Dale Tonkin
West v South
SOUTH continue to march on there on top of the ladder for all the right reasons such as teamwork, organisation, discipline, they’re well connected, and they sacrifice their individual game for others.
I couldn’t get to this game as I was out at the North v Central contest, but South got the worst over the Robins in this contest by a bit over 10 goals.
It’s quite difficult to write about a game you didn’t attend, but by all accounts West had a crack which is really all you can ask.
South are simply that good. Based on form alone, I predict a repeat of last year’s grand finalist. I hope another team can prove me wrong but at this point I can’t see it.
By all accounts, Dylan Brown was extremely good in this game working around the ground, whilst Cat Schorn bagged a lazy 7. Cody, like Kels from North, just keep getting better and better.
I know Nug didn’t play in this game so that’s another plus for the Roos.
You would have to give the coaching staff at the Roos applause for being consistent with the messaging and player group connection.
I can’t say enough good things about the Roos this year, but I have said in the past they are a strong club and a respectful one.
Five games to go, and I can’t see the Roos slowing down. If the grand final this year does end up as a repeat of last year, then we’re all in for a real footy treat.
North v Central
THE first half was a real battle. North to me looked like they owned possession but Central persisted and counter attacked.
North were full of run and handballs whilst Central had their long kicking game going.
At the half time break, North took a seven-point lead in and it seemed the second half was going to be a real contest. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.
North’s run was too much for Central to contain. Probably the most influential player was North’s key forward No. 11, whose name escapes me, but he was dominant up forward finishing with seven of the best whilst North’s Jayden Kelly ran amok. How he’s left up forward with his opponent trailing in, or even at times not manned, bewildered me.
North’s two young guns made a huge impact on the game. Talan Pitt runs hard and runs straight whilst his globetrotter mate in Logan Ferguson is the outside run and class North need.
If Kale McAllister isn’t the most improved player in the comp, I will eat my hat.
Central still worry me. With that speed they need, they are becoming predictable to all the opposition and get picked off quite easily.
If I were Central, I would change the brand and get some shape around the ball and due to their dominance up forward, make the ground bigger, give your forwards every opportunity.
In the end, the Dogs got it done by 43 points.
North still have quite a bit of personal out but they continue to get the job done.
In my opinion, North and South will be the grand finalists as West and Central’s form do not warrant them finishing in the top two. But finals is a different beast and anything could eventuate.
