South to pull off upset against the Tigers at Brighton Road
By Kym Kelly

Three years ago the Glenelg Football club was on the brink of becoming extinct from the SANFL competition. Glenelg are one of those teams, either love them or hate them but no matter what it must be agreed if they were to have folded it would have been a disaster for the SANFL and I for one admire the club for their turn around both on and off the field. It would seem that the current Board led by the great man and legend of the club Peter Carey have re vitalised a club that was on its knees both financially and poor on field performances. The appointment of Coach Mark Stone and the end of 2017 has been a key factor to the recent success of the Bays.

For a lot of football supporter’s myself included Mark Stone was a name not familiar to me within the SANFL, however he came to the club with a wealth of experience from being with some great AFL coaching groups, such as the Sydney Swans and West Coast, Backed up by some strong assistants has transformed the League team form from missing finals for 3 years running, to playing off in a Grand Final in 2019 and ultimately Premiers. 

2020 Started well for the Tigers with 2 tight wins against Norwood and South Adelaide by 3 and 4 points respectively, following that Glenelg looked to have lost its way with 3 straight losses and many thinking the old premiership hangover may have kicked in. To the credit of the club form has slowly built, winning the last 3 rounds Norwood to its latest scalp, which will fill the team and supporters with the belief they are back in the hunt this year for the flag currently sitting 3rd.

This week Glenelg take on the Panthers who’s form of late hasn’t been bad although they haven’t been able get a win for the past 3 rounds losing to North , Norwood and  the in form Eagles last week . South really need a win this week or they will face dropping out of the top 4 which would be a shame after a solid start to the season. A plus for the Panthers last week was the debut of Danny Juckers from the Brighton Bombers who racked up 18 disposals and looking a likely player all while taking on the Key Eagle Nick Hayes. Also Ruckman Paul Hunter with his first game for the Panthers after the VFL didn’t get off the ground he had a B.O.G performance for South on the weekend. If South are to get the points this week Hunter will need to produce the same, and the forwards will need to be a bit more accurate in front of goals as their kicking has really cost them the past 2 games , with 6 .15 last week had they been straighter would be in a comfortable 2nd place.

As previously mentioned The Bays will be full of confidence going into this week looking to cementing its spot in the finals. This week should be one of the great midfield battles, Matthew Snook and Luke Partington in good form verses Broadbent and Cross who have been in great form themselves, although Broadbent was quiet this week from previous weeks. Both teams have targets up front with Souths Sam Overall booting 3 last week, and looks good leading up the ground if the mids can deliver to him. Liam McBean will be the target for the Bays 1.3 last week will need to be more accurate this week as missed opportunities will be costly for either team. Both teams getting good run off half back and some good young runners, im expecting this week to be fast paced and an exciting game to watch. To be honest I think the top 4 will remain the same with the and if these 2 teams meet each other come finals time will be a cracker. I think this week the Panthers will bounce back this week, with the big man Hunter controlling the ruck and marking around the ground will be enough for Souths Midfield to get on top, Glenelg still will be a handful however.

 

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