ANZAC Clash: Central V North Match Review

[Dogwatcher]

Also good to catch up with Sam, Punky, Centurion, Royal City, Smac and of course JMO.

How many of North's goals came from frees? On the hill, admittedly with a few beers in us, it seemed that there were quite a few. Whether that was from a result of ordinary umpiring or ordinary discipline, I think it was a mix of both.
One thing I think Centrals players need to do though is pull their heads in and adapt to the umpires' ways - when the first player gives away a 25 for back chat, that should be the last of it. No more, because we should know they are going to pay them all day.

A good win to escape with in the end.

I thought the day revealed that North can play defensive footy when required and we can still scrap out a win when the going get's tough.

As for the disappointing crowd - I wonder if the old story about people attending the march and then the footy is a worn out cliche...is it as big an influence on getting people into the ground as we think? I'm not so sure - SANFL footy isn't the drawcard of the past (sadly). Someone posted previously the contests in amateur league matches also played that day and I think that is a part of the problem.

No offence to Mitchell Park and Paralowie, or Trinity and Westminster old scholars (among others) - but what the hell were they doing playing on that day? If Anzac Day matches are to be played - reserve them for grand final rematches.

I'm not even sure that the game at the Parade should've been played on that day either...surely that detracted from neutral observers attending the game, which is what Anzac Day clashes are built upon.

[Big Phil]

Hey All,

Sorry it's taken a couple of days to get my match review posted, I'm sure many of you have been waiting with baited breathe for it !!?

Unfortunately a family acquaintance passed away from cancer late on Anzac Day so it's been a bit slow going over the last few days...

Anyway, here is Big Phil's match reviews of the league and reserves clashes from Adelaide Oval on our special day of remembrance....


MIXED BAG FOR CENTRALS ON OUR NATIONS PROUDEST DAY

I arrived at the picturesque Adelaide Oval around midday saying hello to a few proud diggers all dressed up with their medallions on show as they headed off from the earlier Anzac Day march. I then made my way down Montefore Hill grabbing my Football Budget as I entered the ground with great anticipation of an exiting day ahead. The first thing I noticed when I got a glimpse of the oval was our reserves boys out on the field warming up and surprisingly the number 8 gurnsey of Luke McCabe was out there. This was despite him not being named at all in the teams shown in Saturday’s Advertiser. We all know that clubs often play ‘ducks and drapes’ when releasing teams to the media and shouldn’t expect to read the final team.

The one noticeable absentee from the reserves team was last game’s impressive League debutant, Matthew Westhoff. This had to mean one of two things then. One of the taller options selected to play for the League team may have withdrawn therefore causing a possible late change. Otherwise, as an earlier report had suggested, he may be suffering from stress fractures of the foot. As I later found out this was sadly true for Matthew, which will now put a slight halt on his exciting football progression. The younger Westhoff brother can now expect around 6 weeks on the sidelines but the good news for the Power listed player is that he will now be in a position to receive the best treatment available being on an AFL list. Of course, we all wish Matthew a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him in a Doggies jumper again.

RESERVES: “INNACCURATE ROOSTERS KEEP DOGGIES IN THE GAME”

The reserves game was about to get underway with a fairly strong breeze blowing across the ground, not really favouring either side. In true fashion, Luke McCabe won the first hard ball clearance, kicking it out of the middle and following it up to lay a wonderful tackle and winning the holding the ball decision. It was great to see the veteran back to his best so early on in his first game back from a hamstring problem. The next five minutes of play were a bit scrappy with both teams settling into the pace of the game. Brayden O’Hara was then able to win the next contested ball but, uncharacteristically a poor kick let him down causing a turn over and this saw the ball transferred into North’s attacking 50 almost instantly.

A soft holding the ball decision paid against Ben Woods saw North Adelaide open the scoring with the first goal of the day. Once again, Luke McCabe showed his superior class and poise to hit Sean Brading out in front on a strong lead. The promising Brading was then able to go back and slot the six pointer, the Doggies first of the game. Although at times our skills and decision making coming out of defence was poor, the Roosters were letting us off the hook with some very inaccurate goal kicking. Persistence paid of for North and they were able to get their second goal through a strong mark by big Phil Davis. The Dogs answered straight back with a goal of their own after a strong mark and 25m penalty to Louis Hadden. It was the pacy wingman who handed North their next scoring opportunity after there was a slight lull in play from the next 5 or 6 minutes of action.

