BULLDOGS EARN STRIPES
By Robert Laidlaw

Round 7, 19/5/2007

Central District Bulldogs defeated Port Adelaide Magpies in a tight contest last Saturday night at Elizabeth by 10 points, to earn their stripes as a premiership contender.

The victory was the club's six consecutive win to open the season, which equals the club record at the start of a year, achieved three times, in 1972, 1984 and 2002, and can be broken against North Adelaide at Prospect this Saturday.

Forced to play accountable football in the tough conditions, the Bulldogs passed the Port Adelaide test with flying colours, and can look forward to anything the competition can throw at it.

A determined Magpie unit matched the home side in many areas, and the fact Central managed to still pull through shows the club has a steely resolve to not waste any opportunities this season.

Early misses from both teams saw two behinds apiece in the game's first 10 minutes. Matthew Slade, on fire in the first term, released a handball through heavy traffic to Trent Goodrem, who snapped a beauty at the 14 minute mark for the opening goal.

Further majors from Justin Westhoff and Ian Callinan saw the Bulldogs take an 18 point lead, and it looked like the home side was in control. A late Port goal reduced the margin to 13 points at quarter time.

An early major to Callinan opened the second term's scoring, but a pair of Port six-pointers preceded a goal-for-goal spurt, and at half time the Dogs led 7-5 to 6-5.

Westhoff kicked the goal of the game in this period when he marked a floater near the boundary line in the forward pocket and converted.

The Magpies booted the first two goals after the long break in the first six minutes, to take a five point lead. The rest of the term saw only one further major, to Heath Lawry, as only two points separated the sides at three quarter time, the home team leading.

Bursting from the first ball-up to begin the final quarter, Central forced the ball forward, where James Gowans took a courageous mark and handballed to Callinan for a quick goal.

At the blink of an eye Port responded, as both sides had kicked a major before the first minute had expired.

Trent Goodrem then stepped up to boot two majors in a two minute cameo, as Central looked to control the game, leading by 15 points at the 10 minute mark.

A goal against the flow of play to the Magpies stung the home team, but Goodrem responded with the reply, his third of the quarter and fourth of the game.

Late in the contest a Port major reduced the margin, but Central had done enough to earn the two premiership points.

Picking best players was a tough assignment, as different personnel stepped up at various times through the match. After a slow start, Chad O'Sullivan burnt in the second half, and was the standout player.

Justin Westhoff was a good target up front but wasted several shots on goal, while the Bulldogs defence stood tall, especially Nathan Grima, Paul Thomas and Daniel Schell.

This week Central travels to Prospect Oval to take on North Adelaide. The Bulldogs have not lost at the ground since 1997, and currently trail 19-20 lifetime, with two draws.

With the likes of Alan Obst, Dylan Pfitzner and Brayden O'Hara in scintillating form in the reserves, the Bulldogs have a wealth of depth. These players are sure to crack a league game soon, which is part of the reason the side is travelling so well - no-one wants to be dropped!

Central District 12-11 (83) d Port Adelaide 11-7 (73)
Best: O'Sullivan, Westhoff, Grima, Slattery, Thomas, Callinan, Schell.
Goals: Goodrem 4, J. Westhoff 3, Callinan 3, Slade, Lawry.

Have your say on this story on the CDFC forum.