Central District locks away finals spot with solid win over West Adelaide

CENTRAL District's season is still alive after the Bulldogs saw off a spirited West Adelaide by 42 points in Elizabeth on Saturday.

Central's Brendan Dew handballs under pressure against West Adelaide. Picture: Dean Martin

CENTRAL District's season is still alive after the Bulldogs saw off a spirited West Adelaide by 42 points in Elizabeth on Saturday.

In a repeat of last season, the Bulldogs secured an elimination final berth with a win in the final round.

Was there seriously any doubt the Bulldogs would conquer the Bloods, wooden spooner this season just a year after celebrating premiership glory?

At times it didn’t look as clear-cut as it had seemed pre-game.

There were a few tense moments for the home side in the first half, and even late in the final quarter the margin was just 21 points, but the Bulldogs had the answers. And probably a little up the sleeve if necessary, after building a 37-point three quarter lead.

"There were some nice periods on the day,'' Bulldogs coach Roy Laird said. "We were a little anxious early and rushed some ball, but as the game went on we were able to get some clean ball from stoppages.

"You never know where their (Bloods) mindset sits on the day. They had some players playing their last game, they took some risks, ran hard and got forward of the ball.

“They definitely had a go.''

Trent Goodrem kicks the Bulldogs forward. Picture: Dean Martin

The Bloods committed themselves to ensuring there was pressure on the Bulldogs from the outset and Brett Turner nailed the first two goals of the contest for the visitors.

At times, the Bloods produced some slick ball movement and often outnumbered the Bulldogs when pushing the ball deep into attack. But, as has been the case all year, the lack of polish hurt the visitors in the second half.

Darcy Fort dominated the ruck for the Bulldogs and he fed Nick Holman, Elliott Kavanagh and Chris Jansen with plenty of ball.

With a constant supply, Kyle Jenner created havoc for the Bloods defenders and from late in the second term, the Bulldogs' lead grew.

Bloods defender Adam Hartlett, playing his final SANFL game, was moved to full forward for the final quarter and he nailed the first goal for the term.

For much of the final quarter, the Bulldogs were sloppy and seemingly content to just idle along.

"Up until that last five minutes we were only 21 points down and it was a disappointing way to finish,'' Bloods coach Mark Mickan said. "But you could not fault the effort up until that point.

"The way we moved the ball was pretty positive. The one per cent count was right up there and that indicates they had a go.

"We lacked polish at times and turned the ball over in dangerous positions, and got scored on.''

SCOREBOARD

CENTRAL DISTRICT 3.2 9.5 14.7 18.8 (116)

WEST ADELAIDE 2.3 5.5 8.6 11.8 (74)

BEST — Central: Jenner, D. Fort, Jansen, Holman, J. Schiller, Edmead, F. Fort. West: O'Brien, Caire, Silverlock, Stevens, Rankine.

GOALS — Central: Edmead 6, F. Fort 4, Presbury 2, Holman, Jansen, Jenner, T. Schiller, D. Fort, J. Schiller. West: Turner, Middleton, Rankine 2, O'Brien, Hartlett, Fielke, Wasley-Black, Hampton.

INJURIES — Central: McLean (ankle).

UMPIRES — Sobieraj, Hosking, Philp.

At My Money House Oval, Elizabeth.