Redlegs will dominate cellar dweller Bulldogs
By Karl Carrington

Bottom of the ladder, the Central District Bulldogs play host to the Norwood Redlegs this week on their home deck. The Bulldogs come into this game having won just one game for the year, meanwhile their opponent is chasing a finals spot, sitting sixth on the ladder, having won five and lost five thus far in 2020. 

Central District will hope to put in a better display against the Redlegs than the one they did last week, as they were convincingly defeated by the South Adelaide Panthers by 37 points. Despite their poor showing, the Bulldogs did have some solid contributors. James Boyd led the team in disposals, amassing 27 possessions, which included eight clearances. He also took six marks. Other disposal winners included Luke Habel, who gathered 18, as well as Justin Hoskin and Jarrod Schiller, who both had 17 touches. In front of the big sticks, Marcus Barreau and Jackson Kelly both kicked two majors each. 

Norwood come into this game full of confidence after their magnificent victory against ladder leaders, and premiership favourites, Woodville-West Torrens. The Redlegs ran out 40 points winners at the final siren, after a tough and outstanding collective performance. There were strong individual showings too. Primarily, Richard Douglas was brilliant. Collecting 35 disposals and kicking two goals, the former Adelaide Crow was easily best on ground. Douglas was closely followed in the disposals by Nik Rokahr, who amassed 34 possessions. Rokahr also took an impressive and team-high 13 marks. Other disposal winners included Brad McKenzie, Ryan Bastinac and Cameron Shenton who all collected more than 25 disposals and took nine marks or more each. Tommy Pinyon led the goal kickers, slotting three majors. He was supported well by Matthew Panos and Anthony Wilson, who alongside Douglas, kicked two goals each. Mitchell Grigg also played well, collecting 19 disposals and kicking a goal in which was an outstanding day for the Redlegs. 

The clash between the Bulldogs and the Redlegs doesn’t match-up as a very close one. Central District’s sit bottom and Norwood should easily claim the two points, especially after their big win last week against the ladder leaders. I predict that the Redlegs will be too strong for their opponents, with big performances once again from their midfielders and goal kickers. The Bulldogs will be hoping that their home ground advantage does that some good, as their fans will need to spur them on if they are to get anything from this game. However, I think Norwood will run out comfortable winners. 

 
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