Round 11 - North v Sturt @ Prospect

[Big Phil]

So after the Double Blues comprehensively touched up the reigning premiers and the Roosters obviously did enough to get the job done over an improving Westies, this game should be an absolute ripper of a contest, as was the case the last time the 2 sides met on ANZAC Day.

Based on what I saw of Sturt yesterday, it is hard to go past the Luke Norman coached side, but in saying that, I think Daniel Healy has a side that may just have the potency to worry the best defensive side in the league and perhaps cause somewhat of an upset.

I think North may be able to expose a smaller defensive outfit for Sturt with their tall forwards in the versatile Damon White, Nick Gill (when not playing in defence), the talented but inconsistant Ben Schwarze and state CHF Clint Alleway.

The Double Blues defenders proved their capabilities yesterday through the likes of the unheralted Pat Fittock, super talented Michael Coad, under-rated Nick Wark and work horse Scott McGlone. I think they will have a tougher job dealing with the North forward line than what was dealt to them on Monday from Centrals.

Like most games, I think this will be won or loss through the midfield and match ups like Jade Sheedy v Jimmy Allan, Rhys Archard v Michael Bratton and Matthew Wright v Luke Crane is worth the price of admission alone. An in form Angus Kurtze will take on man mountain Cain Ackland in the battle of the rucks which will also add to the quality of the ensuing contest.

For me, I have a feelng the game could go either way but I just think a little bit of an upset may be on the cards. With home crowd advantage, an extra 48 hours recovery and a side starting to gel together under a new coach, may just see the Roosters get the points.

At this early stage, I'll tip North Adelaide by 11 points.

[purch]

...an extra 48 hours recovery and a side starting to gel together well may just see the Roosters get the points.

Well Sturt had the weekend off though, and a training run on Monday

But seriously the North talls do worry me. Gill, Alleway, White and co. could be very damaging. Might have to consider resting a ruckman in the backlines to fill the space.

Can't predict his one. Too close to call given the game at Unley earlier this year

[CUTTERMAN]

James McLeay is still listed as 1 week so unless we get Thurstans back (not likely) we'll have to stick with our defence as is.

[godoubleblues]

James McLeay is still listed as 1 week so unless we get Thurstans back (not likely) we'll have to stick with our defence as is.

Thurstans would have been really handy with his height, although our defence has held up all year against taller forwards

[Mic]

I would class Sturt as easy favourites. Am praying for rain as our poor skills and baffling decision making, as displayed in recent weeks, won't be such a factor (and should also help keep the margin down).
However, I believe we were the last team to beat Sturt so that's a positive, plus they will have had only a short break. North's going to have to show extra toughness and fight to win this one.

[godoubleblues]

I would class Sturt as easy favourites. Am praying for rain as our poor skills and baffling decision making, as displayed in recent weeks, won't be such a factor (and should also help keep the margin down).
However, I believe we were the last team to beat Sturt so that's a positive, plus they will have had only a short break. North's going to have to show extra toughness and fight to win this one.

they have forecast showers for satdy (it is the weather bureau )
the last thing we need is rain after a 5 day break, the legs will be getting heavy in the 2nd half

[Mic]

I would class Sturt as easy favourites. Am praying for rain as our poor skills and baffling decision making, as displayed in recent weeks, won't be such a factor (and should also help keep the margin down).
However, I believe we were the last team to beat Sturt so that's a positive, plus they will have had only a short break. North's going to have to show extra toughness and fight to win this one.

they have forecast showers for satdy (it is the weather bureau )
the last thing we need is rain after a 5 day break, the legs will be getting heavy in the 2nd half

Good.

[SnappyTom]

For the good of the comp this season a North win yields the best result. Leaves much of the final five wide open.
If Sturt beat North there will be quite a bit of real estate between the top three and North / Eagles - with Norwood or West slender finals aspirants.

I'll root for the Roosters this week. Might even go down and cheer them on. Healy is their coach, after all!

ST...

[phantom57]

The "Stormin Norman" Blues Express is headed to Prospect ........be there !

[bayman]

sturt will be too quick for north

[Jimmy]

the talls of north worry me a bit, esp if mcleay is a no go and we dont get thurstans back however our back six has done the job so far...will be an interested battle and we should go in favs altho having lost to them last time...are north winning at prossie this year or still having trouble?

i'll look at our side before making a tip.

[Wedgie]

are north winning at prossie this year or still having trouble?

As per is quite often is the case North are doing better away from home.

We're 1-2 at home and 4-1 away.

God knows what Prospect Oval is going to look like come the 15th of August after there would have been 5 games in 6 weeks with the winter we're having.
Gotta love the draw!

[71/72]

There is no way in the world Thurstans will line up for Sturt this week.

[Wedgie]

There is no way in the world Thurstans will line up for Sturt this week.

Getting dropped back to the Ammos is he?

[Bluedemon]

close game for me, Sturt by a goal.

[the joker]

There is no way in the world Thurstans will line up for Sturt this week.

Getting dropped back to the Ammos is he?

he got in the best for port last week, so he will keep his spot in the AFL

[Wedgie]

There is no way in the world Thurstans will line up for Sturt this week.

Getting dropped back to the Ammos is he?

he got in the best for port last week, so he will keep his spot in the AFL

Ahh OK, Div 2 ammos (yep another swipe there Booney!)
Shame as it was entertaining at Unley watch Sturt supporters abuse the crapper out of him, Ive never heard a player get abused by their own supporters so much.
They had every right the way he was playing though.

[the joker]

yeah i spose sturt supporters treat Toby Thurstans the same way Roosters and Crows supporters use to treat Ian Sarge Perrie

[Wedgie]

yeah i spose sturt supporters treat Toby Thurstans the same way Roosters and Crows supporters use to treat Ian Sarge Perrie

It was actually worse, there were comments about his parentage and not just his football ability!


But yes as I said they had every right the way he was playing though similarly to Perrie.
Thurstans doesnt change clubs every 2nd full moon though so probably doesnt deserve it as much as the old Sarge did.

[harley d]

Thurstans was playing well at Sturt before going back to the Power. Can be frustrating to watch at times but after a couple of games he finds his feet.