Round 21: South vs Eagles Review

[spell_check]

Ok, may as well be me who does this one.

Eagles 2.2 4.7 6.9 8.14 (62)
South 4.2 6.2 8.6 8.8 (56)

Scorers:
Eagles: Grocke 5.6, Smith 2.1, Goldsworthy 1.1, Staple 0.4, McKenzie 0.1, Rushed 0.1.
South: Wundke 5.0, Horne, Stribling 1.1, McKay 1.0, Rolfe 0.3, Cross 0.1, Rushed 0.2.

Crowd: 2,415

Tonight confirms again that we still lack pace and rely on the bigger bodies to crash through packs. The problem is, tackles usually stick. Sure, the game once again was uninspiring, but hey, a win cements third spot. And a good competitive hit out without injuries was what was needed and that's what it turned out to be.

I did notice towards the end of the third quarter, the momentum changed our way and kept it going throughout the last quarter. The poor kicking for goal during the last quarter perhaps made the game in the balance longer than the play indicated. Made partly due to the fact the forwards shots for goal were mostly in the pocket; the other half coming from "The Adventures of the Adam Grocke Set Shot". Lee Staple created an appendix to that book.

The South Adelaide pace machine was well oiled for the first quarter, and for most of third. However, as I noted, it began to splutter as the momentum changed. Players like Horne, Cross, Liddle, Murphy etc. are hard to catch on the ground. Whereas players in the "old brigade" of master skipper McKenzie, Cicolella, Powell, along with Lewis find themselves in the right spots and rely on space more than pace.

I should also make a mention to Brodie Smith, who hopefully with no injuries will be with the team for the finals. A calm head to dribble the ball through for the winning goal, plus he also effected an out on the full onto the South player who escapes me on the grandstand side. That was at a critical stage of the match - he was clear and Smith managed to catch up and nudge him off the correct trajectory.

As much as Grocke has found a home away from North Adelaide, so too has Michael Wundke. He now finds himself in prime position for the medal named after a full-forward who did make a legendary name of himself at North. And a worthy winner at that. A strong pair of hands and an accurate kick; I reckon he has been a surprise packet in the League this year. He was helped by getting the ball in more favourable positions than Grocke, but at least for a South point of view, one felt more confident when he was having a shot for goal.

While we now sit in 3rd and prepare for the Qualifying Final, South fans can take heart in knowing that this side has got plenty of things going for it in years to come, and a finals berth is still up for grabs this year. This is a lot healthier position than the past four seasons.

[Jim05]

Its a shame for South that with their massive improvement this season they still might end up second to bottom. Hope they dont drop their heads because things are on the right track down there

[SplitCity]

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.

Anyways, I had a sense of deja vu watching the game in the first quarter. South's leg speed was telling in the first and I thought they would have taken a bigger lead at quarter time. Eagles had the upper hand in the second and last but couldn't put scoreboard pressure on. Should have killed the game earlier but too many shots were taken in the pockets. Grocke was great, apart from his inaccurate kicking.

What was with the time clock not working?

[saintal]

One that got away. Although the Eagles would argue that had they kicked straight they would have won by more...

Only two goals after HT and only four goal kickers...not going to cut it really. 17-29 clearances hurt.

Rated the games of Stribling, Thewlis, Wundke and Brown.

[Columbo]

Good summary Spelly. Good to get away with a win from a game that had a fair bit riding on it for both sides.
When the game was there to be won, Brodie Smith really stood up last night don't know that we will see him alot next year.

[southee]

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.Anyways, I had a sense of deja vu watching the game in the first quarter. South's leg speed was telling in the first and I thought they would have taken a bigger lead at quarter time. Eagles had the upper hand in the second and last but couldn't put scoreboard pressure on. Should have killed the game earlier but too many shots were taken in the pockets. Grocke was great, apart from his inaccurate kicking.

What was with the time clock not working?

Utter crap!!! Still a bit bitter are we??? I was there and that did not happen so stop trolling Mr. 4 posts!!!

Anyway.....I just wish the football gods would look on us long suffering South supporters and give us something......breaks my heart to get this result as from now its going to be a uphill battle for the finals. These are the things that test a true supporter who still gets out every week when the chips are down year after year.

Still with a couple more experienced players next year ......the only way is up from now.

[klaan]

Unfortunately Southee it did happen. After I gave it to the umpires on the way off, I turned and saw one of our, lets call him an older supporter with less capacity than some, telling the boys exactly that. So I gave it to him as well!

One that got away and I hope it doesn't come back to bite us.

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.Anyways, I had a sense of deja vu watching the game in the first quarter. South's leg speed was telling in the first and I thought they would have taken a bigger lead at quarter time. Eagles had the upper hand in the second and last but couldn't put scoreboard pressure on. Should have killed the game earlier but too many shots were taken in the pockets. Grocke was great, apart from his inaccurate kicking.

What was with the time clock not working?

Utter crap!!! Still a bit bitter are we??? I was there and that did not happen so stop trolling Mr. 4 posts!!!

Anyway.....I just wish the football gods would look on us long suffering South supporters and give us something......breaks my heart to get this result as from now its going to be a uphill battle for the finals. These are the things that test a true supporter who still gets out every week when the chips are down year after year.

Still with a couple more experienced players next year ......the only way is up from now.

[SplitCity]

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.

Utter crap!!! Still a bit bitter are we??? I was there and that did not happen so stop trolling Mr. 4 posts!!!

Unfortunately Southee it did happen. After I gave it to the umpires on the way off, I turned and saw one of our, lets call him an older supporter with less capacity than some, telling the boys exactly that. So I gave it to him as well!

Shall I be expecting an apology southee?

[Pseudo]

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.

Utter crap!!! Still a bit bitter are we??? I was there and that did not happen so stop trolling Mr. 4 posts!!!

Unfortunately Southee it did happen. After I gave it to the umpires on the way off, I turned and saw one of our, lets call him an older supporter with less capacity than some, telling the boys exactly that. So I gave it to him as well!

Shall I be expecting an apology southee?

Absolutely he should apologise. You're not Mr-4-posts any more.

[Aerie]

I thought the set up down south was excellent for night footy. Not sure whether it was a recent visit to the optometrist or the lights are actually better than other grounds in the SANFL. Much better than Richmond and Elizabeth for night footy.

South supporters would have the right to feel it was one that got away, being in front for most of the night, but it felt to me like the Eagles controlled the game after quarter time and it was only a matter of time before they got on top. It ended up being closer than it probably should have been, with the Eagles inaccuracy in front of goal keeping the scoreboard close all night.

Parry fed it down the throat of Powell, Rowntree, Lewis and McKenzie all night. Smith was excellent and I wonder if Fuller had someone more experienced to man up on him in the last quarter whether South would have managed to win. That skinny number 50 something is clearly a few years away from being league standard, however we know Fuller likes to give young guys a go and that is one of the reasons why the Eagles are in good stead now.

All focus can now turn to getting things right for the Qualifying Final.

[wedgetail]

Sorry Southee, I was there as well and the elderly 'gentleman' did let forth about Fuller. Kurt Slaven (Eagles' President also heard the comment and remarked "Come of it mate, he's the best coach you've had for 20 years"

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.Anyways, I had a sense of deja vu watching the game in the first quarter. South's leg speed was telling in the first and I thought they would have taken a bigger lead at quarter time. Eagles had the upper hand in the second and last but couldn't put scoreboard pressure on. Should have killed the game earlier but too many shots were taken in the pockets. Grocke was great, apart from his inaccurate kicking.

What was with the time clock not working?

Utter crap!!! Still a bit bitter are we??? I was there and that did not happen so stop trolling Mr. 4 posts!!!

Anyway.....I just wish the football gods would look on us long suffering South supporters and give us something......breaks my heart to get this result as from now its going to be a uphill battle for the finals. These are the things that test a true supporter who still gets out every week when the chips are down year after year.

Still with a couple more experienced players next year ......the only way is up from now.

[SplitCity]

Yep, heard that too wedge.

[Jim05]

That guy sounds like a fool.
Fuller is probably the best thing thats happened at that club for years

[clanger]

Kurt Slaven (Eagles' President also heard the comment and remarked "Come of it mate, he's the best coach you've had for 20 years"

he is right on the money the best coach by far. Robert pyman would be way behind in second place.

