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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:43 pmBATTLE FOR SPOTS HOTS UP!
We’re still in the midst of a cold winter, but with just eight rounds to go until the major round, the battle for spots in the top five is really starting to heat up!
North Adelaide and the Eagles are threatening to make it a two-horse race for the minor premiership – and the all-important break on the first weekend of the finals that goes with it – while Central and Port are both eyeing a top-three finish and the double chance. Then there’s Glenelg, South Adelaide and Norwood, who are in a three-way war for fifth. Every game now is crucial.
This weekend, the Roosters face a tough challenge against the Magpies to remain at the head of the pack. North should be fresh enough having only played three matches in the past five weeks, however will need to be on top of their game to knock off Port at Alberton, which is always a stern test.
The Eagles will start a hot favourite to beat lowly Sturt at Unley and extend their winning streak to nine, Norwood must beat Central at Coopers Stadium to keep its finals pulse pumping, while Glenelg will be out to consolidate fifth position – and continue West’s misery – in their encounter at the Bay.
DOUBLE BLUES vs EAGLES
Sturt hasn’t beaten Woodville-West Torrens in over three years, and despite the Double Blues’ improved form last weekend, the drought appears certain to continue.
The Eagles have not only won their past eight against Sturt, their average winning margin in those eight contests is 46 points, so it’s fair to say they’ve got the wood on the Blues.
Injuries have also rocked Brenton Phillips’ men (or should that be boys?), while the Eagles continue to go from strength to strength.
MAGPIES vs ROOSTERS
Last week, Port coach Tim Ginever conceded his side might not be up to a top-three finish, but would no doubt happily eat his words if the Magpies can upset pacesetter North.
But the odds are firmly in the Roosters’ favour. North has won five of its past six games against Port, and has clearly been the better side in recent weeks – in fact, throughout the season to date.
Playing at Alberton gives the Magpies some chance, but as they found out last week against the Eagles, they’ll need much more than home ground advantage to beat North.
TIGERS vs BLOODS
The Tigers are back in town and have a great opportunity this weekend to sneak a game clear of South and Norwood in their battle for fifth spot.
Hosting a sore and sorry West Adelaide lot at the Bay, Glenelg displayed fighting qualities to fend off the Panthers last Sunday, and will not want to waste that effort with a lacklustre follow-up.
With the wooden spoon firmly in hand, the Bloods only have pride to play for now – which could spark the side – but until that happens, you simply can’t tip Westies.
REDLEGS vs BULLDOGS
By 5pm on Saturday, Norwood supporters will have a much clearer indication of whether or not their side will play in this year’s finals series. Win and the Redlegs are well and truly in the hunt; lose and their stocks will plummet.
Playing in front of the Coopers Stadium faithful, Norwood will need everything to go its way if it’s to upset the Dogs, particularly considering Central has taken the points in eight of their past nine meetings.
The Legs have everything to play for, but Roy Laird’s men have fought back well after an indifferent opening to the season, and should consolidate third spot.
Courtesy of The South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall
We’re still in the midst of a cold winter, but with just eight rounds to go until the major round, the battle for spots in the top five is really starting to heat up!
North Adelaide and the Eagles are threatening to make it a two-horse race for the minor premiership – and the all-important break on the first weekend of the finals that goes with it – while Central and Port are both eyeing a top-three finish and the double chance. Then there’s Glenelg, South Adelaide and Norwood, who are in a three-way war for fifth. Every game now is crucial.
This weekend, the Roosters face a tough challenge against the Magpies to remain at the head of the pack. North should be fresh enough having only played three matches in the past five weeks, however will need to be on top of their game to knock off Port at Alberton, which is always a stern test.
The Eagles will start a hot favourite to beat lowly Sturt at Unley and extend their winning streak to nine, Norwood must beat Central at Coopers Stadium to keep its finals pulse pumping, while Glenelg will be out to consolidate fifth position – and continue West’s misery – in their encounter at the Bay.
DOUBLE BLUES vs EAGLES
Sturt hasn’t beaten Woodville-West Torrens in over three years, and despite the Double Blues’ improved form last weekend, the drought appears certain to continue.
The Eagles have not only won their past eight against Sturt, their average winning margin in those eight contests is 46 points, so it’s fair to say they’ve got the wood on the Blues.
Injuries have also rocked Brenton Phillips’ men (or should that be boys?), while the Eagles continue to go from strength to strength.
MAGPIES vs ROOSTERS
Last week, Port coach Tim Ginever conceded his side might not be up to a top-three finish, but would no doubt happily eat his words if the Magpies can upset pacesetter North.
But the odds are firmly in the Roosters’ favour. North has won five of its past six games against Port, and has clearly been the better side in recent weeks – in fact, throughout the season to date.
Playing at Alberton gives the Magpies some chance, but as they found out last week against the Eagles, they’ll need much more than home ground advantage to beat North.
TIGERS vs BLOODS
The Tigers are back in town and have a great opportunity this weekend to sneak a game clear of South and Norwood in their battle for fifth spot.
Hosting a sore and sorry West Adelaide lot at the Bay, Glenelg displayed fighting qualities to fend off the Panthers last Sunday, and will not want to waste that effort with a lacklustre follow-up.
With the wooden spoon firmly in hand, the Bloods only have pride to play for now – which could spark the side – but until that happens, you simply can’t tip Westies.
REDLEGS vs BULLDOGS
By 5pm on Saturday, Norwood supporters will have a much clearer indication of whether or not their side will play in this year’s finals series. Win and the Redlegs are well and truly in the hunt; lose and their stocks will plummet.
Playing in front of the Coopers Stadium faithful, Norwood will need everything to go its way if it’s to upset the Dogs, particularly considering Central has taken the points in eight of their past nine meetings.
The Legs have everything to play for, but Roy Laird’s men have fought back well after an indifferent opening to the season, and should consolidate third spot.
Courtesy of The South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall
