Dodging and Weaving's preview of the GSFL grand final

[Dogwatcher]

Contributed by Forum Member "Dodging and Weaving"

Match Preview: A Grade Grand Final
WILLUNGA Vs STRATHALBYN

ROOSTERS CLUCKING AT CHANCE OF REDEMPTION

WHERE & WHEN:
McLaren Vale Oval, Saturday 19th September 2009, 2:30pm
LAST TIME:
Willunga 15.9 (99) d Strathalbyn 13.12 (90).
Matt Thomas controlled the Demons forward line kicking five goals, while Daniel Pegler and Marc Elliott caused headaches for the Willunga defence. The nine point margin flattered the Roosters who kicked a couple of late consolation goals when the game was all but over.

FORM:
Willunga- WWWWW
Strathalbyn - LWWWW

COACHES:
Willunga – Barry Pilmore
Strathalbyn – Peter Simmons

X FACTOR:
WILLUNGA
Matt Thomas
- Instrumental across Half Forward in 2009 for the Demons, exuding versatility with his capacity to outclass any type of defender with his speed and agility on the lead or strong overhead mark. Has enjoyed an incredibly consistent year, working in tandem with powerhouse forward David Hams. Commands Strathalbyn’s best defender - Expect Ashley Weckert to match up on Thomas who will exploit his younger opponents deficient strength and pace. Was relatively quiet in Willunga’s semi final clash with Langhorne Creek – Was well held by the experience of former SANFL player Paul Sherwood, but anticipate Thomas to relish the big stage of a grand final. A pivotal figure in the Demons forward line who appears void of any weaknesses, and generally finishes off with precision.

STRATHALBYN
Daniel Pegler
- Tuned up for this grand final clash with a dominant performance in the Preliminary Final against Langhorne Creek, including a booming goal in the last quarter which snuffed out any hope of a Hawks revival. Crucial component of the Roosters line-up with his supreme agility and running capacity across half forward and is often used to great effect in the ruck. Capable of hauling in big marks across half forward and always a chance to boot a goal with his prodigious leg. Possesses a huge work rate across the ground, and his intensity and defensive pressure cannot be under-estimated.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
WILLUNGA
Mitch Portlock
- Highly credentialed midfielder who has continued to devastate opposition sides with his ferocious ball hunting and silky disposal. Possesses an uncanny ability to perennially find his way to the fall of the ball, especially inside the forward 50 where he can destroy defenders. Came under close scrutiny from Langhorne Creek’s taggers in Willunga’s last hit-out, and sacrificed his own game for the sake of his team-mates by lurking predominantly in the forward pocket. Capable of wreaking havoc if left unattended in the pressure cooker atmosphere of a grand final. Proven big game performer.
Brad Haskett
- 2009 Mail Medal runner up with a wealth of versatility. Dangerous as a tall, bullocking wingman or right at home roaming across half back providing rebound out of defence. Remarkably quick and displays great agility for a man of his stature and proves a nightmare to match up on at whichever post he occupies.

STRATHALBYN
Marc Elliott
- Has been the barometer for Strathalbyn’s late season revival playing a vital role in the forward line amassing 33 goals in his past 6 outings. Elusive on the lead, quick at ground level and strong overhead Elliott commands immense respect from his opponent. Versatility is his greatest asset, which results in a difficult match up for the Willunga coaching staff but one they must get right to subdue his impact. The only genuine forward in the Roosters structure and must seize every opportunity he is afforded.
Sam McDonald
- Best afield in the Roosters defeat of Langhorne Creek in last weeks Preliminary Final, providing plenty of run and carry through the midfield and booting 4 goals himself. Former West Adelaide player gifted with speed and agility ensuring he is highly elusive around the packs, up forward and bustling his way through the middle. Capable of the mercurial, and can run all day delivering with superb accuracy. Regularly on the stat sheet with goal assists and clearances, and isn’t unfamiliar with kicking goals himself. Holds the key to presenting the Strathalbyn forwards with sufficient opportunities.

POSSIBLE KEY MATCH-UPS:
- Wes Glass Vs Daniel Pegler – A difficult proposition for the versatile Glass, who may struggle in the strength department of this clash but will be pushing hard to exploit Pegler on the rebound. Glass will have to keep a watchful eye on Pegler as he floats forward with his uncanny knack of finding space in dangerous positions inside the forward 50.
- Todd Steele Vs Nathan Duffield – Two of the elder statesmen of the competition go into battle for an epic duel in the ruck. Whoever can gain ascendancy in this contest will go a long way to serving their midfielders with vital first use of the football.
- David Hams Vs Ben Nisbett – Nisbett will have his work cut out containing the league leading goal-kicker who added to his colourful career by kicking 10 goals in last years grand final victory against Strathalbyn. Cutting the quality of the supply to Hams will assist Nesbitt’s cause, in contrast if Hams is afforded silver service then expect a second consecutive grand final goal scoring spree.
- Matt Thomas Vs Ashley Weckert – Looms as a nightmare match up for the Roosters with Weckert the only defender of suitable size capable of attempting to contain Thomas. Will require assistance from ruckman and fellow defenders clogging space in a bid to nullify Thomas’s influence across half forward.
- Mitch Portlock Vs Sam McDonald – Portlock was kept under close watch in Willunga’s clash with Langhorne Creek, and will appreciate the chance to play a free-wheeling role through the midfield if both coaches are comfortable with permitting an all out attack from this pair. Sam McDonald was instrumental in the Roosters Preliminary final victory proving supremely effective in front of goals, an aspect Portlock must be vigilant of.
- Andy McDonald Vs Jonathan Eagleton – Expect McDonald to play an unconventional offensive tag on the lively Eagleton, yet he must be cautious of the Strathalbyn midfielder’s ability to damage through minimal possessions. McDonald has enjoyed a breakthrough year of consistency in 2009 and will need to continue that form to repress Eagleton’s influence whilst finding the football himself.
- Sam Alexopoulos Vs Marc Elliott – Elliott emerges as a worrying match-up for Barry Pilmore, with Alexopoulos the quickest and most agile of the Willunga defence, and therefore the only suitable opponent for the form player of the competition. Alexopoulos’ rebound from defence will force Elliott to be wary of how much latitude he allows his opponent as the ball exits the Strathalbyn forward line.

ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL:
Both sides have forged contrasting paths throughout the finals series – Strathalbyn were forced to do it the hard way from 4th spot overcoming Victor Harbor, Mount Compass and one-time premiership fancies Langhorne Creek respectively in consecutive weeks. All 3 wins were in emphatic and impressive fashion, with an average winning margin of 56-points signalling their arrival as a serious premiership contender. Willunga put the polish on another successful minor round campaign brushing past Langhorne Creek with consummate ease in their final round fixture and earning a break in the first week of finals. The Demons then resurfaced in week 2 of the finals against Langhorne Creek once again, and responded to a lacklustre first half to runaway winners by 26 points booking their place in the grand final and a chance to re-write the record books.
SUMMARY:

A Strathalbyn side seeking retribution have been granted their shot at redemption, a year after receiving a crushing 66-point defeat at the hands of the same rampaging Willunga outfit they will face this afternoon.
Looking to match the dynasty of six consecutive premierships set by Victor Harbor in the 90s, the experienced Willunga side faces a youthful, vibrant Strathalbyn side full of momentum that cannot be under-estimated.
The defining factor in this clash will undoubtedly be the battle of the midfields. Strathalbyn’s vulnerable defence will struggle to withstand the influence of their stronger Willunga opponents if quality and quantity of the supply to the Demons powerhouse forwards in Hams and Thomas, is at a premium. Quelling the flow of forward entries will be an integral part in either side gaining ascendancy in the contest however, Willunga’s abundance of potent attacking options will take its toll on the undermanned Strathalbyn defence if they are afforded luxury delivery.
On the injury front, Strathalbyn’s Ben Wilson was unable to take his place in last weeks Preliminary Final but is expected to be fully fit for the Roosters tilt at glory. At Demon land, the addition of evergreen veteran Adam Carnevale enhances Willunga’s already formidable contingent of experienced campaigners, while Damion Young remains in the mix for a recall, as the Demons attempt to balance their side to overcome Strathalbyn’s running capacity and distinct lack of talls.
Much has been made of the Roosters running capabilities from the likes of Eagleton, McDonald, Vaninetti and George but Willunga’s running brigade is often irreverently overlooked as one of their main assets – Baxter, Alexopoulos, Williamson, McDonald, Portlock, Glass and Haskett are all hard running types who continually break lines and dispose with class on the run.
Expect some added spite in this clash, with the Roosters hoping to exact some revenge following an unsavoury, yet out of character incident involving star Willunga midfielder Nathan Genovese that left key Strathalbyn player, Matt Ellis sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a broken jaw.
The Roosters kept coming in their most recent stoush with Willunga going down by 9-points, proving they hold no fears and are more than adept against their highly credentialed opponents.
A fine and sunny day awaits – an element which will suit the fast-paced Roosters, and the McLaren Vale Oval looks to be in super shape. Anticipate an absorbing battle played at high intensity, conducive to attractive football for spectators. Once again, the emphasis on winning possession out of the middle will hold the key to either sides chances with the underdogs of Strathalbyn a huge chance of an upset if the supply is cut off to the Willunga forwards.
The Demons showed a slight vulnerability to the week off against Langhorne Creek in the semi final, opening the match in lacklustre fashion and played like a team that hadn’t played for two weeks, which they hadn’t. If Willunga open proceedings below their best, the Roosters must sense the opportunity and seize their chance to apply scoreboard pressure.
In reality, the Willunga midfield holds too much experience, too much class and too much strength for the young bodies of Strathalbyn to withstand for four quarters and once the margin hits 3 goals the Demons are likely to keep finding another gear and roll on to a sixth straight premiership.

[CK]

Great write up, D&W. A few questions, out of interest:

Strath coach, Peter Simmons: former Glenelg coach?

Is that the same Matt Thomas who is ex-Norwood KPP,, and is the Ben Wilson the ex-Collingwood, Norwood and South player?

You refer to a Vaninetti in there - is this ex-Macclesfield star James Vaninetti?

[dodgingandweaving]

Thanks. Thomas is ex South/Wisanger, Wilson is ex South, has been at Strath for a while and might well have been at Collingwood also. Not sure on Vaninetti's and Macclesfield to be honest.

[redandblack]

CK, Peter Simmons is the ex-west junior premiership coach, ex-North player and ex-Glenelg coach.

Just guessing, but I'd presume that's why Strath have Nisbett, Eagleton and McDonald, all ex-West juniors.

Sam McDonald won the Under 19's medal (Tompkins?) a few years ago.

[blackandred]

I think Jonathon Eagleton played league for Westies - as did his brothers Michael and Nathan.

[A Mum]

For those interested the final score for the game this article was written about:
Willunga 12.13 (85) def Strathalbyn 13.5 (83)