Hadden was penalised for holding the ball but once again the Roosters were not able to make him pay with the resulting shot on goal missing. Inexcusably another Dog’s turn over from the resulting kick out, saw solidly built Indigenous player Wade Thompson miss an easy shot on goal. The number 54 was listed to make his League debut this afternoon, as his name was not listed for the reserves team shown in the Budget. The Dogs finally got it right with their kick outs and a long bomb from Stengle saw a clever set up in play by the talented Ashley Duncan. He was able to pounce on a loose ball that went over the back of the pack, taking possession of the ball and drawing his opponent. A quick release handball pinpointed young Daniel Boyle who was able to go on one of his customary long runs. The solidly built Power rookie started this run at the half back flank and was able to carry the footy the whole length of the centre square, taking 4 bounces along the way and finishing off the quarter with an inspirational long goal.

North Adelaide would have come out of the quarter time break ruing their inaccuracy at goal and disappointed to not be well in front on the scoreboard. The Dogs started the second quarter with a fairly impressive on ball brigade. Louis Hadden and Crows rookie James Moss were out on the wings and league experienced players Jonathon Giles, Luke McCabe, Lee Spurr and Kane Officer were in the middle. North had the first couple of inside 50’s for the quarter but our back line was holding strong through the likes of Dan Boyle, Alex Stengle and Ash Duncan. Despite Centrals controlling the next 5 minutes of possession, without scoring a goal mind you, the Roosters were able to run the ball the full length of the field with too much ease and kick their third goal of the game. The impressive and tall Phil Davis had all of his teams goals to date with 3 majors and made Damien Hicks think about his match up. As has been the case at stages through out the year, turnovers by the Dogs were too costly and the boys skill level was letting them down.

Roosters skipper Ryan McGahey was able to pounce on a missed kick out by Daniel Boyle and kick a goal for North Adelaide again highlighting the cost of poor disposal from the Dogs. Regular performers Brayden O’Hara, Todd Whiley and Sean Brading were a little quiet so it then took the experience of older players Kane Officer and Luke McCabe to keep Centrals in touch with North. It was the former Hawks defender who kicked a goal for the home side which then sparked a hard working shift in momentum for the Dogs. The next 5 minutes of play saw talented Ryan Porter take control of the game against his old club, taking a few strong marks and kicking a handy goal. James Gowan’s best mate Shane Shubert was sitting just off to my left with his family and he actually mentioned to me that he couldn’t believe Jarman told Porter he was not required in '08. We are more than happy to have him running around in a Doggies jumper. The demoted Lee Spurr than gave his team more momentum kicking another goal with the assistance of a 25m penalty. His major would be the last score of the quarter giving Centrals a small 4 point lead over an inaccurate North at half time.

Centrals were quickest out the blocks in the second half with young Gerard McGrath kicking a goal within the first two minutes of the third quarter. This was answered straight back by North with a fourth goal to Phil Davis who now had a new opponent in local lad Nick White, who has impressed from the start of year, continually performing well against much taller opponents. It was then the next ten minute period that once again saw the Doggies dominate play without putting a winning score on the board. With Jon Giles controlling the ruck, Brodie Hudson was isolated in the goal square and almost had a hand in the next goal. Huddo made a contest to bring the ball to ground and Luke McCabe crumbed well to handball over the top to an open Porter. No voice by his surrounding team mates saw a desperate North tackle effect the kick enough to make the former Rooster miss what should have been a certain goal. Showing his class above the rest, the 2005 Jack Oatey medallist pounced on a loose ball in the square to kick his second major for the day showing the selectors he hadn’t lost any of his experience and form despite missing 4 weeks with an injury.

Shortly after, another solid run from defence, this time set up by Daniel Boyle, saw the Dogs heading into attack and a clever one handed mark saw Sean Brading have a very tough shot on goal. His resulting behind from deep in the pocket saw North run the ball the full length of the field once again, kicking a great team goal against the flow of play. After a strong centre clearance North kicked a second goal within minutes and had now managed to peg the lead back, albeit by a slender 1-point margin. The Dogs won the next clearance from the ball up and a quick kick forward by Louis Hadden saw Brodie Hudson take a clever diving mark. His resulting goal from the set shot gave his team the lead back but in true sea saw fashion, Zac Millar responded with his second goal for the quarter, giving North a 1 point lead once again. This seemed to spark the Roosters and their forward line pressure saw them on the end of a goal shortly after to take the lead out to 7 points. They controlled the footy for the last minutes of the quarter which including a shot on goal after the ¾ time siren. This shot missed and the resulting behind gave the Red and Whites a tight 8 point lead at lemons.

This enthralling battle to date was set up for an exiting finish and it will be interesting to see if the Roosters goal kicking inaccuracy would end up costing them the game. The final quarter started with regular defender Joel Baldwin shifted to the forward lines. Joel would not be unfamiliar with these surroundings having mainly played as a full forward in the reserves last year. This move didn’t seem to work early on with North first out of the blocks with a third Zac Millar goal extending his sides lead out to 14 points. Both teams seemed desperate at the ball and body but Centrals were letting them selves down once again with basic skill errors and turnovers. North were controlling the play but an aggressive attack on the ball from Ashley Duncan saw a great run from the underrated Alex Stengle getting the ball inside his teams forward 50. A superb snap goal from Brodie Hudson and a quick follow up goal to Porter saw the margin reduced to just one major six pointer. Centrals looked to have the ascendancy back with lose players all over the ground but somehow the Roosters managed to muster up a goal all through the hard work of impressive Crows rookie Tony Armstrong.

Now it looked as though this great contest was going to go down to the wire and after Huddo mark strongly and goaled at the 20-minute mark, the deficit was back to a single goal. It was once again a Doggies turn over, this time a missed Todd Whiley handball, that handed North a bit of momentum back with a six pointer to Johnny Boras. It was another fine effort by a diving Alex Stengle that saved another Roosters goal with the rushed behind now taking the margin out to 13 points in favour of North. The victory for the Red and Whites was assured immediately after the kick out when talented Tony Armstrong kicked a winning goal to seal a 20-point victory. Only 30 seconds after the centre ball up the final siren had sounded giving Hicksey boys their second loss for the year. North probably kept Centrals in the game with poor kicking at goal as well as doubling their scoring shots 30 to 15 in the process. They would consider themselves lucky that Centrals turned the ball over too much handing them the win. There were a few strong performances from individual Centrals players but the boys will all know they have to work on cutting down the team turnovers.

RESERVES TEAM:
Hadden, Stengle, Spurr, Giles, Officer, Baldwin, Moss, Hudson, White, Woods, Musolino, Boyle, McGrath, Porter, O’Hara, McGee, Duncan, Whiley, Sharpe, Brading, McCabe

FINAL SCORES:
CDFC: 3.0 6.1 9.3 12.3 = 75
NAFC: 2.5 4.9 9.10 13.17 = 95

GOAL KICKERS:
Hudson 3, McCabe, Porter 2, Hadden, McGrath, Spurr, Boyle, Brading 1

BETTER PLAYERS:
McCabe, Stengle, Boyle, White, Hadden, Duncan, Hudson, Giles


LEAGUE: “ DESPERATE DOGGIES FIGHT FOR ANZAC DAY HONOURS ”

After a disappointing start to the day with reserves boys going down, it was great as always, to see the past SANFL Diggers paraded around the boundary line in the old military vehicles. It’s always a special moment to see these heroes of our past and naturally they all received a huge standing ovation in a gesture of thanks and gratification as they passed by. It was pleasing to see our supporters make a banner for the boys to run through and it fittingly challenged our players to show the courage, bravery and team spirit shown by soldiers of years gone by. It was a nice gesture with “Lest We Forget” written on one side and was a fitting testament for all of our Anzac’s, current, former and fallen. North were the first team onto the ground followed shortly by the Dogs and after they both had their warm ups, the two combatants lined up along the half forward lines waiting for the official formalities to get underway.

Then the spine tingling last post was played, which included the reading of the ode and you certainly can’t help but think about the Anzac’s during the minute silence. It certainly gives you a real appreciation for everything the old diggers went through and the sacrifices they made for their country. Of course the National Anthem followed afterward and once it had concluded that amazing roar echoed across the ground as all the fans roared with support. Despite this being the first time that North and Central squared off on Anzac Day, a fairly disappointing crowd of around 4500 attended. Possibly the threat of poor weather and the later start time affected the crowd numbers as it was one of the lowest April 25 turn outs in about 3 or 4 years. Obviously it was great to see the other Gowans, James in action for the first time in 2008 and it will be interesting to see if he manages to renew acquaintances with Shane Shubert at any stage in the game. We now had both teams set, ready for the battle to get underway and took to their positions on the field.

