Central v Eagles Rd 14 2006
Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 8:54 amFrom the Advertiser:
Bulldogs look for rival's weak spot
DOUG ROBERTSON
07jul06
THEIR rivalry is as tantalising as any in the competition with no love between Central District and the Eagles . . . or their supporters.
That fact simply intensifies the tension of the clash of the SANFL heavyweights at Woodville Oval tomorrow. But there's far more at stake than macho pride.
Equal on points and a game clear of Port Adelaide, securing a spot in the top three and the valuable double-chance in September is the ultimate target.
The Eagles have won six games straight and they are near top strength with Hayden Skipworth - although also named by the Crows - Robert Fiacchi and SA under-18 ruckman Sam Jacobs in a squad of 23. However, Crows midfielder Bernie Vince (knee) is out.
Significantly, the Eagles have held their goal-to-goal line intact for the majority of this season and half-forward Adam Grocke has emerged as a key support act to Ken Farmer Medal contender Mark Passador.
Factor in a revived Matthew Cooper, goal ace Tim Inkster, Justin Cicolella and Skipworth lurking and the Eagles have more reliable firepower than the Dogs.
Central was gifted the Power's Elijah Ware, which might help around goals, and hard-nutted, reliable James Gowans comes back to definitely add to the Dogs' bite. He missed last week with bruised ligaments in a toe which he carried for several weeks. Now he's fit and fully functioning.
Playing off in four of the past six grand finals - all won by Central - doesn't breed friendships. It creates animosity and jealousy.
There's a palpable feeling between these teams and it's bound to be rough and tough - that's the nature of these beasts. However, clean ball use and focus under all-out attack and body pressure will make the difference on the scoreboard. Neither side can out-tough the other but both must meet the physical challenge.
If the Dogs find a weak spot they will press hard and coach Roy Laird encourages it.
"They (Eagles) are the form side and they look strong at the moment. We've got to be physically right," he said.
"We are a different playing group to previous years but we've recovered from where we were. The past five weeks have been pretty solid." Lose tomorrow and Central's past five consecutive victories will mean little.
The Dogs are not fully firing which makes the double-chance worth fighting for. The Eagles will be fighting for it too.
Bulldogs look for rival's weak spot
DOUG ROBERTSON
07jul06
THEIR rivalry is as tantalising as any in the competition with no love between Central District and the Eagles . . . or their supporters.
That fact simply intensifies the tension of the clash of the SANFL heavyweights at Woodville Oval tomorrow. But there's far more at stake than macho pride.
Equal on points and a game clear of Port Adelaide, securing a spot in the top three and the valuable double-chance in September is the ultimate target.
The Eagles have won six games straight and they are near top strength with Hayden Skipworth - although also named by the Crows - Robert Fiacchi and SA under-18 ruckman Sam Jacobs in a squad of 23. However, Crows midfielder Bernie Vince (knee) is out.
Significantly, the Eagles have held their goal-to-goal line intact for the majority of this season and half-forward Adam Grocke has emerged as a key support act to Ken Farmer Medal contender Mark Passador.
Factor in a revived Matthew Cooper, goal ace Tim Inkster, Justin Cicolella and Skipworth lurking and the Eagles have more reliable firepower than the Dogs.
Central was gifted the Power's Elijah Ware, which might help around goals, and hard-nutted, reliable James Gowans comes back to definitely add to the Dogs' bite. He missed last week with bruised ligaments in a toe which he carried for several weeks. Now he's fit and fully functioning.
Playing off in four of the past six grand finals - all won by Central - doesn't breed friendships. It creates animosity and jealousy.
There's a palpable feeling between these teams and it's bound to be rough and tough - that's the nature of these beasts. However, clean ball use and focus under all-out attack and body pressure will make the difference on the scoreboard. Neither side can out-tough the other but both must meet the physical challenge.
If the Dogs find a weak spot they will press hard and coach Roy Laird encourages it.
"They (Eagles) are the form side and they look strong at the moment. We've got to be physically right," he said.
"We are a different playing group to previous years but we've recovered from where we were. The past five weeks have been pretty solid." Lose tomorrow and Central's past five consecutive victories will mean little.
The Dogs are not fully firing which makes the double-chance worth fighting for. The Eagles will be fighting for it too.
