SA Footy

I was looking at the past grand finals scores against centrals in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005 and didn't realise that in three of these GFs we were right in the game up until 1/2 time. Aside from the abomination in 2004 we actually played quite well.

Going into half-time:

2000: We were 3 points down (Centrals 3.8 to Eagles 3.5)
2001: We were 5 points down (Centrals 5.2 to Eagles 4.3)
2005: We were 3 points down (Centrals 7.6 to Eagles 7.3)

After half time:

2000: We were 28 points down (Centrals 7.10 to Eagles 3.6)
2001 We were 24 points down (Centrals 8.3 to Eagles 4.3)
2005: We were 13 points down (Centrals 10.9 to Eagles 8.

And if you want to look at 2004, Centrals kicked 9 goals 6 points to Eagles 1 goal. This was Centrals highest scoring quarter in that match by far.

What this suggests is that we have started ok against the bulldogs but something goes badly wrong in the break at half time. I hope this is what Fuller focuses on because by now they should realise that the bulldogs will keep up the intensity for the full game whilst history tells us the eagles lose focus. I think that if Centrals are in front at half time, they will go on with the game and win by 4-5 goals. If the Eagles are in front I think we can win it and I believe we can do this by 6-7 goals.

centrals physical presence has a lot to do with it imo

It takes its toll.

And as I've said before, the only grand final I've been supremely confident at half time or even three quarter time was the 2004 flogging. and that one was pretty much over at quarter time.

In last year's GF (if my memory serves me correctly) the Eagles were the better team until time on of each of the first three quarters. I thought the game turned in the last five-ten minutes of the 2nd quarter last year. For the Eagles to win they must persist and concentrate for a full four quarters and make the most of their opportunities. Even in the minor round games this year there have been periods where Central have turned their game on and in ten minutes of brilliant football have negated the lead that the Eagles had built up over most of the game. It's up to the senior players to ensure the Eagles are switched on and not only come out firing, but remain that way for the full quarters. Has Skipworth played in any of the previous Grand Finals? I know he didn't play in 2004 and 2005.

No, it's Skipworth's first.
He could prove the difference in this game - it depends how handles Centrals' trademark ferocity (if they in fact bring it to the game).

And you're right about last year's grand final and when Centrals took control. I was nervous as hell at one stage.
Til a cone smoking Doggies man told me to 'Chill out'

We have to make sure we kick a winning score.

I'd like to see Lindsay up forward for most of the game and Dabrowski to ruck the majority. Also put Mckenzie up there, leave inkster there the whole game, keep passador there as well. I think these people could kick enough

Big moves, big moves.