North skipper Darryl Wintle won the toss and kicked to the northern end with a strong breeze not really favouring either side, blowing straight across ground. Centrals won the first centre clearance after a good tap from Earl Shaw but surprisingly Ian Callinan was caught holding the ball. Both teams started with a couple of early skill errors, no doubt whilst trying to calm the nerves caused by the big game. Then, as a result of a down field free paid to Charles Slattery, Dan Havelberg was able to kick the first goal of the game with a gun barrel straight shot from about 45 metres out. Clearly better suited playing across half forward then at half back, Trent Goodrem was looking impressive in the first ten minutes applying strong forward line pressure and winning a bit of the ball himself. Sladey was unlucky to have a ball called out of bounds in front of the Chappell Stands after he had beaten his opponent and was away, sending his team into attack with his blistering pace. He certainly told the boundary umpire he was not happy with the poor decision in a very abusive manner.

Daniel Havelberg was able to take a huge mark inside 50, crashing the pack in the process but his shot on goal following missed for a behind only. He was able to make up for it within a minute, thanks to a great contested effort by Paul Thomas and then a lovely pinpoint pass by Chad O’Sullivan, kicking his second goal for the quarter. North opened their scoring account with a goal to Rory O’Brien after a strange 25m penalty was paid with Thommo going in the umpire’s book for an alleged head butt. I’m not sure that there was really anything in it and with a good record, including a Magarey Medal, the inconsistent SANFL tribunal will probably just hand him a reprimand, leaving the skipper available to face the Bays next Sunday. The Dogs then answered the North goal back with one of their own, an impressive crumbing goal to Chad O’Sullivan who was looking dangerous early on in the game. At the 15 minute mark Centrals had a 14 point lead which was cut back to 13 after Heath Younie kicked a point after yet another confusing free kick was awarded inside North’s 50. The next passage of play saw a great contested effort, 2 on 1 against, won by Dan Havelberg who was able to set up a shot on goal for Chris Gowans, who unusually missed.

Turnovers and skill errors controlled the next 5 minutes of play and it took a sickening incident with Cam Faulkner and Scott Dutschke clashing heads dramatically, to spark the Dogs. It was a great show of determination from both players, but probably a lack of voice, to win the hard ball and thankfully neither were seriously injured from it. Cameron came off with the blood rule and had a couple of stitches above his left eye and the tough Scott Dutschke seemed able to recover fine. Centrals seemed to control the last 5 minutes of the quarter having a few shots but didn’t make the most of their scoring opportunities with the reported skipper Thomas and Heath Lawry missing easy set shots on goal. This poor kicking for goal had Dogs supporters ruing their inaccuracy and it seemed to rub off on the opposition with the Power listed Damon White missing an easy long shot on goal. Despite being the dominant team for the majority of opening stanza, last years premiers were not able to put enough scoreboard pressure on their opposition and only went into the quarter time break 14 points in front. Sings looked ominous for the Doggies but Roy Laird would be disappointed with his sides inaccuracy.

After copping a knock to the leg in the first quarter, impressive ruckman Earl Shaw started the second quarter in the middle and was getting first hands on the ball for his side. The Centrals forward line pressure was good early on in this quarter but a missed kick from Matthew Slade saw the ball sail over the head of an open Charles Slattery free in the goal square. The ball sailed out of bounds on the full, but a poor kick from the resulting free saw another inside 50 for the Dogs and Sladey was able to make up for his earlier mistake by gifting James Gowans his first goal of 2008 from the goal square. The next centre bounce slightly favoured big Earl Shaw and he smashed the ball past his teams CHF line, where a quick release handball from Trent Goodrem had Chad O’Sullivan running on to kick his second goal of the game, a little surprisingly on the left foot. Co-captain Slade was amongst the action once again, pouncing on a defensive error from the Magarey Medallist James Allan but a rushed kick saw the number 59 miss a fairly easy left foot snap shot from the top of the goal sqaure.

