West v Central
CENTRAL took care of North last week and West still only managed one goal in their game.
I really don’t know what happened this year to West as you could see what they were trying to do at the start of the year, but now they have gone back to their old ways. Extremely disappointing.
Central, on the other hand, look healthy and ready to grind it out with anyone. They could be the smokeys moving into the finals.
Pleasing thing for me, watching last week, is watching them lower their eyes and finding the loose instead of bombing it long. The way they came out, their defence last week was organised and it had a purpose, which set their forward up. As soon as they got the ball around the wing area, they would cut the ball through the corridor which gave their forwards a great chance. They’re building nicely and if all their ducks line up, who knows. Central for me today by about 42 points.
West have to just have to rescue something from this season, even if its players that have developed throughout the year, just something they can hold on to and say, ‘We got that right’.
But for me, I am yet to see anything positive as yet.
Anyway, Centrals with a big win today.
South v North
WITH only one minor round remaining after this round, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
South have cemented their place at the top whilst North really have to keep winning to get that break on Central, as to finish second or third really does matter this year.
For me South’s running game, ability to utilise their talls and win the ground ball is the reason they will win this game.
North really have to set up the ground to nullify South’s dominance. I hope this week we see North have some structure and shape around the ball.
North are going to, in my opinion, start doing the basics well again. They can start by not allowing any broken tackles, pressure South intently so they can’t get their kicking game going, defend with ball in hand and get their game going on their terms, keep the momentum.
South, on the other hand, will pressure North and they will set up the ground so they can play to their own strengths.
I really can’t see South losing this one.
Tactically, they’re advanced and organised, connected, whilst North haven’t really shown they’re capable as yet. Yes, North have been undermanned all year, but that’s where coaching, organising and development comes into it.
I would just be happy to see North have effort and intent. if they can get these two facets right, there’s a chance, and that will hold them in good stead moving into the finals, but I can’t go past the Roos today.
South by 36 points.
