your way, it was always done in good spirits and despite what was said he was the thorn in many a side over his career.

MY Tips;

Ryan Reid - Mail Medal
Hummocks - To beat Longies this week. (i Guess i am writing them off)
and the pies to break through on the big day, well!! what a scandal.

[Start]

Well Rooster I got it all wrong with the Magpies going out in straight sets So I will pick the eagles this week to do the Tiges by 5 goals, If they had Trussel playing I would make 8 goal, but he's not

Regarding Longies turning over coaches, Key people within the club need to believe and trust in the coach they appoint and let him do the job they employed him to do. It can be hard enough coaching a group of players let alone trying to coach the committee.

[wedge tail]

I guess we have been blessed at the eagles when you hear about all the goings on behind the scenes at other clubs. It has probably been the reason why the club has been successful over the past decade. Harry was able to break the drought in 01 and 03 but ruffled a few feathers in doing so. But the club was aware they needed a hard task master to pull some young upstarts into line. He also didnt stand to be dictated by older stale players which seem to have the control at other clubs. I was one of those blokes that didnt flourish under harry but respect what he has done for the club and know to give credit where it is due.
Jaz has been a blessing in disguise and is a natural born leader the commands everybody jump on his wave or miss out. But ultimately the board stay out of it and let the football be left to the coach and the players.
Mallala wasted years when they had that wierdo from Norwood coach but seem back on track. Virginia seema lost cause and Hermmy burnt Hamley pretty bad. Longgies seem impatient and as a result blokes like Opitz, Kenty start to build a team and then get chopped down which ultimately wastes a year. If United dont win this year it would be a disgrace to react and look for a new coach. They are onto something good and the gap they and the Maggies have closed on the Eages can not be underestimated. Hummocks have got some awesome players that could play at higher levels realistically but dont for the love of club.
As for you start, eagles by 5 goals but if trussell was playing 8 goals. I take it you mean united by 8 goals!! I've missed you at Cena

[Swamp Donkey]

Wedgie, i dont think theyre not playing at a higher level because of their love for the club! Like you say there are some great players at the Eagles, but the way i see it is that these blokes are addicted to being the stars, whereas if they took a chance and tested themselves against the best, this would no longer be the case and as history has shown these type of blokes (which are plentiful at the Eags) loose interest and throw it in after just a pre season or a few matches. I really would have loved to see some of these blokes playing at a higher level, because im certain that if they committed to the cause 100%, there would be 4 or 5 players capable of playing league at some stage of their careers. Im not having a crack at these blokes, cos they've had an absolute ball playing back home im sure, but i think its a bit of a waste, cos i wonder how good some of these blokes really could have been.
J Cicca is the only one who had a fair dinkum crack and look at him. Im just hoping that the club doesnt hold these young blokes back, because someone like Jericho should be encouraged strongly to pursue playing at a higher level. To me the idea of promoting youth to play at a higher level (SANFL) doesnt seem the priority for the Eagles, unlike almost every other club in the league whom have reps playing under age or higher in the past few years.
PS i admire the success and club strength of the eagles, just raising a topic Wedgie

[Drop Bear]

The Eagles certainly have built themselves a nice little dynasty by playing for each other. It seems other teams just go for the quick fix. Look at Hamley Bridge!

If anyone's able to comment on players in the SANFL it would have to be Swampie. He had a fair dinkum crack and played a few good years. Can't blame you for coming back and playing under your dad as coach. Would be good fun I reckon

As for tomorrow. I reckon the Eagles will win by 6 goals (and go all the way). The Tiges are struggling with injuries and it'll be a very tough ask. Would be great to if they get up though!!

Luke Evans for Association B & F in an upset!
Mallala's red nut as runner up.

[Swamp Donkey]

Tips for Prelim:
Eagles by 41 points tho hope united go out with a real crack

Mail Medal:
1st: J. Montgomerie
2nd: R.Reid & J Hollitt

maybe slightly bias

Good luck to the B's. Gotta improve a lot on last week gents

[Swamp Donkey]

Boys, take a moment an reflect on the maiden fifty of one "D. Bear". Well played mate

[Drop Bear]

Cheers Swamp. And what a post it was!