Central v Eagles Rd 14 2006

[Wedgie]

From the Advertiser:

Bulldogs look for rival's weak spot
DOUG ROBERTSON
07jul06

THEIR rivalry is as tantalising as any in the competition with no love between Central District and the Eagles . . . or their supporters.

That fact simply intensifies the tension of the clash of the SANFL heavyweights at Woodville Oval tomorrow. But there's far more at stake than macho pride.

Equal on points and a game clear of Port Adelaide, securing a spot in the top three and the valuable double-chance in September is the ultimate target.

The Eagles have won six games straight and they are near top strength with Hayden Skipworth - although also named by the Crows - Robert Fiacchi and SA under-18 ruckman Sam Jacobs in a squad of 23. However, Crows midfielder Bernie Vince (knee) is out.

Significantly, the Eagles have held their goal-to-goal line intact for the majority of this season and half-forward Adam Grocke has emerged as a key support act to Ken Farmer Medal contender Mark Passador.

Factor in a revived Matthew Cooper, goal ace Tim Inkster, Justin Cicolella and Skipworth lurking and the Eagles have more reliable firepower than the Dogs.

Central was gifted the Power's Elijah Ware, which might help around goals, and hard-nutted, reliable James Gowans comes back to definitely add to the Dogs' bite. He missed last week with bruised ligaments in a toe which he carried for several weeks. Now he's fit and fully functioning.

Playing off in four of the past six grand finals - all won by Central - doesn't breed friendships. It creates animosity and jealousy.

There's a palpable feeling between these teams and it's bound to be rough and tough - that's the nature of these beasts. However, clean ball use and focus under all-out attack and body pressure will make the difference on the scoreboard. Neither side can out-tough the other but both must meet the physical challenge.

If the Dogs find a weak spot they will press hard and coach Roy Laird encourages it.

"They (Eagles) are the form side and they look strong at the moment. We've got to be physically right," he said.

"We are a different playing group to previous years but we've recovered from where we were. The past five weeks have been pretty solid." Lose tomorrow and Central's past five consecutive victories will mean little.

The Dogs are not fully firing which makes the double-chance worth fighting for. The Eagles will be fighting for it too.

[MightyEagles]

Eagles 6 - 12 pts.

[Dogwatcher]

I have to say it's gonna be the Dogs! three goals.

[Aerie]

Will be interesting to see what Fuller does with Mark McKenzie. He's named him in the centre with Hall back into the side, but with a full forward line of Mackenzie, Schell and Westhoff and with Cowan at CHF, we might need the extra height of Pedler on the full back line with Hall.

At the start I'd match up Shattock on Mackenzie (he will run off him), Hall on Schell, R Fiacchi on Westhoff, P Fiacchi on Ware, Pedler on Cowan and Powell on C Gowans.

I'd be tempted to play McKenzie as a loose man across half back, running forward when we have the ball and shift Cicolella into the centre.

That Central team still looks strong on paper, even without 5 of their best who retired last year.

[sus]

Will be interesting to see what Fuller does with Mark McKenzie. He's named him in the centre with Hall back into the side, but with a full forward line of Mackenzie, Schell and Westhoff and with Cowan at CHF, we might need the extra height of Pedler on the full back line with Hall.

At the start I'd match up Shattock on Mackenzie (he will run off him), Hall on Schell, R Fiacchi on Westhoff, P Fiacchi on Ware, Pedler on Cowan and Powell on C Gowans.

I'd be tempted to play McKenzie as a loose man across half back, running forward when we have the ball and shift Cicolella into the centre.

That Central team still looks strong on paper, even without 5 of their best who retired last year.

I dont think Graham will play. Schell might go back and McKenzie to FF. In any case there's no way they will go with 3 talls on the FF line - too poorly balanced. I also think there is a doubt about a couple of other CDs players getting up so there's some real doubt about how they will generally line up anyway. I also think you will find that the Eagles back line will be pretty settled and line up the way they have in the past x matches regardless of the opposition (inc McKenzie at CHB).

[sydney-dog]

the dogs look good on paper, quality runners in slade, wilson, thomas, ware. switalia and the gowans, but the key to defending the premiership will be Cowans and Schell, these guys need to start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck,

prediction - Griffen to have an impact in the second half of the year

[giffo]

I also predict no Eagles fans at the game as its on tele.

[sydney-dog]

Griffo

mate the eagles fans have not turned up on GF day so why would they tomorrow

[Dog_ger]

Sydney-dog My mail says, the three of em will be there...!!!

[giffo]

Sad though, as this game deserves 5,000.

[sydney-dog]

knight has been left out of the crows side so his non-selection will booster the eagles

[Dog_ger]

Dog_gers "WEEKEND WISH LIST" Bring it on...! I have been waiting all week for this game to start...! North Adelaide to faulter and the Dogs to regain Top Spot... Ha...?




Friendly Rivalry

[Punk Rooster]

Dog_gers "WEEKEND WISH LIST" Bring it on...! I have been waiting all week for this game to start...! North Adelaide to faulter and the Dogs to regain Top Spot... Ha...?




Friendly Rivalry

Mrs_Dog_ger would not agree with you! Surely!
I predict another sleeples night for you Dog_ger!
"It's a great great club.."

[eaglehaslanded]

I also predict no Eagles fans at the game as its on tele.

I would predict your prediction is f*#@*# up. Eagles fans will be out in force today to watch their team go a game clear of the Dogs on the ladder.

[eaglehaslanded]

Griffo

mate the eagles fans have not turned up on GF day so why would they tomorrow

you obviously haven't been to the same GF's as me "sydney-dog" because I've seen plenty of blue, green & gold in the outer at the GF's I've been to.

[Dog_ger]

Well said eaglehaslanded...! Everyone be THERE

[eaglehaslanded]

Sydney-dog My mail says, the three of em will be there...!!!

Will you all shut your stinking dog cake holes about how few or how many Eags fans rock up to games. The Dogs have only got the bandwagon to thank for their support because before they started winning premierships I wouldn't have said any of their games would have been over attended in the past.

[eaglehaslanded]

My opinion on the game The mighty Eagles will win by 4 goals. Midfield is the best in the comp and can't be matched by the Dogs. Maybe just a couple more options up forward too.

[Mickyj]

Sydney-dog My mail says, the three of em will be there...!!!

Will you all shut your stinking dog cake holes about how few or how many Eags fans rock up to games. The Dogs have only got the bandwagon to thank for their support because before they started winning premierships I wouldn't have said any of their games would have been over attended in the past.

Thats a bit rough EHL but you are correct mate their fans no show when they arent winning
Go you Mighty Eagles

[Jimmy]

gonna be a cracker of a game....dogs just i reckon, but the eags are playing well.

less than 2 goals in it.