VICTORY OFFERS RESPITE
By Robert Laidlaw

Round 5, 29/4/2006

Central District halted its three game losing streak with a meritorious 68-point victory against West Adelaide Bloods under lights at Elizabeth last Saturday.

The win allows the Bulldogs to regroup and re-arm their troops, although a tough match against North Adelaide looms this Friday night at Adelaide Oval.

While Central showed glimpses of its best against the Eagles last Tuesday in the ANZAC clash, there were longer periods on Saturday, which indicates the side is starting to pull together for a charge back up the ladder.

Errors were obvious early in the game against West, but the Bulldogs' trademark endeavour was prominent, and although Chad O'Sullivan booted a major one minute in, a spate of four behinds saw the Dogs fail to put their advantage in field play on the scoreboard.

When the Bloods kicked their second goal at the 13-minute mark they led by two points. But a good mark and 50m goal from returning spearhead Daniel Schell started a run of five consecutive majors, for a handy 28-point lead at the first break.

Luke McCabe kicked an early goal in the second term to signal a possible thrashing of the visitors, but over the following 20 minutes, West dominated, wasting several opportunities with only three majors from seven scoring shots.

First-gamer Justin Westhoff was introduced to the contest in this quarter, and with his first kick in league football booted a steadying major, which saw Central 18 points ahead at half time.

Paul Scoullar in ruck was not only the best big man on the ground in the first half, but the best player full stop. His ruckwork and a kick behind the play marking were instrumental in the Dogs retaining a lead.

A 10 minute period in the first term had given Central control of the match with five goals, and in the third quarter another exciting avalanche of five majors, from the seven to 16 minute marks, put the result beyond doubt, as the Bulldogs led by 49 points at lemons.

Of the run of goals in the third term, the last two were booted by O'Sullivan, his first the goal of the game when he snapped a shot from 35m out under pressure after receiving a handball from Jason McKenzie.

The last term seemed a bit of a grind, but the Dogs had built some much-needed confidence, and kicked four of the quarter's five goals, including Justin Westhoff's third and fourth - not a bad first game effort. Another first-gamer, Chris Musolino also had a good match, showing poise at half back.

Scoullar continued his fine game to be the Bulldogs best, picking up 20 possessions to go with his 13 marks. While there were a host of outstanding contributors, James Gowans and O'Sullivan rank highly for their in-close play, where a lot of their work may have been missed.

While the scores reflect a strong showing from the on-ballers and forwards, Central's backmen stood tall, in particular Chad Norsworthy, who picked up numerous possessions on the rebound and showed great pace, while Leigh Westhoff continues to impress on the wing.

Daniel Schell made a good contribution at the goal front with three majors, and helped straighten the side up effectively. Although lacking match fitness, the game allowed him to build a platform for upcoming opponents.

The only bad news from the game was a hamstring injury to Chris Gowans, which could side-line him for four to six weeks, depending on the severity.

Fortunately the Cochrane brothers, Stuart and Richard, Luke Cowan and Adam Switala are all due back in coming weeks, while Ben Britton, Michael Taylor, Alex Stengle, Andrew Hayes and Brad Currie returned through the reserves.

This Friday night at Adelaide Oval, Central face one of the 2006 premiership favourites, North Adelaide. But with several inclusions, one day extra rest and their second consecutive night game, there are plenty of reasons to give for a Bulldogs victory.

Scores: Central District 18.10 (118) d West Adelaide 7-8 (50)
Best: Scoullar, J. Gowans, O'Sullivan, Norsworthy, L. Westhoff, Wilson, Aufderheide.
Goals: J. Westhoff 4, O'Sullivan 3, Schell 3, McKenzie 3, Graham, L. Westhoff, Ware, McCabe, J. Gowans.