BULLDOGS TURN IT ON
By Robert Laidlaw

Round 21, 26/8/2006

Central District Football Club again turned on the lights at Hamra Homes Oval last Saturday night, and on the field the Bulldogs turned it on against Glenelg to secure their finals participation with a 50-point victory.

With the Tigers failing to beat Central at Elizabeth since 1992, the Dogs continued the streak with a classy four-quarter display, which also reaped two records - finals participation for seven consecutive years, and finally securing an overall winning record against the Bays at 53 wins to 52 losses.

In one of the most important minor round games in the 21st century for the Bulldogs, the team responded, with only some early wayward kicking keeping Glenelg in the contest. But with a focused exhibition, Central proved too good on the night, and has left the Tigers fighting for their finals lives.

The game did not start well for the home side when a free kick was handed to Glenelg in its goalsquare, almost as the ball was bounced to commence proceedings. Another major two minutes later rang alarm bells for the Bulldog faithful.

But with Matthew Slade, Chad O'Sullivan, Adam Switala, Paul Thomas, Luke McCabe and the Gowans twins, Chris and James, working overtime around the ball-ups, and Paul Scoullar winning the rucks, Central started gaining control.

O'Sullivan snapped the Dogs first goal, and after a quick reply from the Bays, after another free kick, Central peppered the goals for a return of 5.4 for the term to lead by 10 points at the first break.

Three consecutive behinds to start the second quarter by the home side saw supporters shift nervously with memories of the Norwood loss, especially when the Tigers closed to within seven points with a major.

Justin Westhoff bounced his kick from the forward pocket to sneak it in for the goal of the game 17 minutes in, and when Jason Mackenzie kicked truly a minute later, it seemed the Dogs were getting some momentum. A late major against the run of play by Glenelg reduced the margin to 13 points at half time.

Whatever coach Roy Laird said to his charges at the long break seemed to have an immediate impact, as Central piled on three goals in the first five minutes of the third term, and a fourth at the 10 minute mark.

But the Tigers are not a side to take lightly, as they responded with a brace of three majors in five minutes mid-quarter to keep in touch, a late goal from Leigh Westhoff helping the Dogs grab a 24 point advantage at the final break.

The last term saw Central post the first major, but the Tigers soon responded. Then a good snap from Luke McCabe and a gem from Mackenzie, when he swooped on a loose ball and kicked accurately, made the game safe.

A rover's goal from Slade was answered by the Bays, but O'Sullivan's fourth entering time on, and Chris Gowans' easy run-in, blew the margin out at the finish.

Besides its hard-working on-ballers, the Bulldogs had many players offer great contributions.
Mackenzie and Daniel Schell worked hard up front, Richard Cochrane gave his all from half back, Quinton Graham blanketed his man successfully and Andrew Hayes did a great job shadowing the dangerous Brett Backwell on the wing.

This week Central has the chance to go undefeated at Elizabeth for the first time since 1995. Amazingly the Bulldogs have failed to achieve the distinction through its successful period in the 2000s.

On Saturday Central will host North Adelaide in another night match, starting at 6.30pm, with victory all but ensuring the double chance in the finals.

SCORES: Central District 18.12 (120) d Glenelg 11.4 (70)
Best: O'Sullivan, Thomas, C. Gowans, Switala, Scoullar, Mackenzie, McCabe, Schell.
Goals: O'Sullivan 4, Mackenzie 3, C. Gowans 2, Slade 2, Schell 2, L.
Westhoff 2, J. Gowans, J. Westhoff, McCabe.

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