Australian Football

Match Report

We now go from the west side out to the south west for one of the week's TV games, to the Stratarama Stadium in Glenelg where the Tigers hosted the Bulldogs. The Tigers have won their previous 10 outings against the northerners, last year's outings resulting in a nine-point win at Elizabeth in Round 7, then a 63-point hammering at Brighton Road just a few weeks later in Round 11. A pre-game washout of the Ponderosa resulted in a low-scoring match, Centrals' late challenge falling short despite having plenty of time to make up the difference. The Bays would kick nine goals in each half of the later match, the Dogs' second term being their most wasteful with seven scoring shots and only kicking two goals. The Tigers' goal-kicking radar has been in the spotlight as of late, though it didn't stop them taking points at Woodville last week. The Dogs on the other hand have hit a speed bump with consecutive losses, last week it was a humiliation at home to Norwood. Both had plenty of chances to begin with here, the Dogs ahead by a point after a 2.4 to 2.3 opening term. The lead changed hands three times over 24 minutes during the second term, but then a pair of goals deep into time on would have the Tigers going into the long break with a 14-point advantage after scoring 6.3 to the Bulldogs' four goals. Centrals' confidence has been given some shakes after starting the season so well and when play resumed, it looked as though they'd gotten over the yips, outscoring the reigning premiers 4.3 to 1.4 in the third quarter to re-take the lead going into the final change. At three quarter-time, the visitors were in front by just three points. But they couldn't maintain the rage, though the Tigers had to really battle for their forward entries for a return of 2.2 while the Dogs only managed four behinds in the latter half. The home side would escape with a seven-point win. Matt Allen was again at the forefront as best for Glenelg, with 19 disposals, five tackles and three goals including the match winner. Centrals would name Billy Iles as their best with 24 disposals and eight tackles.