SANFL Round 2 - Zac Milbank

RD 2 SANFL FOOTY FIX


Casualty Ward

Central
The Bulldogs will be without co-captain Brad Symes for around three weeks after the former Crow strained his thigh against North Adelaide on Saturday night. Scott Dustchke (calf) and Jackson Potter (hamstring) are still a fortnight from resuming.

Glenelg
The Tigers will regain the tall timber of Ruory Kirkby and Lachlan Button for Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide at Alberton. Kirkby missed Saturday night’s match against Norwood after acting as best man in a friend’s wedding while Button has now served his two-week suspension from last season. Fellow bigman Tim Walsh is expected to resume training this week in his recovery from a foot fracture.

North
Captain Greg Gallman will miss 10-12 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken jaw, sustained against Central on Saturday night. The former Crow is expected to commence running in six weeks while he will also play an active role from the sidelines on game day. Central recruit Matthew Westhoff, who was unlucky not to be selected in the league team, injured his hamstring in the reserves and will miss the next two weeks.

Norwood
Midfielder Tim Webber (ankle) and utility Matt Fuller (hip) will both undergo fitness tests this week to determine their availability for Saturday night’s clash with Central at Playford Alive Oval. Small forward Simon Phillips (shoulder reconstruction) is only a fortnight away from a return.

Port
The Magpies reported no injury from their loss to Sturt on Friday night. Experienced recruit Henry Slattery is still a month from playing while Jacob Surjan (hamstring) will sit out the rest of the season while recovering from surgery.

Sturt
Crows-listed Aidan Riley (groin soreness) is expected to play against North on Saturday despite only playing the first half against Port on Friday night. Ruckman Angus Kurtze (back) and key defender James McLeay (groin) are still three weeks from lacing up the boots again.

South
The bye has ensured that recruit Tom Fields will return from concussion for Friday night’s clash with West Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval. Former Norwood midfielder Roland AhChee should be back playing in five weeks after injuring the AC-joint in his shoulder in round one.

West
Delisted Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck has had his comeback from an ankle sprain delayed and will miss another two weeks. Adam Hartlett (knee), Shannon Green (hamstring) and Logan Hill (hip) should be back in a fortnight.

Eagles
Rebounding defender Byron Sumner and key forward Lee Staple will both undergo assessment on their hips, however, they are expected to be fit to face Norwood at Coopers Stadium in round four.


Sin Bin
No reports were recorded in round two.


Thomas Foods Leading Goal Kicker



NAB AFL Fantasy Dream Team 100 Club
Chris Schmidt (West) 138
Sam Kerridge (Sturt) 129
Max Thring (North) 129
Leigh Ryswyk (North) 124
Graham Johncock (Port) 124
Sam Gray (Port) 121
Nathan Gordon (North) 121
Brayden O’Hara (Central) 118
Luke Ivens (North) 114
Luke Panozzo (Sturt) 111
Steven Summerton (Port) 110
Rory Laird (West) 108
Ziggy Vitkunas (Sturt) 105
Matthew Panos (Norwood) 103
John Butcher (Port) 101


Powerade Star Search Nominee

Brock Castree (Central District)
Playing in just his second game of league football, Castree collected 26 disposals against North Adelaide at Playford Alive Oval on Saturday night. Running through the midfield, Castree also registered eight clearances (four from centre bounces) and six inside 50 entries. Originally from the Golden Grove Football Club, the 18-year-old is the nephew of Bulldogs great Rick Macgowan.


Macca’s Cup MVP Nominee

Riley Knight (Woodville-West Torrens)
Recruited from the South Clare Football Club, Knight was the standout performer in the Eagles’ 109-point win against West Adelaide in round two of the Under-18 Macca’s Cup. Knight – 178cm and 72kg - finished with an impressive tally of 37 disposals, eight marks, five clearances and nine inside 50s against the Bloods at City Mazda Stadium.


Winners are Grinners

West Adelaide – Criticised heavily for their inability to kick high scores last year, the Bloods registered more than 100 points for the second week in succession. Despite losing key marking targets Brad Fisher and Ryan Willits during the off-season, West has put on display a much more entertaining brand of football in the opening two rounds en route to recording two wins. The most impressive aspect about the 72-point victory against the Eagles on Saturday was the fact there were 11 players on the goal-scoring list.


Back to the Drawing Board
Glenelg – Coming off an impressive round one win against South Adelaide, the Tigers looked to be continuing this form when they posted a eight-point lead against reigning premier Norwood on Saturday night. But from there, it all went horribly wrong for Kris Massie’s men. Eventually losing to the Redlegs by a whopping 84 points, the Bays were taught a football lesson as they continue their struggle in closing the gap to the competition’s pacesetter. No doubt the likely inclusions of Ruory Kirkby and Lachlan Button will assist matters this week but the lack of fight will be of great concern for the Glenelg coaching staff.


Quote of the Week
"We've copped a lot of criticism for our lack of scoring but, from where we've come from, it's been a good journey." West Adelaide coach Andy Collins on his side’s sudden penchant for scoring big.


Zac’s Tips
Last week – 2/4 (Sturt, Eagles, Norwood, Central)
Total - 4/8
This week
South v West at Hickinbotham Oval – West
North v Sturt at Prospect Oval – North
Port v Glenelg at Alberton Oval – Glenelg
Central v Norwood at Playford Alive Oval – Norwood