Budget Previews for Round 18

[Wedgie]

PANTHERS FACE ULTIMATE TEST TO KEEP FINALS FLAME FLICKERING

Only a month ago, South Adelaide sat a game clear of Glenelg and Norwood in fifth spot on the ladder. The Panthers had a hefty percentage advantage over the Tigers and the Redlegs and looked a good bet to make the finals.

However, three straight losses combined with three straight wins for both the Bays and the Legs have devastated South’s season, with the club now languishing in seventh place, two games outside the five.

On Sunday, the Panthers face a make-or-break match at Noarlunga Oval to keep their finals hopes alive, and their assignment couldn’t be any harder, with the front-running Eagles paying a visit to the southern suburbs.

Of the other three matches – all played on Saturday – the Norwood v Glenelg contest at Coopers Stadium will be a beauty, with the victor to be given some breathing room in the top five. Meanwhile, Sturt is playing for pride in its clash against Central at Adelaide Oval, while North is eager to bounce back against West at Broadspectrum.


BLOODS vs ROOSTERS
The Eagles last week and now North Adelaide. It doesn’t get any easier for West.

The Bloods managed an honourable loss to the Eagles, but this weekend’s task is perhaps more daunting given the Roosters are coming off a shock loss. They wouldn’t have been happy campers at Prospect during the week, and unfortunately for poor old Westies, they’re in line for the backlash.

Whilst still not at full strength, North will bounce back and inflict their eighth consecutive defeat of West Adelaide.


REDLEGS vs TIGERS
Whoever wins this game can start thinking about finals footy, with fourth spot – and a game’s break on fifth spot – up for grabs.

Similarly frustrating to follow this season, both clubs have had a tendency to drop winnable matches just as fans start talking up their September chances. It will happen again this weekend for one of them.

A “mini-final”, a “four-point game”, call it what you will. It’s perhaps the most important game of the year for both teams, so strap yourselves in for a cracker!


DOUBLE BLUES vs BULLDOGS
Central District should win this match, but given the inconsistency that has crept into the Bulldogs’ game this year – and the loss of team leaders Stuart Cochrane and Luke Cowan to injury - the Blues aren’t without a sniff.

Finals are definitely out of the question, but Sturt can still help shape the five and the players will no doubt want to send off coach Phillips with a few more wins as his tenure at the club comes to an end.

But the Dogs have had the wood on the Blues in recent years – they’ve won 14 of their past 16 clashes – and should prove too strong.


PANTHERS vs EAGLES
South Adelaide hasn’t beaten Woodville-West Torrens at Noarlunga Oval since 1997, but must pull something out of the hat this weekend if its finals ambitions are to remain intact.

The Panthers have once again promised so much, but it looms as yet another wasted season. Unless of course they can upset the premiership favourites and get their year back on track.

But Ron Fuller’s men are proving incredibly hard nuts to crack, and having downed South in 20 of their past 22 encounters, should continue their dominance.


Courtesy of The South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall

[MightyEagles]

Budger report ?

[Wedgie]

Budger report ?

lol, as soon as I re logged in and saw I mis typed it I knew someone would pick me up on it!

All fixed now.