Budget Previews for Round 17

[Wedgie]

TIGERS TAKE AIM AT TOP THREE

If the Bays can beat the Magpies this weekend they’ll not only take a massive step towards their first finals berth since 1999, they’ll also give themselves a chance of snatching an unlikely top-three spot and the all-important double chance.

Just three weeks ago, Glenelg sat in seventh place and was on the brink of another unfulfilled season, but back-to-back wins over the Panthers and the Bloods have revitalised the Tigers, who will displace Port in fourth with victory at the Bay. And, if South beats Central, the black-and-gold army could be celebrating third spot come Sunday night.

The game at Brighton Rd is obviously a key ladder-shaping encounter, but so too are the three Saturday stoushes.

At Prospect, North is out to maintain the leader’s jersey against a refreshed Redlegs outfit, finals-bound Central hosts the unpredictable Panthers at Hamra Homes Oval, while the Eagles will continue their bid for the top as they welcome West to Woodville.


EAGLES vs BLOODS
Only the most optimistic West Adelaide fan could give the Bloods even the faintest chance in their clash against the Eagles, who are gunning for 10 wins in a row.

The Eagles are playing irresistible footy at the moment, with the likes of Justin Cicolella, Mark Passador and Tim Inkster in rare form. In fact, you could name another dozen Eagles playing at their peak. You can count consistent West performers on one hand.

Add to this the fact Westies haven’t beaten the Eagles since the 2003 Preliminary Final, and it’s a safe bet the Eagles will get the points.


ROOSTERS vs REDLEGS
North Adelaide continues on its merry way towards September action, but faces a tricky contest against Norwood.

Yes, the Roosters should win, but the Redlegs’ gutsy win over the reigning premier last week cannot be overlooked, and with their finals hopes on the line, they’ll make North fight hard for this one.

But the Roosters want to remain on top of the table and need to keep winning, particularly with the Eagles chasing hard.


BULLDOGS vs PANTHERS
Such is the evenness of the competition that South dropped from fifth to seventh last week … and they didn’t even play!

The Panthers are aiming for their second win over Central this year, a victory which could thrust them back into the five depending on the outcomes of other games.

However, the Bulldogs have other plans. They want a double chance in the finals and know a win here is vital. They’ll also want to maintain their dominance of South at Elizabeth, where the visitors haven’t won since 1999!


TIGERS vs MAGPIES
They were two of the glory teams of the 1970s so it’s appropriate that Glenelg and Port clash at the Bay in this weekend’s “Living in the ‘70s” round.

And what a match it promises to be. Port sits higher on the ladder than Glenelg at the moment, but you’d have to say the Tigers enter the contest as favourites on what we’ve seen in the past fortnight.

Add to this the absence of Clive Waterhouse, Mark Clayton, Shane Morrison, Kristian DePasquale and Shayne Biacsi and the Magpies are vulnerable for a Tiger attack.

Courtesy of The South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall

[GWW]

Gotta love Mr Budger for his input this evening

[Wedgie]

Gotta love Mr Budger for his input this evening

he he, smartarse, fixed now.