Grand Final - CDFC v WWTFC.

[Dogwatcher]

Okay - enough of the bulcrap about the Eagles poor record against the Dogs, tell us why Centrals or the Eagles will win the GF?

Personally, I don't think it's an open and shut case of the Dogs arriving to take the cup. It's a GF and they're funny days.

But for the Eagles to win - I think they need some players to get hard ball gets other than Colville and Cicollela. It seems the Eagles rely on these guys to be the talisman of the side and to do all the grunt work, all the time (that would be like Centrals relying on the Gowans boys to do that by themselves, which would have been okay three seasons ago, but they need more support now). I haven't seen too many others that thrive under that pressure. Although I did think Peter Fiachi's match in the prelim showed an essence of that.

The Eagles also need Passador firing, or to find another forward target. Inkster's great - but ain't going to win a GF off his own boot. And Passador has been well blanketed by our defenders over the past few seasons in finals.

I also noticed some haphazard use of the ball - particularly leaving the defensive area. There was a lack of cohesiveness and a good side will capitalise on that. North didn't on the weekend (Ladham's miss was one example). Sometimes the Eagles lack a little confidence in their delivery, from what I noticed in their two finals. Can they match the precision of a McCabe, Switala and Wilson?

Why was Lindsay off for much of the final quarter on Sunday? And how bad is Colville's injury - everyone but Eagles officials are saying it was more than a stinger.

Can the Eagles match Centrals' tackling and sweeping play from half back?

Have they got the ability to keep both Cowans and Schell quiet?

Lots of big asks, but they weren't minor premiers for nothing.

I was glad the conditions were hot on Sunday, and that the Eagles had to fight to hold on to their lead. That would have sapped them - particularly with injury concerns.

I think if the Dogs play the concerted ball tightening play of their two finals, and break the game open for enough time to make a break, before closing it up again, they should win.

If the Eagles get over us - it will be a tremendous effort to be proud of - even forgetting past history. They were belted by us and had to fight hard in the end against North. We're well rested and there'll be no underestimating of the opposition that the most pessimistic Eagles supporters are hoping for.

Over to you guys...

[sydney-dog]

Dogwatcher

mate i get nervous when supporters talk about open and shut case

i implore all CDFC supporters and members to show the WWTFC the respects they deserve as our GF opponents

[Dogwatcher]

Totally agree SD.

I'm going to be there with my family as usual. There'll be heaps of EFC boys there to cheer on. And I'm bringing some ring-ins, who because they're with me, will most likely be cheering for Centrals. If not they can piss off.

[Dutchy]

WWTFC to turn it around and win, easily....the 2nd semi final loss was the best thing that could have happened to them - they are the hunters now not the hunted...

[Dogwatcher]

Why though Dutchy?
And what makes this year any different to the other years...

[Dutchy]

As I said if Eagles had won the semi they would have thought they were home even if they faced the Dogs again...now they have had to do it the hard way and can sneak up on the dogs.

I also believe the Eagles have the better side and more depth, while Centrals arent as strong as previous years - just looking at things objectively, could the dogs be over confident also?

Only thing that concerns me is Schells last game for the club so they may lift for him

[sydney-dog]

Dutchy

mate it is a GF, you don't need an extra incentive to lift

[BPBRB]

May the best side win but on what I have seen so far this finals series Centrals should win easily. But I certainly hope that whatever happens someone nails that gutless prick Skipworth.

[bulldogproud]

Dutchy.
Do not worry, Central will definitely not be overconfident. Having been beaten by the Eagles in both minor round games, and the experience of 2002 will more than make sure of that. Not sure where you get your info re Schell's last game from. Scoullar is playing his final game, but as far as I know, Schelly is raring to go on next year.
A few Eagles are hanging up their boots after this game btw.
Who will win and why? Ask me about 6:00pm on Sunday *grins*

[Jimmy]

The eags certainly played some great footy this year and for a change, pure and simple, id like to see them get it but then again i hate them but i also hate the dogs...but someone has to win and i think the dogs will do it again altho i just hope its a great contest and rightfully should be.

If the eags can continue with their regular season form they have a huge chance, but the dogs always turn it on come this time of year.

The eags have to do what WC did in the AFL, hit hard early. Get goals on the board and make the dogs comeback. If the dogs get Schell going early, watch out e girls!!

Dogs by 27 points.

[TroyGFC]

I am starting to think The Peckers will turn it around this year and finally win. Otherwise for the next few decades it will be only the dogs having reunions every year.

[mighty_tiger_79]

im more convinced then ever that the DOGGIES will add to the silverware collection at holdens!!

There were a couple of us that thought if the dogs could beat north in the first final that they would beat the eagles and be in the grand final and this has proved the case.

the EAGLES on sunday in the last 1/4 tried to save the game rather then kill north of. that is a worrying sign for the EAGLES, they lack a 'KILLER' instinct. sure they should have had the game won at 1/4 time but bad kicking is bad footy and in the end were lucky to hold on.

centrals well they had there regular season where they give false hope to everyone that they are finished but then they just kick into gear and get into the finals for the double chance and then well finals + dogs = MACHINE. they are the hardest team i have seen in a long time, they just continually go in and hard with bone crunching tackles!

I think CENTRALS will have too much firepower up front.

[Dutchy]

Not sure where you get your info re Schell's last game from. Scoullar is playing his final game, but as far as I know, Schelly is raring to go on next year.

time will tell - all I will say is a tough decision will have to be made...

[dash61]

May the best side win but on what I have seen so far this finals series Centrals should win easily. But I certainly hope that whatever happens someone nails that gutless prick Skipworth.

Interesting comment, he was the hardest player with colville on the oval on sunday, what he done was wrong but to call him gutless is the wrong tag. Watch the replay and look at the work he did, the hard tackling all day and one player on the park this week that could hurt centrals.

[dash61]

im more convinced then ever that the DOGGIES will add to the silverware collection at holdens!!

There were a couple of us that thought if the dogs could beat north in the first final that they would beat the eagles and be in the grand final and this has proved the case.

the EAGLES on sunday in the last 1/4 tried to save the game rather then kill north of. that is a worrying sign for the EAGLES, they lack a 'KILLER' instinct. sure they should have had the game won at 1/4 time but bad kicking is bad footy and in the end were lucky to hold on.

centrals well they had there regular season where they give false hope to everyone that they are finished but then they just kick into gear and get into the finals for the double chance and then well finals + dogs = MACHINE. they are the hardest team i have seen in a long time, they just continually go in and hard with bone crunching tackles!

Good Observation
Your comments re the last quarter are spot on, why when in control of a game do that, does this mob not no how or want to win.

That said, i think i will go to Thorntons and back the Eagles, with Jarrad and Knights coming in and a bit better form shown by Dabrowski, well maybe??? Will Colville play as this boy/man is all class and he has got a heart. The kid at CHB Someone 4 Hier really impressed meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I think CENTRALS will have too much firepower up front.

[once_were_warriors]

Ok Im backing my boys

However the following needs to occur

The forward line needs to lift there defensive game.
From all the Eags v Dogs games weve won,the pressue from the forward line on the dogs defence has been intense , this is the key IMHO.


Both Midfields get equal ball , central deliver it better to their forwards and tend to go to Schell in open space , need to block that space up and then crumb like crazy

Rest our 2nd ruckman in the Forward pocket , then when we are in trouble and have to bomb at least there is some tall timber to contest.

Kneecap the Gowan Boys - only joking but somehow keeping them quite seems to limit the dogs at times.

Eags by 19 points

Can't wait. this is what the whole season is about

[Sam_goUUUdogs]

Heart says Centrals, Head say Centrals, but somthing is saying Eagles, i think thats just the standard nerves of a GF, every year i say we will win, when i really think we wont, just very nervous as i always am in grand final week though.
Eagles are due to beat us, but we are playing better footy at the moment, none of that matters though, scores start level and both teams have 18 blokes on the field.


Heart - Centrals by 84
Head - Centrals by 32
Average and final tip - Centrals by 58
Simple enough?

[sydney-dog]

Knights has been ruked out by the crows

[once_were_warriors]

Knights out probably the best decision , hard playing a GF without playing for 4-5weeks

However all praise to Knighta , he is a great lad and is at most eagle games when not with the crows wearing the Eags blazer and tie.


One of those few AFL players not from an SANFL club originally that really gives a shit about his local side.

[sydney-dog]

once_were_warriors

good post, I met Chris in Adelaide at a club function and my immediate impression was this kid has a level head on his shoulders, hopefully a big pre-season and some luck and he will start to make an impact at AFL level