by Big Phil » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:18 am
DOGS GET JOB DONE
FINAL SCORES:
CENTRALS: 5.5 7.7 13.10 14.13 = 97
SOUTH: 4.1 7.5 7.9 9.9 = 63
GOAL KICKERS:
CENTRALS: L.Cowan 3.3 J.Gowans, L.McCabe 2.0, C.O’Sullivan 1.2, M.Slade, I.Callinan 1.1, H.Lawry, S.Dutschke, P.Thomas, R.Williams 1.0 A.Switala, B.O’Hara 0.1, Rushed 0.4
SOUTH: D.Ellis 4.2, J.Turner 3.0, J.Boyd, T.Carrol 1.0, A.Otten 0.3, J.Sampson 0.1, Rushed 0.3
BETTER PLAYERS:
CENTRALS: R.Cochrane, L.McCabe, A.Hayes, P.Thomas, R.Williams, L.Cowan, S.Dutshcke, H.Lawry
SOUTH: J.Boyd, B.King, D.Ellis, T.Hateley P.Rolfe, J.Turner, M.Sandery, M.Handby
Central Districts got back in the winners circle down at Noarlunga with a comfortable but fairly non convincing 34 point victory over South Adelaide. The win assured the Dogs will hold onto 3rd spot on the premiership ladder, secure the all important double chance and of course book themselves an appointment in the qualifying final against either the Tigers or Double Blues.
After an entertaining first half of football, that saw only a 2 point lead to the visitors at the long break, the reigning premiers were able to set up the win with a dominating 3rd term kicking 6 goals 3 to the home side’s 4 behinds. Both sides went into the game with a couple of late changes to their line ups with Craig Parry a late withdrawal due to a knee injury and Chris Gowans missing after twinging his hamstring at training during the week. Neither side reported any injuries to players from throughout the course of the match.
With Parry missing and Brendan Lade back at the Power in the AFL, Brett King came into the side as the only recognized ruckman for the Panthers and, particularly in the first half, was the most dominant big man on the ground, fittingly named amongst South’s best players. Crows listed ruckman Jon Griffin and veteran Buckets Mackenzie battled valiantly in the 2nd half and in particular in the 3rd term, getting first hand on the ball and setting up the dominant effort from the Dogs, kicking the match winning 6 goals to none.
Dale Ellis was South’s most potent forward and really stood up in the absence of Panther spearhead Ben Warren, proving a real handful for his opponent, Yves Sibenaler and ending up with 4 goals. Meanwhile Luke Cowan was the best performing forward for the Bulldogs and although a little inaccurate, he ending up with 3.3. Veteran Luke McCabe was the most dangerous small forward on the ground and probably played his best game for Centrals this season after struggling with form and injury this season.
Former Crows rookie James Turner was impressive for the home side playing at CHF and ending up with 3 majors in an enthralling battle with Andrew Hayes. Richard Cochrane continued his career best season totally controlling the half back line for the visitors while former Redleg Mitch Sandery had his moments in a tagging role on Dogs dynamo Ian Callinan. South’s diminutive rover James Boyd continued his great form in his debut league season while one of Central’s more consistent performers all year, co captain Paul Thomas, continued his good form on the ball and across half back.
Clay Sampson would have certainly been happy with his charges performance across 3 quarters but once again, consistency let his young side down in the all important 3rd term where their more seasoned opponents took control of the game. While conversely, Roy Laird and his Bulldogs have not managed to put a 4 quarter performance together all season, barring the Glenelg victory under light at Elizabeth. This would once again be the case for the 4 time premiership coach and would be something Roy would be constantly reminding his players of the importance of this leading into a much anticipated finals series.
For South Adelaide, they play their last game of the season against Sturt at Unley next Sunday, having the bye in the last minor round game for 2008 and of course, will be missing from finals action once again. Centrals meanwhile, face West Adelaide at Richmond also on Sunday and will hoping for a big resounding win. They then face the Double Blues under lights at Elizabeth in what should be a highly entertaining contest as well as being their last minor round game of the season. Last years premiers and the SANFL’s modern day powerhouse then face the likelihood of an qualifying final against either Glenelg or Sturt.
RESERVES FINAL SCORES:
CENTRALS: 3.1 7.3 13.6 15.8 = 98
SOUTH: 2.4 4.7 8.9 12.10 = 82