Budjet Previews for Round 23

[Wedgie]

FINALS DROUGHT ABOUT TO BREAK...BUT FOR WHO?

Earlier this week, South Adelaide General Manager Ben Kavenagh highlighted the Panthers’ clash against Glenelg this weekend as the biggest game for the club in over a decade.

It’s arguably the biggest game for the Bays this millennium too, with both teams attempting to break long finals droughts … the Tigers’ tale of woe stretches back to 1999, while the Panthers have been starved of major round action since 1992!

For the winner of the Saturday afternoon Adelaide Oval blockbuster, a finals ticket awaits. For the loser, it’s game over. A bitter pill for either to swallow considering their much-improved efforts in 2006.

And while the Glenelg/South clash demands the most attention this week, the remaining three games all have a bearing on the make-up of the final five.

Fourth-placed Port take it up to minor premiership contender North at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, current ladder leader Woodville-West Torrens travels to Unley on Sunday to play Sturt, while Central must beat West at Broadspectrum in the other Sunday match to clinch the double chance.


MAGPIES vs ROOSTERS
The Magpies are somewhat of an unknown quantity going into the finals, just as likely to be bundled out in the opening week as they are to go on and wreak havoc deep into September.

Friday night’s clash against North Adelaide, a genuine premiership challenger, is vital for Port’s confidence, particularly as it was easily brushed aside by the Eagles last Sunday.

But the Roosters have had the wood on Port in recent times (they’ve won six of the past seven meetings), and with top spot still dangling in front of them, should get the points.


TIGERS vs PANTHERS
Get ready to see the highs and lows of footy at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon as two desperate clubs fight tooth and nail for one remaining spot in the finals.

This is the last chance for Glenelg and South, who are both legitimate threats to the four qualified sides in the major round - it’s just a shame there’s only room for one of them.

The Tigers have already beaten the Panthers twice this year and will start a slight favourite, but really, the winner of this game is anyone’s guess!


DOUBLE BLUES vs EAGLES
Since the Eagles entered the competition in 1991, they’ve always been a pain in Sturt’s side. In fact, the Double Blues have managed just nine wins from 43 matches against the Eagles.

Unfortunately for Blues supporters, the domination appears certain to continue at Unley this weekend, particularly as the Eagles must win to secure the minor premiership.

Importantly, caretaker coach Brodie Atkinson and his band of young tyros get one last chance to showcase their wares, but against the best team in the comp it could be another long afternoon.


BLOODS vs BULLDOGS
It’s the last match of the home-and-away season and it could have far-reaching consequences for a number of clubs.

The most likely scenario is a Central victory which will give the Bulldogs the double chance and West Adelaide the wooden spoon. No surprises there.

But things will really get interesting if the Bloods can conjure an upset win. This will not only lift them off the bottom of the ladder (unless Sturt topples the Eagles), but will also open the door to Port, South or Glenelg (depending on their results) to steal third spot. Having said all that though, the Dogs should win.

[heater31]

what happened to the Budger preview????

[Wedgie]

what happened to the Budger preview????

Its a different spelling error every week, never the same one.