It then took the powerful Heath Lawry to show all his team mates how to kick a left foot goal after taking a real clever, strong mark. In true customary fashion, Heater swung out to his left playing on, opening the goal face up and slotting his first major of the game to give Centrals a handy 32 point lead. It was cut back to 26 again after QLD recruit Daniel Stewart marked very strongly and kicked truly for his first goal of the clash. It was interesting to hear that this tall 19 year old actually trained with the Dogs for a couple of weeks during pre season, deciding to join the Roosters instead. Then at the 13-minute mark, Lawry was amongst the action once again, this time missing a running shot on goal to take the home sides lead out to 27 points. The inaccuracy of Centrals was somewhat keeping North Adelaide in the contest so a quick goal to Clint Alleway made this Anzac Day battle another six points closer. Then with one of the most bewildering umpire decisions and 25m penalty ever paid by a whistle blower, the Roosters had another immediate shot on goal to O’Brien. His long kick justifiably hit the post reducing the deficit to 21 points, but it was Jar’s men who seemed to have taken back slight control of the game, again assisted by some dubious umpiring.

This was to be proven right when North kicked the next goal to the impressive but tiny Rory O’Brien and the margin had now been reduced to just 15 points. This was turning into a real tough battle between two strong combatants and at the 26 minute mark of the term, ex Westies boy Charles Slattery guided his first goal through the two big sticks after some solid work further down the field by team mates Ryan Williams, Heath Lawry and a slick Faulkner handpass. Both Chris and James Gowans were pushing forward from the middle and were as damaging as ever with their disposal, despite the latter having not played since the early trial games. Earl Shaw was winning his battle with the underdone Brett O’Hara and hard work in defence saw the Dogs take their lead back out to 20 points going into the long break. Despite his boys only having a 4 day break since their last game, Andrew Jarman would expect his team to lift their skill level and work rate whilst trying to reduce Centrals scoring opportunities and set up plenty of their own. Roy Laird would again be reminding his players of the importance to finish of when within range of the goals and the battle was set up for an enthralling second half.

After a slightly inaccurate start by both sides, they still had another half of football to get it right, however North would start the third quarter trailing by 20 points. With the dark clouds looming above, it will be interesting to see who steps up in the second half of this clash that sees the two teams play each other for the first time since last years grand final. The former Carlton listed Trent Sporn had done a good job on star Ian Callinan to date, but will the Tassie recruit be able stand up and be a match winner as done in the past. The opening four minutes of the third term were dominated by stoppages and ball ups with the Roosters getting the first score of the quarter, albeit a behind. Then the improved Leigh Westhoff had the same result for his team with a missed set shot on goal. Despite a poor kick from North, the eldest of the three Westhoff brothers squandered a golden opportunity shanking his kick at goal and just scraping it in for his second minor score. The Roosters were able to kick the first goal of the third term to put out the challenge to the reigning premiers.

North were again on the receiving end of more confusing and inconsistent umpiring decisions and managed to get back to back goals, this time a long bomb to Damon White. The margin was now under double figures at 9 points and in the blink of an eye, North had it back to less than a kick after an umpire assisted goal to Matty Wright. With a free kick paid to the Roosters at Centrals half forward line, two dubious 50m penalties in a row paid by umpire Dey against Slade and Slattery, saw young Wright kick from the goal line and reduce the margin to a tiny 3 points. Then finally, Centrals were on the right end of a free kick, of course with all the ironic cheers from frustrated Dogs fans, seeing the impressive Trent Goodrem nail a goal from 40 metres out. Havelberg had to be shifted to defence with North playing that extra tall forward so Roy Laird tried rotating both Goodrem and Faulkner from the full forward position for short periods of time. Trent looked good and was most definitely playing his best game for the club year to date. He seemed much more comfortable in the forward line and was proving to his coach that he is better suited there than in defence.

This fierce battle was proving to be a fitting testament to the Anzac Day spirit and it looked as though the final result could go to either team. It was North who seemed to lift their intensity at the ball and body and of course, assisted by some strange umpiring decisions, were able to make sure this contest was going to go down to the wire. Indicative of the battle to date, the Roosters responded to the Goodrem goal with yet another umpire assisted major. This time, an indiscretion by Andrew Hayes handed another soft 25m penalty to Tarquin Brown who was able to kick an impressive goal, his first in SANFL league football. North Adelaide’s 8th goal of the game would end up being the last score of the third quarter, which now saw the deficit at 2 points going into lemons. The game was now set up for a ripping final quarter and it will probably be the team that digs deepest finding that strong Anzac Day spirit who will go on to take the win and claim the West End Battle cup.

