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Tough call on captain for North Adelaide

SANFL GRAND FINAL

North Adelaide coach Andrew Jarman will leave the agonising decision on whether to play captain Darryl Wintle in the SANFL grand final against Central District till the last minute.

Wintle’s premiership dream will hinge on how he recovers after the club’s final training session on Friday night at Prospect Oval. The skipper, sidelined for a month with a hamstring strain, did everything asked of him on Wednesday night showing no ill effects of his injury but his lack of match fitness going into such a crucial contest could hinder his chances. 

Jarman has named his leader in a squad of 23 along with Tate Kaesler and will confirm the two to miss out on game day. Hard-working Wintle’s toughness would be invaluable to the Roosters’ line-up to match the SANFL powerhouse. 

The title decider could not be played by two sides with more contrasting fortunes over the past decade or two. Central District is playing in a record eighth consecutive grand final and chasing their sixth premiership from those eight appearances, while North Adelaide is back in the big one for the first time since 1991. The Roosters were even wooden spooners in 2003 so their resurgence has been quick under the guidance of charismatic club legend Andrew Jarman. 

The Bulldogs will definitely be the side to beat at AAMI Stadium on Sunday after such a dominant season, in which they have suffered just two losses, including one to their grand final opponents.

North’s inexperience is sure to be targeted with Central District set intimidate the young Roosters and prevent them from adopting their quick, free-running game plan. The Bulldogs pride themselves on their physicality and North Adelaide will need to match their intensity if they plan to hold the cup aloft. 

Bulldog mentor Roy Laird, chasing his fourth premiership at the helm, put his side through a tiring workout on Saturday to make up for yet another week off. Central District will be fresh for the contest after facing just one game in five weeks. However, of some concern for the premiership favourites is that they did take over a half to warm-up in the second semi-final after their long break before producing their best to run away 20-point win over North Adelaide.

Laird has added Port Adelaide Power rookies Jonathan Giles and Ryan Williams along with NSW recruit Trent Goodrem to his squad. Brad Symes has also been included after playing in the Powers’ humiliating AFL grand final loss to Geelong last Saturday so he will be keen to put those memories to rest quickly.

Stephen O’Loughlin