SPIRITLESS DISPLAY
By Robert Laidlaw

Round 13, 28/6/2008

Central District was woeful in going down by 84 points to Woodville West Torrens at Woodville Oval on Saturday, with a spiritless display.

It was not only the Dogs lowest ever score against Woodville West Torrens, it was the biggest thrashing the Eagles have ever inflicted on Central.

Since a 90 point thrashing to Port Adelaide in the 1994 preliminary final, the only larger defeat than that against the Eagles on Saturday, was a shocking 95 point drubbing to Glenelg in 2006 at Adelaide Oval.

How a team coming off a spanking to the Bays can put up such an insipid performance against a seventh ranked team belies belief, and has raised question marks on the worthiness of the Bulldogs to be classed as a premiership threat.

A trademark of Central District has been to rebound after a loss, but the meek showing on Saturday has left a big target on the players' backs, for the likes of North, Norwood, Port and the Eagles.

Just a fortnight ago there were three teams and the rest, the Dogs with Glenelg and Sturt, but now Central is in real danger of not only losing a double chance position, but maybe even a finals spot, unless a mighty form reversal can be instituted.

While one game does not make a season, it was just the importance a win on Saturday meant in the scheme of things. Except for Brad Symes, not one Bulldog player can put his hand up and say he at least broke even with his opponent against the Eagles.

Kicking with the aid of the wind, Central managed just 1.4 to Woodville West Torrens' 4.2 in the first quarter, as the Eagles already were dominating in most areas on the ground.

The second term was forgettable, and fortunately the Eagles only managed four majors from 10 scoring chances, while Central did not trouble the goal umpire at the north-eastern end.

Trailing by 44 points at half time, the only chance for the Dogs was a committed full frontal attack in the third stanza, and after Chad O'Sullivan kicked his and the team's second goal two minutes in, hopes were raised.

But the next three majors were all kicked by the home side. A brilliant snap out of a rucking contest by Heath Lawry, which kept bouncing and went through for the goal of the game at the 19 minute mark, could have been a spark, but the Eagles soon responded.

A late snap by Daniel Havelberg gave Central's three goals for the period, but it still trailed by 50 points at the final break.

Supporters, used to the Dogs never say die attitude, remained in their seats as the last quarter began, with the knowledge Central would show some fight to make the scoreboard respectable, but the Eagles dominated for the fourth consecutive term.

The good and bad news for Central was the form of Brad Symes - he was the only player who stuck to his task throughout the game. If not for him, the margin would have been much worse, but it may see him snaffled by the Crows this week.

Chad O'Sullivan was serviceable in his 50th game for the club, while Ryan Williams continued to give his all, although his disposal was a little wayward. Too many others need to have a long look in the mirror this week before putting their guernsey on again.

Young gun James Moss made his league debut against the Eagles. With not many team mates standing up to be counted, he struggled to find the ball, but did have a few good touches. Hopefully the former Willaston lad will get a chance this week to showcase his immense talent.

If the Dogs want to make a statement, West Adelaide at Elizabeth this Saturday presents the perfect challenge. Sitting bottom with just one win, the Bloods have less confidence than Central, and may be ripe for the picking.

But a performance like recent form will see the Bulldogs in big trouble. Nothing short of a complete turn-a-round will be accepted by frustrated supporters.

Eagles 4.2 8.8 12.9 18.14 (122 pts.)
Central District 1.4 1.4 4.7 5.8 (38 pts.)
Best: Symes, O'Sullivan, Williams.
Goals: O'Sullivan 2, Lawry, Havelberg, Cowan.

Round 13 Award Winners

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