The final term started with usual Rooster CHF Clint Alleway playing loose in defence as well as regular backman Shane Shubert playing out of full forward. Alleway was mopping up the poor delivery into the Central’s forwards but Jar's was robbing Peter to pay Paul with his Roosters breaking down at half forward. Centrals backmen were standing strong through the likes of Sibenaler, Hayes, Schell and underrated Richie Cochrane, who were repelling any of the opposition forward forays. It then took an errant kick from vice captain Brett White to hand Lee Westhoff his first goal with a clever left foot snap from the top of the goal square, taking the margin back out to 8 points. This Rooster turn over seemed to spark the Dogs into gear and within minutes Dan Havelberg marked strongly and kicked truly for his third goal. Then a courageous effort by a pop singers brother in Trent Goodrem saw Chad O’Sullivan on the end of his third goal of the game, highlighting a great return of form for the diminuitive number 7. At the 14 minute mark of the final quarter, the margin was back to the same as at half time with only 20 points separating the two northern suburbs clubs and it looked as though Centrals modern day dominance over North Adelaide would continue.

However, the Roosters had something to say about this and they kept in touch with another goal to Damon White reducing the deficit a further 6 points to 14. The next 5 minutes in play were crucial for both teams and this was shown with a tight tussling affair on display from both clubs. It was then a desperate Scott Dutschke effort that saw Cam Faulkner push forward into space taking the ball to find Heath Lawry on a strong lead with a pinpoint pass. Although he was on the preferred side for a left footer, he spotted up Chris Gowans in board and after an undisciplined charge by Clint Alleway, a rare Centrals 25m penalty saw Chris kick the major from the top of the goal square. After a North behind, the margin was at 19 points in favour of the Dogs and at the 24 minute mark you would think the reigning premiers had finally sealed the win. Just the way it happens in the AFL, Centrals then slowed the pace of the game down by chipping side ways and backward, controlling possession of the ball. This took place for another 4 or 5 minutes before the final siren sounded handing Roy Laird’s charges their third victory of the season. Thoughts would now move onto who were the candidates for the Bob Quinn Medal.

There was not really an outstanding individual performance from either side and you would have to assume the eventual winner would come from the victorious team. It could’ve come from the likes of Chad O’Sullivan, Dan Havelberg, Charles Slattery or either of the Gowans twins. Despite finding his number in the umpires book, co-captain Paul Thomas was judged to be best on ground and claim an amazing 3rd Bob Quinn Medal. Ground announcer and ABC commentator Mark Soderstrom interestingly surmised the former Essendon player to almost be like the James Hird of AFL Anzac Day battles. It will no doubt a great honour for the son of former league player Jamie, who would have had the thrill of being a team mate to Hird in his stint in the big league back in 2005. As always, Thommo was graceful and very professional in his acceptance speech of both his personal accolade and the presentation of the West End Battle trophy. A tough, fighting win for Centrals and coach Laird would be proud of his teams performance still knowing that there are some quality players to come back. He will also have plenty to work on before next Sundays away clash against the Bays including issues such as goal kicking accuracy and probably team discipline as well.

LEAGUE TEAM:
Lawry, L.Westhoff, Callinan, O’Sullivan, Cochrane, Slattery, Goodrem, Dutschke, Thomas, Mackenzie, Shaw, C.Gowans, Hayes, Schell, J.Gowans, Faulkner, Williams, Sibenaler, Havelberg, Switala, Slade

FINAL SCORES:
CDFC: 3.6 7.9 8.12 12.12 = 84
NAFC: 1.4 4.7 8.10 9.11 = 65

GOAL KICKERS:
Havelberg, O'Sullivan 3, Lawry, L.Westhoff, Goodrem, C.Gowans, J.Gowans, Slattery 1

BETTER PLAYERS:
Thomas, O’Sullivan, C.Gowans, J.Gowans, Havelberg, Goodrem, Slattery, L.Westhoff

BOB QUINN MEDALLIST:
Paul Thomas (Centrals)

Centrals now face a rampaging Glenelg next Sunday after the Bays burst the bubble of the Double Blues. Glenelg's win over ladder leader Sturt will no doubt give Mark Mickan's boys a fair bit of confidence against the Dogs. I reckon we are still about 2 or 3 weeks away from playing our absolute best football but with a steady improvement shown on a weekly basis, we can expect a blockbuster clash down at Brighton's Challenge Recruitment Oval on Sunday 4th May 2008

GO U DOGGIES...

