North Adelaide is back in the SANFL premiership hunt after smashing Central

NORTH Adelaide coach Josh Francou never doubted himself or his players despite entering the finals on the back of five successive losses.

NORTH Adelaide coach Josh Francou never doubted himself or his players despite entering the finals on the back of five successive losses. He knew the ability was there but a lack of confidence had become an issue. The constant question in his mind was how to stop the slide. ''I kept selling the same message we have for the entire season,'' Francou said. ''It was up to the players to instigate a spark.'' For the opening 10 minutes of the elimination final against Central District at AAMI Stadium yesterday, there was more of the same Roosters form from the past month. Then the Roosters instigated that spark Francou talked about and they set about demolishing the Bulldogs to triumph by 62 points and claim a spot in the first semi-final. After restricting the Bulldogs, who had a strong wind at their backs for the first quarter, to a 17-point lead, the Roosters used the wind to grab the advantage and from there they were never seriously threatened.

The Roosters' pressure was outstanding and that created uncertainty among the Bulldogs, who constantly coughed up turnovers courtesy of poor skills and terrible decision making. The Bulldogs also allowed their opponents too much freedom in retrieving the ball from defence and that allowed the Roosters to regain fluency with their movement. ''That run we had - it is about getting pressure around the footy to cause turnovers and be able to play the game on our terms,'' Francou said. ''Our pressure around the footy was superb and they (Bulldogs) were starting to make mistakes under perceived pressure as well. ''That has been a trademark of our game for the first 15 rounds this season. We are a good side when we are doing the things we need to. We did that today and showed we are a good side.''

Asked if the Roosters were good enough to win the flag, Francou paused and then said: ''There is belief in the group we can go all the way otherwise we would not be here - pack the bags and go home.

''If we are playing the game we want to - and we played it for three and half quarters today - we give ourselves a chance.''

The Roosters dominated all over the ground and their workrate was far superior to a Bulldogs outfit without answers and the necessary passion for the contest. Todd Miles was back to his best, youngster Nick Amato was busy on the ball and Cohen Thiele's influence was significant.

The Bulldogs have now lost their past three finals in meek fashion after dropping both major round matches last year.

Immediately after the loss, Bulldogs coach Roy Laird and chief executive Kris Grant had a lengthy discussion on plans for next season and there will be a clean out of players at Elizabeth continues the rebuilding process.

''Our skill level ... there are too many repeat offenders who can't stand up under pressure,'' Laird said. ''We have to cut ties with some players and be very proactive quickly finding some players. ''We started the clean out last year with some numbers but we have got to make another significant one now.''