Budgert Preview for Rd 19

[Wedgie]

PORT TO DROP OUT OF FIVE IF BEATEN

If the Magpies are defeated by Central District at Alberton this weekend, it will be their fourth loss in a row and result in the early-season flag fancy dropping out of the top five for the first time this year.

With sixth-ranked Norwood travelling to Noarlunga to play seventh-ranked South Adelaide, the winner will replace Port in fifth spot should the Bulldogs triumph.

These are two crucial contests which, to a degree, have overshadowed the first versus second match-up at Woodville Oval where North and the Eagles go head-to-head. Could this be a Grand Final preview?

To cap off Round 19, Glenelg can give itself a chance of third spot – and the double chance - if it downs Sturt at Unley Oval. For the Blues, who are coming off successive 100-point-plus hidings, they are searching for respect and would love to hinder the Bays’ finals push.


EAGLES vs ROOSTERS
The minor premiership is on the line at Oval Avenue in what is an out-and-out blockbuster between the Eagles and North.

In recent years, the Eagles have had the wood on the Roosters, but they’ve split their two clashes this season, and given the enormous talent each side possesses, anything could happen.

Last Sunday, Ron Fuller’s men lost their first game since May 7 (vs Port) so expect them to hit back hard and, in a tight one, just sneak over the line.


MAGPIES vs BULLDOGS
Going into the state game break in late May, if you said the top-of-the-table Magpies would miss the five this year you’d be considered stark raving mad.

But a loss to Central at home this weekend and it’s a very real possibility for the proud club, which has dropped six of its eight matches since the state game and will fall from the five with another defeat.

Port should (that’s “should”) run out breathing fire against the Bulldogs, but the reigning premier is clicking into gear at the right time and will be very tough to beat.


PANTHERS vs REDLEGS
You get the feeling that if the Panthers can make the top five, they could wreak havoc in the finals. But will they get there?

Supporters will have a clearer indication by 5pm on Saturday following their side’s match against fellow finals aspirant Norwood at Noarlunga.

For the winner, a place in the top five awaits; for the loser, it’s a massive chance gone begging. Home ground advantage – where South has won its past four – should be enough to give the Panthers the edge.


DOUBLE BLUES vs TIGERS
Glenelg hasn’t defeated Sturt in over three years and has managed just one victory in its past 10 visits to Unley. That said, the Tigers are still an overwhelming favourite to beat the Blues.

Brenton Phillips’ men are in disarray at the moment, with injuries and poor form contributing to a forgettable year.

A win would give the Blue boys a huge boost and at the same time puncture the Bays’ confidence … but that won’t happen.


Courtesy of The South Australian Football Budget
Story by Kieran Hall

[am Bays]

Hooray for another "Budget" spelling mistake by wedgie, it is becoming a tradition...

[Wedgie]

Hooray for another "Budget" spelling mistake by wedgie, it is becoming a tradition...

he he, I'll leave this one up.