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Central District reigns supreme

Central District has reigned supreme to clinically outplay a deficient North Adelaide to take out the 2007 SANFL grand final by 65 points at AAMI Stadium on Sunday and claim its sixth premiership from its eight consecutive appearances.

The ruthless Bulldogs displayed the dominance it has shown all year in the SANFL competition. They were focused from the outset with a tough, well-disciplined game plan, which North Adelaide failed to withstand. Central District was relentless forcing the ball forward at every opportunity and suffocated the Roosters in close, preventing them from settling into their usual skilful running game.

There was to no comeback this week from the Roosters who too often took the wrong option going forward and botched their chances when they did get in front of goal. North Adelaide wasted too many opportunities, which was disappointing considering they were expected to give the Bulldogs a real challenge.

Unfortunately, Central District’s performance was marred by an ugly incident involving James Gowans (25 possessions and two goals) who was reported for alleged striking Rooster defender Shane Schubert behind the play with just minutes of the match to go, which probably cost the midfielder winning the best-on-ground medal. Instead, his brother Chris (18 possessions and one goal) was awarded the Jack Oatey Medal to become the first player to win it for a second time in its history.

Port Adelaide Power Brad Symes put demons to rest from the AFL grand final humiliation to rack up 24 possessions, including 10 in the first quarter and dish off plenty of the ball to running teammates. Former Adelaide Crow Alan Obst continued to show he has come of age for Centrals this finals series as he was proving dangerous in attack with two first term goals to set his side in motion and give the Bulldogs a 17-point lead at quarter time against a slight breeze.

Tasmanian recruit Ian Callinan really broke the game open late in the second quarter with three goals before the break and one soon after to finish with a game high four, and unlucky not to claim best-on-ground honours himself. Central District took a solid 28-point buffer into half time, which proved hard to peg back as they continued to control the match.

Defender Yves Sibenaler had the measure of Rooster’s danger man Nick Gill all day and prevented the impact player from having any influence on the match. A heavy opening quarter tackle on Gill by Sibenaler seemed to rattle the key forward, who showed nothing of his usual run and strong marking of recent finals. Fellow North Adelaide forward Clint Alleway asserted his presence in attack but, like Gill, seemed nervous when shooting for goal, which was much of the focus pre-game.

Former Crow Ben Hart was a dour trier all day to be North’s best with 22 possessions and was well supported by Magarey Medallist James Allen (27 possessions). Hard running Scott Bamford (21 possessions and two goals) commanded respect along his wing, while Schubert stood tall amongst the continual Bulldog bombardment. North Adelaide coach Andrew Jarman decided to play skipper Darryl Wintle after a month off football with a hamstring injury, but he did not have an influence on the contest with just 12 possessions.

Central District maintained their powerhouse status in the SANFL with an impressive 16.11 (107) to 5.12 (42) over a stunned North Adelaide.

Stephen O’Loughlin