Dale Tonkin
South v North
WHAT a tantalising contest this will be, but I’m not going to get to excited as they do meet each other again before the home and away season ends.
Then we get the real stuff but we could be looking at the grand final preview. This game will show where both teams are at.
I don’t think either team will show their cards just yet, but make no mistake, there’s no love lost between the two and both will be having a red hot crack.
I still think North’s run and ball movement is quicker. But South have the three timbers in Browne. Henderson. and Holmes. Pretty darn hard to stop, I say.
But who uses the ground better? Who can spread their opposition? Who makes the play and who sets up the ground better?
Both teams have good pressure skills and it could be a flip of the coin game.
But for me, the Dogs keep getting the job done and I’m not jumping off them, so North by seven points for me.
Enjoy the footy, everyone.
West v Central
STAKES are high in this contest.
It’s not just the points, but it’s the pride.
Momentum gained and sheer belief; that will be the outcome of this game.
Central’s key positional players should have a day out if they present properly and work hard to space whilst the Robins, I feel, will win the ground ball speed game. It’s what they do with it after they win it
Central will try to keep possession of the ball so it’s up to West to apply enormous pressure around the ground. Don’t over commit; corral them into making mistakes then capitalise. Both teams will come off the line and look for that inside kick, so set up the ground to suit your needs.
I say West will need to play in front and, with any opportunity, take the game on, make the play. If Central get it on their terms, it could mean trouble for the Robins. But I’m going to back the Robins’ ground ball speed in this one.
Robins by 11 points.
