Sportsbeat - 21 September: Semi Finals Previews

SANFL SEMI FINALS PREVIEWS

North Adelaide v Central District (AAMI Stadium) – Sunday 12.10pm

A cracker to kick off a blistering Sunday SANFL Semi-Final Day, with the Roosters looking to continue the pain for Central. North held sway throughout the Elimination Final against the Eagles, led by Lewis Johnston’s four goal haul, and were impressive with their spread and carry all day. Central, however, always looked in trouble against a fired-up West combination that looked determined to make a stamp on the finals series, with their lack of pace being exposed, as well as a lack of match fitness for a couple of their key positions.

It’s difficult to see Central having such a poor game, as their last quarter against West was, two games running, but North will fancy their ability to run the Dogs off their legs, particularly around the wider flanks. Leigh Ryswyk was particularly vital in this respect, and his matchup will need to be carefully monitored. The Thring brothers, George and Max also belied their lack of finals experience with electrifying games, but won’t be afforded as much space this week. The matchup for Johnston will be vital, with the possibility that Andrew Hayes will go back there.

The risk for Central is that they become too conscious of their opponents and not enough on setting their own initiative. Their experience in the big games will be a major factor in a game like this, particularly with many opponents only facing their second final. They really need a big lift from the likes of Eddie Sansbury, the Gowans twins (assuming both play, either due to injury or tribunal), Yves Siebenaler and some of the other older players around the park.

It’s a tough one to pick. While it is tempting to give North the nod, it’s very hard to see Central going out in straight sets.

RADIO: 5RPH, Life FM, ABC 891, 5AA

ABC-TV – Coverage from 1.30pm

Tip: Central District 13-24



Norwood v West Adelaide (AAMI Stadium) – Sunday 3.10pm


A match that could easily be repeated in two weeks time, particularly after some of the stellar battles both teams have shared this season. The way in which the Bloods stormed over the top of Central in the qualifying final was ultra impressive and vindicated West coach Andy Collins’ decision to rotate a number of players in the last three weeks of the season to keep the legs fresh.

Speaking of fresh legs, Norwood will have had 23 days break since their last match, which was vital for keeping a number of the older players ready for a big challenge this week. They may make up to seven changes from the side that faced Glenelg in round 23, and the likes of Luke Jericho, Nathan Batsanis, Dean Terlich, James Gallagher and Matt Suckling will certainly strengthen their lineup immeasurably.

The teams have matched up very well all season, particularly in the pace department, and the Bloods defence proved themselves last week with a strong rebounding performance. Adam Hartlett, Joel Tippett and Scott Bricknell were all highly effective last week in cutting off the Bulldog attacks and creating their own surges. It will throw impetus onto the Redlegs forwards to play a defensive role themselves to negate the West influence.

West should hold a clear advantage in ruck also, with Ryan Willits and Peter Nelson looking likely to jump all over Angus Clarke and Brady Dawe, so the Redleg on-ball brigade will again be likely to rove to losing rucks. If West, however, is able to grab the ascendancy here, then they can go a long way toward bringing about the big upset. Another game where there is a strong case to be made for the underdog, but hard to knock a team that has only lost two games for the season.

RADIO; 5RPH, Life FM, ABC891, 5AA

ABC-TV

Tip: Norwood 13-24