At the Jubilee Oval this weekend South take on North in what is surely shaping up to be a blockbuster of a contest.
North really need to win this one to stay in contention with the Roos, but if the Roos come away with a win they will cement their position at the top of the ladder and basically sew up the minor premiership, so big game on the line today.
Both teams are coming off impressive wins. South showed Central how powerful they can be and North upset Westies with a solid win So who gets the chocolates today?
The contest will be high pressure and high intensity and North really need to win the ball at the source and provide plenty of run, pressuring every South possession.
North cannot allow easy ball into Cody Schorn and Todd Davidson. If they do, South will kick another bag of sausage rolls.
Nug Purcell is maintaining his status in the midfield, winning his own footy, and he likes to carry the ball as well. On the other side, his counterpart Jayden Kelly showed everyone last week what a champion he has been for so many years and North’s new recruit, James Lawton, may have a fair say on today’s contest.
I think South’s young brigade may have a little too much run and dare today for the Dogs so I’m going South by two goals in what should be an exciting contest to watch
WEST VS CENTRAL
This game, to be played at Memorial Oval, also has the potential to be a cracking game. I like the way Central is set up and I like what they do with their back half.
They like to empty it out and their defenders become attacking players and they have big Wilson up forward. I dare say Josh Ceilslick won’t play for West today so who takes Wilson on, I’m unsure on that one .
I have no doubt Central will get a win this season, and maybe more than one if they eventually play four quarters.
West also play a good brand as they like to run off half back and change lanes, giving their forwards and runners access to the goals.
If Devoy, Reberger and Hamford can get on top of the Westies in the midfield then the contest is on.
There should also be a good contest in the rucks, with maybe Crozier and Turley working together. While Central’s ruckman Lawrence does the majority of the work there are contests all over the ground from both teams which should be the highlight of the day.
I’m leaning towards the Magpies today. I just like what they do. They just need to sustain it for the entirety of the game.
I’m going the Pies at home for the first win of the year – Central by two goals. Enjoy the footy everyone.
