SANFL SECOND SEMI-FINAL - FINALS RECORDS FOR DOGS
By Robert Laidlaw

24/9/2006

Central District Bulldogs made a mockery of their minor round form with another excellent finals performance, qualifying for its record-equalling seventh consecutive grand final with its record-smashing seventh consecutive second semi-final victory.

And, the Dogs also remained undefeated against the Eagles in finals with its eighth win over the second best club over Central's six year reign at the top, with a workman-like 36 point victory at Adelaide Oval last Sunday.

While everyone seemed to have doubted Central's ability to be a force in the 2006 finals after a mediocre minor round, the Dogs have stepped up at the business end of the season and have a menacing look about them again with another premiership on the line.

But, as the third best side over the season, Central must still respect the ability of this week's preliminary finalists North Adelaide and the Eagles, the winner likely to press hard to break the Bulldogs monopoly in recent grand finals.

When the Eagles kicked the first goal of the match against the wind, Central looked in trouble, but a great running shot from Chad O'Sullivan was followed by soccer majors to Leigh Westhoff and O'Sullivan to give the Dogs an edge, the latter the goal of the game.

Working hard in close Central was forcing things to go its own way, and when Daniel Schell out-bodied his opponent for a mark and kicked truly, followed by O'Sullivan's third goal, the defending premier held a handy 23 point lead at the first break.

Two quick majors to open the second term to Luke Cowan put Central in the driver's seat, and after a long lull, Elijah Ware finished off some good work by James Gowans, and O'Sullivan kicked number four, to see the Dogs lead 9.3 to 1.5 at half time.

Every player had worked extremely hard as a unit to suffocate the Eagles through the first half, with numerous players stepping up at crucial times.

The match-up of the game was Quinton Graham on the dangerous Passador, who had been the key player in the Eagles two minor round victories over Central.

Graham played tight and ran his opponent ragged, holding the league goal leader goal-less and forcing him from the ground.

With tiredness obviously affecting both sides, the third term was a dour struggle, the Eagles kicking two majors to the Dogs solo goal, and at the final change the margin was 36 points.

Several decisions seemed to go the Eagles way early in the last term, and with the first two goals the lead was reduced to 23 points, a good snap from Schell after spilling a mark restoring some order, and the Gowans twins chipping in for a major each to make the game safe.

James Gowans was magnificent again. Virtually on one leg with a heavily strapped knee, he still picked up 20 plus possessions and was a driving force in the clinches.

Paul Scoullar and Jason Mackenzie matched the Eagles in ruck, while Chad O'Sullivan and Paul Thomas led a winning on-ball brigade.
In the backline Graham had a host of solid defensive help, including Richard Cochrane, Adrian Wilson, Yves Sibenaler, Brad Currie and Chris Musolino, who have all raised their game to another level.

Now it is sit and wait for the Bulldogs, as they watch North and the Eagles battle it out at Adelaide Oval this Sunday for the right to meet Central in the grand final at Football Park on October 8.

Central District 13.5 (83) d Eagles 6.11 (47)
Best: Q. Graham, J. Gowans, R. Cochrane, C. O'Sullivan, P. Scoullar, L. McCabe, B. Currie, P. Thomas, C. Musolino.
Goals: C. O'Sullivan 4, D. Schell 2, L. Cowan 2, J. Gowans 2, L.
Westhoff, E. Ware, C. Gowans.

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