Budget Preview of Rd 10 2006

[Wedgie]

BATTLE FOR SPOTS HOTTING UP

John Hinge

Many punters are still shaking their heads over last Saturday’s extraordinary round of results, which saw all four winners beat teams placed higher than them on the ladder.

The upset of the day was clearly bottom of the ladder West downing top side Port (at Alberton no less!), although Sturt’s win over Glenelg wouldn’t have been tipped by too many either.

The results serve as a true testament to the evenness of this year’s SANFL competition, which continues this long weekend with another four fascinating games.

At Woodville Oval, the in-form Eagles host an up and down South Adelaide, the rejuvenated Bloods travel to Prospect Oval to take on the injury-depleted Roosters, while Sturt tackles Central District at Unley. Round 10 concludes on Monday with the Queen’s Birthday public holiday clash between top five aspirants Glenelg and Norwood at the Bay.

With a logjam beginning to form for finals positions, expect plenty more tight and tough footy in coming weeks … and probably another upset or two! Good luck with your tips.


EAGLES vs PANTHERS
Having won five of their past six games entering this contest, the Eagles are on a roll and will prove a handful for the inconsistent Panthers.

Registering their biggest score and highest winning margin of the season last week against North, the Eagles sent a clear message to the rest of the comp that they mean business this year … again!

Considering their recent form – and the fact they’ve beaten South in 19 of their past 21 matches - the home side should prove too strong.


ROOSTERS vs BLOODS
They conquered the top side last week in a stunning upset and now face another League pacesetter away from home … could the Bloods do it again?

North’s injury woes have been well documented and were clearly exposed by the Eagles last Saturday, which will give Westies a genuine belief that they can follow up their stirring win against Port.

The Roosters have won the past six contests between the clubs however, and should bounce back and make it seven.


DOUBLE BLUES vs BULLDOGS
Did you know Sturt hasn’t beaten Central at Unley Oval since 1985? The Bulldogs have won their past six games on the Blues’ home soil and have a fantastic opportunity to extend the streak.

An undermanned Sturt was courageous in beating Glenelg by a point last week, which would have extinguished any thought in Central’s mind that this game would be a walk-over.

But you get the feeling the Dogs aren’t too far away from hitting top form, and in a tight affair should just get the points.


TIGERS vs REDLEGS
Arguably the most difficult game of the round to predict given the inconsistent results both clubs have produced this season, but it does loom as a close one between two evenly matched sides.

Glenelg coach Mark Mickan would’ve been filthy at letting the Sturt game drop, while Norwood boss Trevor Hill described his team’s effort against Central as “disgraceful”. So there’s plenty to prove.

We’re still a long way from the major round, but this is almost a mini-final between two teams battling for potentially the same spot.


Courtesy of the South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall