Rd 6 Preview

[Wedgie]

From the Budget:

North Adelaide has jumped out of the blocks for a 4-0 start to the season – its best since 1989 – and this weekend can send an even clearer message to the rest of the competition by eclipsing reigning premier Central District.

The clubs go head-to-head at Adelaide Oval on Friday night in what shapes as a gem of a contest between a struggling champion and a genuine title contender.

The two Saturday afternoon matches this round see the improved Tigers travel to Noarlunga to take on the dangerous Panthers, while win-less Sturt and West scrap it out at Unley.

All roads then lead to Thebarton on Sunday as the Eagles host Port back on West Torrens’ old stomping ground – just the second SANFL senior match played at the oval since 1989. Nostalgia aside, the Eagles are desperate for a win to get back in the five, while the Magpies are hell-bent on maintaining their place at the head of the pack.


ROOSTERS vs BULLDOGS
In an astonishing head-to-head stat, Central District has beaten North Adelaide in 20 of their past 21 battles. Ironically though, it’s the Roosters who are favourites to get the points here.

The Dogs registered an important win last Saturday night at home to stabilise their season, but let’s face it, West is no North.

The attacking Roosters, led by the unstoppable Nick Gill, have set the competition alight this year and will continue their offensive against Central, who, on a rare occasion, might struggle to keep up.


DOUBLE BLUES vs BLOODS
At Unley Oval, winning is everything. Both Sturt and West are yet to deposit any premiership points in 2006, sitting miserably at the foot of the ladder after four outings.

Labelling the match as an early battle for the wooden spoon is perhaps a bit harsh, but Sturt coach Brenton Phillips admitted in The Advertiser during the week it will be a “last man standing” affair.

Don’t expect the highest quality game, but do anticipate a ding-dong struggle between two desperate teams.


PANTHERS vs TIGERS
Having frustrated supporters with wasted potential in recent years, the signs are good for South and Glenelg so far this year. And they’re about to get even better for one of them.

The sides meet at windy Noarlunga with a significant reward on offer for the winner – third spot on the ladder.

The Bays have a good record down south (they’ve won on three of their past four visits to Noarlunga), but with Ben Warren and Damian Cupido circling ominously in attack, the Panthers might just have the edge.


EAGLES vs MAGPIES
Port has happy memories of its last visit to Thebarton, although it must be said the club’s 61-point victory over the then West Torrens Eagles was way back in 1989!

The modern day Woodville-West Torrens Eagles will be hoping for a better showing on Sunday as a win will catapult the side back into the top five.

But are Ron Fuller’s men good enough to beat Port. When you consider names such as Clayton, Baird, Bullen, Butcher, Waterhouse, Ah Chee and Lokan – plus a host of others – the smart money is on the Magpies.

[godoubleblues]

When you consider names such as Clayton, Baird, Bullen, Butcher, Waterhouse, Ah Chee and Lokan – plus a host of others – the smart money is on the Magpies.

hmmm, me thinks a lot of money is in....I mean on the magpies