Central District Football Club

2012 Round 14 Centrals vs Sturt

2012 Round 14 Centrals vs Sturt

STILL SOME WORK TO DO

By Robert Laidlaw

On the surface Central District's 79-point victory over Sturt in Saturday's SANFL clash at Elizabeth was encouraging, but there is still plenty of work to do.

After the previous week's loss to Norwood, the win was a good confidence boost, but the Double Blues were under-manned and did not offer anything like the opposition Central can expect come finals time.

But there were plenty of good signs, with the likes of Chad O'Sullivan, Luke Habel and Kyle Jenner gaining some form, which will create a talented depth pool.

The first quarter was competitive, with the Bulldogs five straight goals giving them a slight edge at the first change, with an inaccurate Sturt booting 3-7.

From that point it was all Central, although having accuracy issues, especially in the second term, with a return of 4-9.

A highlight of the first half was Trent Goodrem's goal of the game, 10 minutes into the second quarter, after a misdirected kick-out by Sturt was snaffled by the creative mid-fielder, and from a tight angle check-sided through.

It seemed like Central was on a role leading 9-9 to 3-10 at half time, then kicking four quick goals to open the third term – a pair each to Justin Hardy and James Lawton.

But then the game became a slog for the rest of the third quarter, the Dogs adding four consecutive behinds, while Sturt managed its first goal in more than a half of footy, just before lemons, to see Central 13-13 to 4-13 up at the final change.

With a dominant last term the Bulldogs ran the game out, kicking 5-3 to 1-2, to finish 18-16 to 5-15 victors.

The best news of the day was Novita benefitting, with $100 per goal donated to the cause by Munno Para Foodland, as well as other fund-raising events.

Ambassadors for Novita, the Gowans twins, did not play, with Chris sidelined with a knee injury, and James missing because of the 'flu.

It also was Kyle Jenner's 100th SANFL game, after 25 with Port Adelaide.

Brad Symes has been in great form this season, and led from the front all game. It is amazing the Crows haven't called him up to play even one AFL game this year, as it has possibly been his best season in Central's tri-colours.

It was almost a case of 'all played well' on the day, especially the on-ballers, with the likes of Ryan Williams, James Boyd, Goodrem, Habel, O'Sullivan, Jenner and Jarrod Schiller having a field day.

The Bulldogs do not play at home now for a month, with away games against Port Adelaide and Glenelg followed by the bye.

Only one team has beaten the Magpies in more than 11 consecutive clashes, with Central having a current 14 game streak. And Port has not beaten the Dogs at Alberton since 2006.

Central District            5.0            9.9            13.13            18.16            (124)

Sturt                                    3.7            3.10            4.13            5.15            (45)

Best: Symes, Williams, Boyd, Goodrem, Habel, O'Sullivan, Jenner, Schiller, Sansbur, Thomas.

Goals: Goodrem 4, Hardy 4, Habel 2, Schiller 2, Lawton 2, Vater, Boyd, Templeton, O'Sullivan.