BULLDOGS TAKE TWO
By Robert Laidlaw

Round 2, 14/4/2007

The differences and the similarities of the current Bulldogs contrast well with recent years, as the 2007 model of Central District won its second consecutive home game to open the season, dishing out South Adelaide Panthers a 59 point hiding.

So many passages of play were reminiscent of the Dogs recent seasons' work, yet the personnel instigating the successful team structure are accomplishing the goal with a new and invigorating style.

Ian Callinan is the perfect example, as he generates as much enthusiasm and wins supporters' hearts with the same intensity as former star Marco Bello, yet plays the game so much differently - more strength but less leg speed while still moving the ball quickly.

Another contrast is former key forward Daniel Schell, who is now slotting down back and filling a role crucial to team structure - stopping goals rather than kicking them.

One constant though is the twins, James and Chris Gowans. Although running around with 30-year-old legs, the youthful exuberance is still prevalent, as the pair continues to stamp their authority on games.

Against the Panthers the story was the same as in recent seasons - the cream rises to the top - and Central District widened its 21st century advantage to 15-3 over South, and undefeated at home.

The Bulldogs dominated the early part of the game with the first two goals, including rookie Jonathon Giles' maiden major, but at the 10 minute mark had not added any further goals, yet should have had at least five.

South then started to turn things around a little, booting three of the next four goals to close to within two points late in the term, Leigh Westhoff's left foot snap allowing some breathing space at quarter time.

A dominant second term was also marred by a lack of scoreboard reward, as Central seemed to break down at half forward, only managing 2-3 to nothing leading into time on.

The major highlight of this period came at the 12 minute mark when Matthew Slade marked outside of the 50m arc, played on, but under pressure was forced onto his left side, and managed a floating bomb for the goal of the game.

In a late charge South kicked 1-2 in a wasted effort late, but still only trailed by 16 points at half time. For the play the Bulldogs had in the first half, they should have been seven goals up.

Finally Central managed some scoreboard pressure in the third quarter, after booting two points it kicked six straight goals, Chris Gowans and Charles Slattery registering a pair each. Two late South majors reduced the margin to 41 points at the final change.

Although the Panthers kicked the first goal of the last term, it was to be their last. Callinan booted his third major in reply, then Chris Musolino, after missing a running long shot six minutes in, had a similar opportunity a minute later and made no mistake for his first goal in league footy.

A 10-minute non-productive period was capped by a Luke Cowan cameo, as he put the icing on the cake with the game's final two goals.

The on-ball rotation worked a treat all game, with the Gowans twins being well supported by the likes of Callinan, Slattery, Brad Symes and Slade, while Adam Switala and Elijah Ware supplied some pace around the edges.

Heath Lawry could have helped absolutely destroy the Panthers early from his key forward post, but although offering a solid target and giving plenty of movement, his kicking was slightly astray. He is a player to watch.

A special mention to Jonathon Giles, who benefited from his experience the week before to show further improvement, and with Port Adelaide Power's rucking injuries, he may get his AFL call-up this week.

With a timely bye this Saturday, Central District will have the perfect preparation to take on Woodville West Torrens in what is becoming an annual event - a Bulldogs versus the Eagles Anzac Day clash, although this season it will be at Thebarton Oval, on April 25.

Central District 16-14 (110) d South Adelaide 7-9 (51)
Best: C. Gowans, Callinan, Symes, Switala, Ware, Schell, Slattery.
Goals: Callinan 3, Cowan 3, Slattery 2, C. Gowans 2, Giles, L.
Westhoff, Ware, Slade, Symes, Musolino.

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