by petoe » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:15 pm
To add some more talking points, heres a summary of the years had by the Prelim Finalists so far:
Cove: Exceeded all expectations to only lose 1 minor round game(v brighton), and get the minor premiership. Has so far shaken the finals chokers tag by winning through to a gf, even if not in overly convincing fashion sometimes, but that doesnt matter, you only have to win to progress. Didn't recruit heavily if at all (Size I think only addition) so the core group of last 3 or 4 years plus great progression of youngsters miller, cameron, schneyder etc. have been great, also very well served by ex league players M and D Reavill. From the weekends prelim performances Im not sure they would go in favourite to the GF now, which probably helps them i reckon.
Morphett Vale: Had some doubters during the minor round by losing 4 games after an undefeated premiership year last year, but have showed everyone come finals time why they have won 4 in a row. Have lost a couple of key players to season injuries, but have seemed to cover them well because of their intense depth. No major new players this year and have that core group of players who know exactly what is required in key matches and key sections of the game. After absolutly smashing brighton in the prelim., would have earned GF favroutism. They no how to handle it, and seems the hunger is still there. Still on the day it is still hard to pick a winner. Will they pull it off for the outgoing coach?
Brighton: After a slow start vs. strong opposition in the early in the minor round, really got going in the mid and especially late in the year. As most said on this forum they were red hot favourites for the flag after round 18. In my opinion they choked big time. Reasons being, they made a grand final last year, and was said around the traps all was needed was a good ruckman and tall player to take the next step. In comes awesome ruckman brookman, ex league key position player statham and more gun juniors that they have, and they go and get beaten reasonabley well by cove, luckily get over the line against reynella, and get pantsed by MV. Finals form real questionable from some key players (injuries??? who knows? Hoare, King, Tucker, Noble) Bit a of a step back I reckon. Also had Johnstone in career best form (congrats on winning the Mail Medal). Maybe showed all their cards between rounds 14 and 18??
Port Noarlunga: Had an ok minor round, couldnt beat any in the top 5 but most of the time were real competitive with the top 5. By the end of the season had many talking bout what the league (other teams) need to do to bridge the gap on the "untouchable" top 5 . Missed a gun and leader in Manhood for the whole season, as well as some other key injuries. Invested a fair bit in youth with a good mix of quality older players, mainly key position. Had a couple of reasonablenew recruits (littlefield, heath etc.) . Finished year in 6th, played a new Morph park in elim final and won thrugh like many expected, but thats where everyone thought it would end. Massive upset in the semi vs. Valleys, and did it quite easily. Once again no one gave them a chance in the prelim vs minor premier Cove, but took it right up to them for most of the game, having them quite worried at half time. They would be happy with their year and progrssion of younger players and their finals form. Mannion will be a massive loss, but well done to PN in 08.
