SCHELL-LED AVALANCHE
By Robert Laidlaw

Round 18, 5/8/2006

Daniel Schell quietened his detractors with a magnificent 11 goal haul for Central District, to guide the Bulldogs to a percentage-boosting 104 point victory over Sturt Blues at Adelaide Oval last Saturday in the SANFL.

Criticised for some inaccurate goal-kicking this season, Schell not only booted straight with 11.1, but was slotting them through from everywhere, creating so many headaches for the opposition, it allowed many team mates to join in the party for Central to kick its highest score of the season.

The demolition was the closest thing to a four-quarter effort this year by the Dogs, and had Central supporters dreaming of a fourth consecutive premiership - the display was that good.

On paper the first quarter was tight, but in reality the desperation, skills and endeavour of the Bulldogs were building to a crescendo, which after quarter time was held for the match.

Sturt kicked the first major and then matched Central's first two, both booted by Schell. Jason Mackenzie levelled the scores at the 15 minute mark with a goal, then some Gowans magic gave the Dogs a handy 20 point lead deep into time on.

Chris Gowans took a mark and converted from 40 metres, then a minute later received a clever kick on from Mackenzie to run in for his second. James Gowans then received a handball from Leigh Westhoff before kicking a left-footer on the run.

While signs were good, a lapse in concentration allowed Sturt in for two late goals and at the first break the advantage was only eight points.

Like the previous week against South Adelaide, Central District unleashed a powerful second term to put the game out of reach at half time, booting 9.3 to 2.0.

Chad O'Sullivan hit Schell with a pinpoint pass for the first major within the first minute, then Justin Westhoff scored his first goal.
Andrew Hayes drifted forward and managed his first league goal at the six minute mark, and all of a sudden fans could smell blood.

Good harassing work from Mackenzie in the forward 50, a pair of majors from Matthew Slade, and a great run from Elijah Ware from behind centre, where he set sail from 45 metres was the goal of the day, were highlights, and at half time the lead was 53 points.

In a repeat of the previous term, Central exploded with another nine goal to two quarter in the third, as every player joined in, Schell kicking three majors, Mackenzie continuing to amaze supporters with his endeavour, and Chris Gowans showing some clever footwork to set up several opportunities.

Leading by 96 points at lemons, the Dogs had four targets - 10 goals for Schell, 30 goals for the match, a record score against Sturt and 200 points.

With four majors in the last term, Schell achieved the first aim, but Central needed one, two and three goals to reach the other three targets.

The 28.14 was two points short of the record score against Sturt, two majors short of 30 goals, and three from booting 200 points. The score and margin against the Blues at Adelaide Oval were highs though.

Schell's 11 goals was his personal best effort, while taking a dozen marks highlighted his aerial supremacy on the day.

Chris Gowans had a day out and could easily have been best, while Mackenzie played his best game at league level, demonstrating his versatility up front after some recent defensive roles.

Matthew Slade is in peak form, as is James Gowans, while Elijah Ware also continues to play well. Justin Westhoff suffered no repercussions from Luke Cowan missing alongside, and excelled at half forward. While the defence was solid all day, Yves Sibenaler was perhaps the pick of the bunch.

This Saturday Central faces an important clash at Alberton Oval against the wounded Magpies. Port Adelaide was the pacemaker earlier in the season, but has lost its past three matches and is vulnerable to missing the finals.

A win this week is imperative, as the Dogs then have a bye before hosting Glenelg, which could be the match to decide the double chance, if Central can beat the Magpies this Saturday.

Scores: Central District 28.14 (182) d Sturt 12.6 (78)
Best: Schell, C. Gowans, Mackenzie, Slade, J. Gowans, J. Westhoff, Ware, Sibenaler.
Goals: Schell 11, C. Gowans 5, J. Westhoff 3, Wade 2, Slade 2, Mackenzie, J. Gowans, Hayes, Switala, O'Sullivan.