Rnd 1 - Eagles v Central @ Maughan Thiem (Sat 5/4)

[Big Phil]

Reserves start at 11:25am

League start at 2:10pm...

Radio Coverage - 1197am RPH Adelaide from 1:30pm

[eaglehaslanded]

This match up could be interesting. I've always said you shouldn't read too much into trial form but the Eagles have looked good. How on earth they would play this one on Sat afternoon directly up against the Crows vs Swans at Adelaide Oval bemuses me though. I think the Eagles with the home ground advantage might just get up in a close one.

[Aerie]

Yes, strange that the Eagles have scheduled in direct competition with the game at Adelaide Oval. Same with moving another game later in the season to Mothers Day. Maybe it's what Ch 7 want, but can't imagine it will be good for crowds at Woodville Oval.

Will be good to watch footy again! With some good trial game results, a couple of star recruits and Grocke back, there is some optimism about the new season after a very disappointing end to 2013.

[SANFLnut]

Easiest game of the round to select. Really confident Eagles can win this. Only catch us that Dogs forwards have leg speed and talent over Eagles defenders. They could go enough with limited chances through Retzlaff, Mcintyre and co. to get them home.

[Big Phil]

Easiest game of the round to select. Really confident Eagles can win this. Only catch us that Dogs forwards have leg speed and talent over Eagles defenders. They could go enough with limited chances through Retzlaff, Mcintyre and co. to get them home.

I'd disagree with that. South v West is very tough to pick a winner.

[DOC]

He did say easiest.

[jim5112]

Interesting match first up. Good luck to Boydy -- "Break a Leg"

[Bounce of the ball]

Easiest game of the round to select. Really confident Eagles can win this. Only catch us that Dogs forwards have leg speed and talent over Eagles defenders. They could go enough with limited chances through Retzlaff, Mcintyre and co. to get them home.

I'd disagree with that. South v West is very tough to pick a winner.

What are your thoughts on McIntyre ?

[Big Phil]

What are your thoughts on McIntyre ?

I always thought, when playing for Sturt, he was a very dangerous, but very inconsistent, forward line player...

He always seemed to play well against Central and often had Roy Laird moving Paul Thomas on to him to limit his influence...

Having only seem him in a Doggies jumper for a half in a trial game, it looks like he has the make up of being a pretty good midfielder...

He has noticeably bulked up, but is still as fit as any of Central's best runners and has very good finishing skills, especially around the goals...

While the jury is still out, no doubt, I think he will be one of the Bulldogs better recruits this season and will surprise a few with how well he goes...

[Sanflfirst]

Easiest game of the round to select. Really confident Eagles can win this. Only catch us that Dogs forwards have leg speed and talent over Eagles defenders. They could go enough with limited chances through Retzlaff, Mcintyre and co. to get them home.

Can't agree with this statement SN, I think the Port v Norwood is and that's due to the current fitness level of the AFL franchise players. This match is different. Templeton and Boyd playing against them will give the bulldogs players plenty of incentive to dig deep. On recent past performances these games have always seemed to go down to the wire with Central just in front. Most supporters know how Ainger, Wundke, Groeke etc play. Great players. What is unknown to most is Centrals new recruits in Retzlaff, Gillbee, McIntyre, Mabon and Wagner. My gut feel is that the Eagles more settled squad will beat the young inexperienced Bulldog team In a close one but my heart and head say otherwise. Really looking forward to this game as I think the Eagles are definitely top 2-3.

[Jim05]

Johann would need to kick 10 for the Dogs to get close, Eagles by plenty

[wild dog]

Will be surprised if we win this one. Eagles by 24 points.

[Dogwatcher]

Me too.

[Big Phil]

Johann would need to kick 10 for the Dogs to get close, Eagles by plenty

He might kick 10, in the 2's. That is where he played last weekend...

[Hazydog]

Johann would need to kick 10 for the Dogs to get close, Eagles by plenty

He ight kick 10, in the 2's. That is where he played last weekend...

Albeit in Reserves company, he looked quite sharp to me. Definitely some potential.

[Jim05]

Johann would need to kick 10 for the Dogs to get close, Eagles by plenty

He ight kick 10, in the 2's. That is where he played last weekend...

Well one poster did say he would kick 100, must of meant in the magoos

[holden78]

This match up could be interesting. I've always said you shouldn't read too much into trial form but the Eagles have looked good. How on earth they would play this one on Sat afternoon directly up against the Crows vs Swans at Adelaide Oval bemuses me though. I think the Eagles with the home ground advantage might just get up in a close one.

Who cares if the candys play at the same time f**k them, I hope they all do. Knees we should be playing sat arvos

[Mickyj]

Be interesting to see if Grocke does play this week if he is over his injury !!

[CENTURION]

Wiggles by 40 points.

[Big Phil]

What are your thoughts on McIntyre ?

I always thought, when playing for Sturt, he was a very dangerous, but very inconsistent, forward line player...

He always seemed to play well against Central and often had Roy Laird moving Paul Thomas on to him to limit his influence...

Having only seem him in a Doggies jumper for a half in a trial game, it looks like he has the make up of being a pretty good midfielder...

He has noticeably bulked up, but is still as fit as any of Central's best runners and has very good finishing skills, especially around the goals...

While the jury is still out, no doubt, I think he will be one of the Bulldogs better recruits this season and will surprise a few with how well he goes...

Although slightly off topic, I'm curious as to your thoughts on McIntyre, @Bounce of the Ball. Being a Sturt supporter, you would have seen a fair bit of him in recent seasons, yes?