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Woodville-West Torrens in familiar territory

SANFL PRELIMINARY FINAL

Woodville-West Torrens coach Ron Fuller has had one constant in his time at the helm and that’s barking orders on preliminary final day so he is in familiar territory again on Sunday against North Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

This will be Fuller’s sixth preliminary final since taking on the job in 2001 and he has lost just one – to West Adelaide in 2003. Last year, the Eagles ousted North Adelaide from the title race on the penultimate weekend before going on to defeat Central District in the big one. The club has actually played in eight of the past nine preliminary finals.

However, there are a few extra pressures on Fuller this year as his side tries to grab back-to-back flags for the first in the clubs’ history. Despite naming an unchanged line-up from last week’s first semi-final win, several players are under a cloud and must complete fitness tests on Saturday to prove they are up for the crucial contest.

Although, the input of fresh legs could give Woodville-West Torrens a much-needed spark, which opens the door for a return to action for experienced forward trio Mark Passador, Tim Inkster and Adam Grocke. The Eagles’ two finals appearances have shown up dangerous lapses into lack-lustre patches of football, which definitely cost them against the Roosters in the qualifying final and almost caused their demise last week.

North Adelaide will be hoping to take full advantage of it opportunities this weekend after letting one slip against the Bulldogs in the second semi-final. Forward Michael Wundke has paid the price for his goal-kicking last week being the only omission for Sunday. The Roosters have included Greg Gallman, Tate Kaesler and reserves Magery Medallist Tim Devlins in an extended squad.

Leigh Ryswyk (thigh) and captain Darryl Wintle (hamstring) failed to convince selectors they were ready for a return for action. Port Adelaide Power Nathan Lonie, who also missed last week, is a noted absentee from qualifying final where he proved to be the match winner.

Valued clubman Scott Bamford will also be playing his 200th match for North Adelaide on Sunday after 59 games in the AFL for Fitzroy, Bribane and Geelong.

Stephen O’Loughlin