Big Phil...

[doggies4eva]

Thanks for the write-up.

For me the BOG went to James Gowans. He was in everything early and was inspirational in getting the team going. He did seem to tire a bit late in the game and will be better for the run. O'Sullivan was also great and Thomas played another captain's game.

[Big Phil]

Hey All,

I've got a theory on the pre selection of umpires for this weeks game, prediciting that the following reasons below will attribute to my worst umpiring nightmare !!

After the pretty average showing from umpire Tony Dey on Anzac Day, Colin Rowston being probably the worst umpire in the SANFL at present and ALL Doggies, in fact probably ALL of our SANFL fans hating Richard Williams, I bet the 3 umpies to officiate Centrals game against the Bays this week will read:

T.Dey, C.Rowston, R.Williams

I'd almost be tempted to put money on it and if this was to eventuate i reckion that Mr Rowston could be in for a long day of copping abuse. I think there are plenty of Bays fans on this web site that dislike Colin just as much as I do...

We'll just have to wait and see I guess, wont we...

Big Phil......

[spell_check]

I may need bdp/dw/spelly to back me up on this stat. I think that was Ian Callian first goaless game for the dogs.

Yes, all 25 matches before this match he had scored at least 1 goal, his best has been 5 on three occasions.

[doggies4eva]

I may need bdp/dw/spelly to back me up on this stat. I think that was Ian Callian first goaless game for the dogs.

Yes, all 25 matches before this match he had scored at least 1 goal, his best has been 5 on three occasions.

He must be due for 10 this week then

[Big Phil]

I may need bdp/dw/spelly to back me up on this stat. I think that was Ian Callian first goaless game for the dogs.

Yes, all 25 matches before this match he had scored at least 1 goal, his best has been 5 on three occasions.

He must be due for 10 this week then

I don't know if you heard, or read anywhere else, but aparaently Callinan (and Chris Gowans) are in REAL SERIOUS doubt for Sunday's clash with the Bays. Nutta a hammy, Gowsa a knee ???

I agree that Callinan wouldn;t be too far off having a blinder but it might be hard for him to be a match winner sitting in the grandstand. Let's hope not though, fingers crossed...

GO U DOGGIES...

Big Phil...

[doggies4eva]

I may need bdp/dw/spelly to back me up on this stat. I think that was Ian Callian first goaless game for the dogs.

Yes, all 25 matches before this match he had scored at least 1 goal, his best has been 5 on three occasions.

He must be due for 10 this week then

I don't know if you heard, or read anywhere else, but aparaently Callinan (and Chris Gowans) are in REAL SERIOUS doubt for Sunday's clash with the Bays. Nutta a hammy, Gowsa a knee ???

I agree that Callinan wouldn;t be too far off having a blinder but it might be hard for him to be a match winner sitting in the grandstand. Let's hope not though, fingers crossed...

GO U DOGGIES...

Big Phil...

On the doggies site someone said Callinan trained on Wednesday and looked good

[Big Phil]

And then unfortunatley, a couple of posts later, someone else also said that they were at the club the next night and heard the same whisper from within the club itself...

Who knows, maybe they are just playing "ducks and drakes" to unsettle the Bays, but once again, if it is true, it will be even tougher to over come the improving Bays in an away game...

We'll just have to wait and see come Sunday won't we...

GO U DOGGIES...

Big Phil...

[doggies4eva]

I think you mean "Ducks and Drakes"

but Roy usually doesn't bother with that crap for minor round games.

[Big Phil]

I think you mean "Ducks and Drakes"

but Roy usually doesn't bother with that crap for minor round games.

Yeah, what he said, I have now changed it from 'drapes' to 'drakes' if you were curious

Bloody hell, the MEDIA HATER got another one wrong, let's get stuck into him ha !! ta ta ta ta

GO U DOGGIES...

Big Phil...

P.S - Stay tuned, I will have a new addition to my list of media stuff ups, another from Inside Football folks, one for the Norwood and Melbourne fans