Preview of Rd 13 from the Budget

[Wedgie]

DESPERATION STAKES AS ARCH-RIVALS CLASH

A month ago as the nine League clubs enjoyed a weekend off to watch the state game, Port sat on top of the ladder as a leading flag fancy with a 6-1 record.

Since the break, the Magpies have lost three consecutive matches and dropped to fourth on the table. All the premiership talk has stopped. Now it’s a case of can they simply make the finals?

On Sunday, Port hosts arch-rival Norwood at Alberton Oval in vital clash for both clubs. The Magpies will be out to stop their slide and restore respect following last Sunday’s Noarlunga embarrassment, while the Redlegs need to win to keep in touch of the five.

The three other games this weekend are all played on Saturday afternoon, with the North v Glenelg tussle at Prospect the pick of the bunch. The Roosters can push a game clear at the top if they succeed, while the Tigers need to win if they’re to re-enter the desired half of the ladder.

The South v Sturt game at Noarlunga also looms as an intriguing contest, while West Adelaide has the job ahead of it against Central at Elizabeth.

BULLDOGS vs BLOODS
West Adelaide hasn’t beaten Central District at Elizabeth since 1999, and considering the Bulldogs’ form in the past month, the stretch looks set to continue for the Bloods.

After a 2-4 start to the season, Roy Laird and his boys have won four on the trot, and with a more settled line-up beginning to stamp its authority, it could be another long day at the office for Westies.

After their incredible victory over Port in Round 9, the Bloods were humiliated by North in Round 10 before a creditable losing effort against South in Round 11. Another creditable losing effort is perhaps the best the club can expect.

ROOSTERS vs TIGERS
With a host of stars filtering back into the seniors, the Roosters are on target for a big build-up to the finals.

This weekend, they host Glenelg, a side which has won three of its past four matches at Prospect, and a side which must keep winning to remain in finals contention.

North should win, but they won’t have it all their own way against the Tigers, who will be keen to make amends for their disappointing effort against Central last week – their score of 8.11 (against Central’s 19.13) was their lowest score of the season.

PANTHERS vs DOUBLE BLUES
Wow! That’s the only way to describe South Adelaide’s performance against the Magpies last week, which no doubt sent shivers down a few Sturt supporters’ spines.

The Panthers were simply outstanding in their 107-point thrashing of a widely regarded premiership contender, and resuming on home soil this weekend, will be eager to give fans more reason to blow their car horns.

The Double Blues capitulated against North last Friday night, and despite having had almost two extra days to recover than South, will find it tough to win.

MAGPIES vs REDLEGS
Port v Norwood matches are fierce contests at the best of times. Throw in a dose of desperation and we’re in for an absolute gut-buster at Alberton.

Magpie fans – and footy supporters in general – are still shaking their heads following Port’s woeful effort against South last Sunday. It would’ve been a long week for coach Tim Ginever and his charges, who not only need a win to stabilise their position in the five, but to restore pride in a team low on confidence.

Incredibly, another loss could send Port crashing out of the top half, something nobody would’ve predicted just a few weeks ago. It’s time for the Maggies to step up.

Courtesy of The South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall

And for those Bays fans, the latest from Prospect is that Motlop's been called back to the Power side and Hargs has taken his spot, here's the team for Saturday:

F Martin Hargraves Younie
HF Ladhams Gill M.Campbell
C Ryswyk Wintle Bamford
HB Ivens Koops Gatto
B McIntyre Schubert Nye


Ruck:O'Hara Howard Krieg
Interchange: Wakelin R.Ebert D.Ebert

In:Hargraves
Out: Motlop (Power)