Rnd 22 - Central v Sturt Preview @ Elizabeth (N) Sat 29/8

[Big Phil]

So this will be a big test as tohow the Double Blues bounce back from their dissapointing loss to the Bays, while the Dogs cruised to a comfy 12 goal win over a hapless South outfit.

Whilst it will be the best day of my life so far and I'm excited about it, I can't believe I'm going to miss this game because I am getting married up in Clare. At least I will get score updates throughout the night and a copy of the game afterwards.

At this early stage, I think the Dogs may just get up in a real close one, Central by 10 points.

[bayman]

well some people think that sturt have the game that matches up against central, saturday night will prove it either way, however at home i'd think central would win, but didn't sturt beat them there last year ?i'll tip central by 2-3 goals


good luck big phil (you've still got time to 'escape' )

[Voice]

well some people think that sturt have the game that matches up against central, saturday night will prove it either way, however at home i'd think central would win, but didn't sturt beat them there last year ?i'll tip central by 2-3 goals


good luck big phil (you've still got time to 'escape' )

Played them twice at Unley last year, both of which we won. Played them once at Eliz and lost, Round 23.
The big ground should help us a little this year as we are quicker then previous years and seem to get blocked up on the smaller ovals by good zoning teams.
Centrals at Eliz is never easy and i'm not holding much hope of coming back with a win though.
Dogs by 16 pts at this stage for me. Hope my confidence grows through the week.
Have fun on your day Phil. Try and enjoy it. It goes very quickly

[godoubleblues]

well some people think that sturt have the game that matches up against central, saturday night will prove it either way, however at home i'd think central would win, but didn't sturt beat them there last year ?i'll tip central by 2-3 goals


good luck big phil (you've still got time to 'escape' )

Played them twice at Unley last year, both of which we won. Played them once at Eliz and lost, Round 23.
The big ground should help us a little this year as we are quicker then previous years and seem to get blocked up on the smaller ovals by good zoning teams.
Centrals at Eliz is never easy and i'm not holding much hope of coming back with a win though.
Dogs by 16 pts at this stage for me. Hope my confidence grows through the week though.

also a night game last year

[CUTTERMAN]

well some people think that sturt have the game that matches up against central, saturday night will prove it either way, however at home i'd think central would win, but didn't sturt beat them there last year ?i'll tip central by 2-3 goals


good luck big phil (you've still got time to 'escape' )

No Bayman, we lost and it cost us any chance of the minor premiership. it will be a huge effort to win out at Elizabeth and on Sundays' effort I can't see it happening, but we've proven that we can easily account for Centrals in the past, which Sturt will turn up?

[bayman]

well some people think that sturt have the game that matches up against central, saturday night will prove it either way, however at home i'd think central would win, but didn't sturt beat them there last year ?i'll tip central by 2-3 goals


good luck big phil (you've still got time to 'escape' )

No Bayman, we lost and it cost us any chance of the minor premiership. it will be a huge effort to win out at Elizabeth and on Sundays' effort I can't see it happening, but we've proven that we can easily account for Centrals in the past, which Sturt will turn up?

sorry my mistake

[CENTURION]

Congratulations Phil! We will win, as The Gang & I are in the coprorate box this Saturday night, unfortunately no stripper this year

[Big Phil]

Congratulations Phil! We will win, as The Gang & I are in the coprorate box this Saturday night, unfortunately no stripper this year

Cheers mate, hope you have a great night (as will I of course) and make sure you cheer home a Doggies win

[Big Phil]

Here is an article on the possibility of Justin Westhoff playing again for the Dogs this week, then 1 more game will have him qualified for finals, which would be a real bonus for the reigning premiers.


http://leader-messenger.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/westhoff-in-finals-mix/

Westhoff in finals mix


WILD CARD: Justin Westhoff tackles
South's Michael Handby on Saturday



PORT Adelaide Power forward Justin Westhoff is a slim chance of qualifying for SANFL finals and boosting Central District’s push for a premiership.

Westhoff, who played in the Dogs’ 79-point win over South Adelaide on Saturday after being dropped by the Power, needs to play the final two minor round games to qualify for the postseason.

Central CEO Kris Grant said the club had been given no indication of the Power’s plans for the key forward, who tallied 18 kicks, 11 marks and four goals in a dominant display against the Panthers.

``That’s out of our hands so we’re not too worried about it,’’ Grant said of Westhoff’s potential availability.

Central remains in the hunt for the minor premiership following the 23.11 (149) to 11.4 (70) victory.

Without the game reaching any great heights, there were a lot of good signs in the Bulldogs’ work-rate and cohesion, as they work towards an assault on this year’s finals.

``It was a difficult game (against South) to assess, as everyone played off each other and the game wasn’t physical,’’ coach Roy Laird said.

``Our running was good, but we missed opportunities going forward. Kicking a high score was a positive. There were some promising signs. James Gowans was sharp, Thommo (Paul Thomas) was good, (Ian) Callinan again played well, and Westy (Westhoff) was great. It was good to see him back, and he performed well.’’

This Saturday night’s game against Sturt will be the big test though, as the business end of the season approaches.

The last time the sides met the Dogs recorded their worst loss of the season, going down by 85 points at Unley.

``Our performance earlier in the year (against Sturt) was disappointing,’’ Laird said.

``The top three is settled, and if top spot is available we want it. But Sturt this Saturday will be difficult.’’

Brayden O’Hara was rested with a sore hip but is expected to return this week.

[dedja]

Westhoff + bonus = oxymoron???

[Big Phil]

Westhoff + bonus = oxymoron???

Who's a moron

[dedja]

Westhoff + bonus = oxymoron???

Who's a moron

Usually me ... but in this case, an oxymoron (plural oxymora (greek plural) or, more often, oxymorons) is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms.

Anyway, just putting it out there if an out of form Westhoff (whatever variety) is a bonus. Not saying I agree or disagree.

[Big Phil]

Westhoff + bonus = oxymoron???

Who's a moron

Usually me ... but in this case, an oxymoron (plural oxymora (greek plural) or, more often, oxymorons) is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms.

Anyway, just putting it out there if an out of form Westhoff (whatever variety) is a bonus. Not saying I agree or disagree.

Yeah, I guess to an extent, I agree with you there Dedja, and as you would probably know with the balancing act the Bays have with a few AFL qualified players, it also means that possibly a bloke who has busted his ar$e all year is likely to miss out and make way for the AFL lad.

Whilst Justin wasn't in great form for the Power and he certainly didn't set the world on fire for the Dogs on Saturday, he was servicable, kicking 4 goals and presenting well up the ground. Personally, I would like him in the Doggies line up come finals but in all honesty, I don't reckon he will end up qwualifying and may even be taken up by the Power this week.

[am Bays]

Go Sturt, do us Bays fans a big favour this weekend and get your boys home to help us sew up the minor premiership!!!

[doggies4eva]

I see Westoff as a bonus. With Havelberg out the area where we are lacking is key forwards. 4 goals and 20 disposals plus the odd tackle ot two is a reasonable contribution. What more do you want from CHF? But I think that he will be back in the Power before seasons end and not qualify so I don't think it is an issue for our premiership aspirations.

[Mickyj]

I'm going to repeat myself here from the Eagles topic "U DOGS"
Dogs to be to good on a big oval .

[therisingblues]

Whilst it will be the best day of my life so far and I'm excited about it, I can't believe I'm going to miss this game because I am getting married up in Clare. At least I will get score updates throughout the night and a copy of the game afterwards.

Congratulations Big Phil!
Might I suggest that the surreptitious single ear phone with a mini antennae will be hard to notice during the service, if things run overtime and you're still at the altar making your vows. (priests often ramble on a bit when they have a crowd.)

[therisingblues]

My tip for this one.
Sturt to bounce back and notch up their first ever win under lights at Elizabeth by 5 goals.

[doggies4eva]

My tip for this one.
Sturt to bounce back and notch up their first ever win under lights at Elizabeth by 5 goals.

I think our record is something like 48 wins from the last 51 games at Elizabeth so if you are right it will be good going by $turt.

[dedja]

While a Sturt win would be nice, I can't see it happening.

Have the Dogs ever lost a night game at the Ponderosa? Can't remember when if it has happened.

Anyway, Sturt will want to bounce back but the Dogs to be too strong (unfortunately ).

Plenty of biffo and a few reports and aches and pains would be just the ticket though.