Rd 17 Sturt v Central review

[smithy]

[Grahaml]

I think this game was a lot closer than many Sturt fans here seem to think. I personally had the feeling we were on the verge of breaking the game open with our attack on the ball and tackling pressure.

In the end, there is a lot of uside for the dogs. We were beaten by 2 goals, after losing key players early (and what looked to be a half fit couple on the ground at the end of the game), players out of form and coughing up 2 very simple goals, so we can't be that far away. We're being stretched pretty severely ATM for big men with Schell out, few standing up in the 2s and Cowan looking half fit and down on confidence. Probably the real worries for me are our lack of hard running midfielders and the lack of talls being exposed by losing one guy.

As for our aging players, and in particular the Gowans, they still do their part. 15 quality touches and 5 tackles apiece is all we need. They are far from the highest paid in the comp (evey other club would have half a league side refuse to play for what these guys get) or most prolific ball winners anymore, but they have a role. Slade is similar. The player I'm worried about is Switala. His greatest attributes were always his ball winning, running and skills. The pace always goes at his age but I'm worried about his lack of ball and even his skills are waning. Louis Hadden could be hard to keep out of the team, and with Moss also looking for a league spot back some guys may find they lose their spots. Previously Ware, O'Hara and Goodrem might be the ones in trouble but I think all 3 have been better this season, particularly the last month even doing a job as key position players.

Anyway, Sturt look threatening again. It will be interesting to see whether the theory they are a "small ground team" becomes apparent on the expanse of the ponderosa, Adelaide and Aami. Also thought they were better earlier in the year. Adam Thompson always does so much damage when he plays against us. Hopefully the Power think he's got OP during finals. Last word on Sturt for me at this time is that Ian Perrie is the player who can lead Sturt to a premiership this season. Fit and firing there are few players who can contain him, let alone beat him. If we don't have Daniel Schell fit then I don't see a great match up for him other than that. And I think other teams don't have anyone at all. Chambers will always be liable to find it tough with the attention he'll get. But Perrie works harder and can win his own ball better than Chambers IMHO. Those players win tight finals.

[doggies4eva]

Congratulations to Sturt. They looked good and the doggies were found wanting on the day.

I thought that a couple of clangers in defence where we handed out walk-in goals and the fact that Sturt had a winning forward and our forwards were all well held by a tight Sturt defence was the difference.

Over all I am happy with where the dogs are at. We are third and gradually improving. That was the closest to a 4 quarter effort that we have put in all season. So long as we peak late September/early October I will be happy.

Anyone who thinks we should replace Roy is an idiot. He has close to the best all-time coaching record in the history of the SANFL.

[Blue Boy]

Nice to win against Centrals but if we dont beat them if we play them in the finals it counts for nothin !!!

[sturtpeter]

As stated it was fantastic meeting Centurion too.

Even though I was far from well as in healthy I enjoyed the game and great bantering between the Supporters.

[Apachebulldog]

Well done Blue Boys great game ,you can also thank Chambo a master full forward for getting you over the line and a cupla dubious frees he received !!! good effort by the dogs considering we lost Havelberg with an ankle during the game and Jimmy Gowans who continued to play with a corky, every week the signs are there that the doggies are slowly improving and hopefully should be cherry ripe come finals time.

As for you meatheads writing Chris ( 21 ) off ya know nothing about footy it was his first League game back from a knee how many weeks has he not played lots and lots think about it my friends

Look at Callinan has been back from injury 3 weeks and is slowly getting match fit and starting to kick goals.

Also that caller calling for Lairdys bald head is he really a doggy supporter dont think so.

Caveat Dormis Canis !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF !!!!!!!!1

[CENTURION]

To the powers that be. If it's any consolation, I am weird too.

[CENTURION]

As stated it was fantastic meeting Centurion too.

Even though I was far from well as in healthy I enjoyed the game and great bantering between the Supporters.

Feeling better yet?

[CENTURION]

Well, isn't a week a long time in football? Anyone wish to "bag" Buckets or The Twins this week? I think I met $turtPeter again last night, or was it a dream? A decent, up-standing chap, is he!