GO WITH IT
Emotions erupt as Central District coach Paul Thomas hugs co-captain Kyle Presbury after the Bulldogs’ stunning one-point win against Glenelg. The Doggies’ pleasure is the Tigers’ pain, Glenelg captain Liam McBean upset the big game has been lost. Photo: David Mariuz
RAW EMOTION BY PETER CORNWALL
Wow! What a game and what a finish. No wonder we love our SANFL footy, with all its emotion, passion and unpredictability. And there’s nothing quite like the ecstasy and heartbreak the final siren arouses after an epic clash that’s gone right down to the wire. Sometimes the coach gets caught up in the moment. Like when Central District boss Paul Thomas sprinted across the Ponderosa to embrace his triumphant players after the Bulldogs had snatched a crucial onepoint win-for-the-ages against Glenelg. Having trailed by 29 points in the third quarter, Central’s hopes of earning the finals double-chance looked shot to pieces. The Dogs’ refusal to accept defeat and instead turn it into a stunning one-point win – jumping into third spot – brought wild scenes of celebration to Elizabeth, on the field, in the stand and in the outer. When it comes to showing emotion, there are few players who can match the energy and excitement of the Eagles’ James Rowe. And the explosive midfielderforward, who booted four goals from his 29 disposals, had reason to celebrate as Woodville-West Torrens ended a run of six successive losses with a resounding 57-point win against South that put the Eagles on track for a finals berth. But fifth spot is still up in the air as an Adelaide win against Sturt coupled with a Norwood win against the Eagles would see the Crows snatch a spot in the elimination final. But the Redlegs and Double Blues have their sights set higher – looking to claim the minor premiership in the last round of the home-and-away season. Norwood and Sturt both have outstanding 14-3 win-loss records, the Legs on top with a percentage advantage of a mere 0.22. There’s more emotion, passion and unpredictability to come. And ecstasy and heartbreak.
Eagles excitement machine James Rowe shows his delight at kicking one of his four goals in the crucial win against South Adelaide. Photo: Scott Starkey
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