[southee]

Found it quite interesting post game one south supporter was yelling out to the players coming up the race that they would have won with a better coach.

Utter crap!!! Still a bit bitter are we??? I was there and that did not happen so stop trolling Mr. 4 posts!!!

Unfortunately Southee it did happen. After I gave it to the umpires on the way off, I turned and saw one of our, lets call him an older supporter with less capacity than some, telling the boys exactly that. So I gave it to him as well!

Shall I be expecting an apology southee?

Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge - Splitcity, I am truly sorry if I have caused you any duress. Please forgive my erratic actions and false accusations.

Kind Regards.

Southee

[SplitCity]

No worries mate. I can understand the frustration. The so called "supporter" just needs a good clip around the ears. I just couldn't believe I was hearing him say such a thing.

I have enjoyed the way south has been playing when I've gone to a few of their games at Noarlunga. They can dominate, but not for four quarters at the moment.

[blueandwhite]

I thought it was a really good game of sanfl footy- a real arm wrestle for most of the night. Despite being flogged at the clearances South hung in there aided by some poor kicking for goal from the eagles . Grocke in the end was the difference between the 2 sides- but watching him line up for goal is like watching a train crash- its really ugly.He'd be a dead set gun if he could kick straight.
For South Stribling was our best followed by Cross and Liddle- does this guy ever play a bad game? We really need to recruit some height and strength in key positions before next year.
I'm not sure but I think its the first time for a long time that I thought South supporters outnumbered the oppositions..
As for the mis guided South person who made a derisive comment re the coach; fair dinkum mate ;we dont have many supporters and every one counts,but if you are that misguided I think you should do us all a favour and stay home.

Just wondering if any eagles supporters would like to comment on the popularly held view that a visit to Hickinbotham Oval usually sees a force 10 gale blowing down the ground with hail and sleet blowing in sideways of the sea.

[SplitCity]

I've been to about half a dozen games at Noarlunga this year and the conditions have been fairly good for most games. A little drizzle last night and against Glenelg I think. There was a heavy downpour in the last quarter against Centrals a few weeks back. There was quite a strong breeze during the previous day game against the Eagles. I guess it doesn't bother me too much as I live 5 mins from the oval anyway.

[Columbo]

Just wondering if any eagles supporters would like to comment on the popularly held view that a visit to Hickinbotham Oval usually sees a force 10 gale blowing down the ground with hail and sleet blowing in sideways of the sea.

Had been told the night conditions were better and they certainly were last night, the last 3 day time visits we have had down South there has been a howling north wind blowing! Typical that it rained though!!!

Just away from the game...a couple of things...

Firstly, I though the ringside announcer had been given the flick? Didn't see or hear him last time. Can't say I'm a big fan of it during the quarters but think its good during the breaks and was good that he interviewed Ronny before the game...although he seemed unsure what to ask.
Secondly, Is the security as intense at every game as they were last night? A girl about 10 walked in before me and the woman checked her handbag that would have struggled to have held a packet of M&M's then the bloke chased Richard Williams from the gate to near the men's toilet because he hadn't shown them his bag on his way through. I understand they are probably trying to make sure that grog and other things don't get smuggled in but was thinking we may have been back to the two umpire system at one point....if Richard had taken another step he may have been evicted!!

[FlyingHigh]

First time ever made it to Noarlunga.
South defintely seem on the right track, their supporters definitely outnumbered the Eagles and everyone seemed to have the merchandise, though walking around during breaks there seemed to be a lot of Eagles supporters sitting in cars.
Defintely a unique experience, bit of a mix of SANFL footy, country footy, the drive-in and American Homecoming.

The one negative I reckon is the grandstand wing side, where the undercover area not sloping up means the coaches boxes block the view, so no one stands there so the crowd and atomsphere is split in two. This area would be great to watch footy from, especially on a cold wintry day, but needs to be raised or the coaches boxes sunk to allow a decent view and encourage people to stand there

And how wide is the oval, surely it's got to be the widest of all league grounds?

One positive for South was they were able to play reasonably well without relying on AFL-listed players, especially McKernan and TAlia.