Panthers run, carry and skill from half back too much for Dogs
By Kym Kelly

Two team’s seasons couldn’t be further apart this year between South Adelaide and Central District, the Panthers journey has been a solid season sitting at 5 & 4 with only narrow losses amongst those 4 and would suggest are finals bound with the next 3 matches being against Centrals, Sturt and Westies. The Bulldogs on the other hand have struggled all year so far managing a draw against West Adelaide in round 2 and after a demoralising defeat against Sturt in round 8 by 10 goals, notched up their first win at the demise of West Adelaide who led at the first half. 

Centrals turned it on at half time booting 7 goals to the Bloods 3 and really should have been more if not for some inaccuracy in the last with 5 behinds. No doubt the Bulldogs best half of footy this year with some of their more experienced players stepping up, Justin Hoskin leading the way with 4.2 and 29 disposals, winning the ball out of the middle Travis Schiller, Boyd and the winger Kyle Presbury all in good form on the weekend.

South Adelaide had something to prove themselves this week against the in form Bays in the Carey – Darley Cup, with the Panthers flexing their muscle easily accounting for Glenelg by 41 points in the last half again inaccurate in front of goals things could have been real ugly for the Bays. I feel Glenelg will get their chance for redemption come finals time however.

Once again Duel Magarey Medallist Joel Cross turned back the clock and could be on his way to a third Magarey kicking 3.3, 25 disposals and 7 tackles earning him the inaugural John Schneebichler Medal for best on ground, to add to his list of awards. He for one would love to be holding the premiership cup at the end of the year. Sammy Overall again kicking 3.3 himself looking to be back in form with the usual suspects Schwarz, Haines and Broadbent all amongst The Panthers best.

Last time these two teams met was back in round 3 which saw South comfortable winners by 44 points. This week The Panthers wont be able to take them too lightly as confidence will be building for the Bulldogs who will be looking to finish off the season well taking some scalps of teams higher on the ladder. You can never right off a club that has performed like the Doggies over the last 2 decades, I’m sure Coach Jeff Andrews will be drawing on that recent history reminding his troops how powerful the Central District Football club has become since it inception into the SANFL in 1959 playing in only the Reserves comp until its first League game in 1964. Its easily forgotten the Bulldogs have played in 14 of the last 17 Grand finals taking over as the League powerhouse from Port back in 95 with their first of 9 Premierships in 11 years if you don’t mind.

All be it the Bulldogs look to on the improve, and I’m hoping this week to be a great game between 2 strong midfields when in form, and goal kickers up forward for both teams. I’m expecting South will get the points this week and be too strong across the half back line, with fine weather expected this weekend I think Souths run out of defence on the large Flinders University Oval down at Noarlunga will be to much for Centrals.

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