FOOTBALL: South Augusta will travel to Port Pirie on Saturday to take on the Lions. It is a game that is vital for each team and their aspirations for playing finals.
Until a couple of rounds ago both Port and West Augusta appeared to have had the double chance sowed up. This, however, has all changed with West losing their last 3 games. Now four teams are competing for the second double chance position. Port’s position appears secure based on their present dominance of the competition.
Therefore with Lions holding on to fourth position from South only by percentage and with both teams within striking distance of a double chance, this under lines the crucial nature of this weekends game.
South caused an upset against West Augusta in the opinion of many pundits last weekend. Their form until then had been patchy with only two wins. While the Lions, although they were competitive for three quarters against Port failed to sustain the necessary intensity for the entire game.
At the teams last meeting saw South eventually run out winners by 20 points. The game was entertaining putting on show an array of young talent in the Spencer Gulf League. The scene is again set for an enthralling contest.
South’s coach Gary Lernahan and Lion’s coach Adrian Davies are both very experienced campaigners and will no doubt prepare well for this encounter. Each have met on numerous occasions in the past and are well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their respective sides.
The key to the outcome of the game may lay in the ability of the Lions defence to control the versatile South’s forward set up. Something Lions have been unable to manage before adequately.
South Augusta has a number of forwards who are capable of testing the Lions defence. Ian Brown, Bradley Amos and Christian Reid also contributions from Todd Kernahan and Dale Shillabeer when available have provided the majority of the goals scored in the past.
Lion’s defence which will need to be at their best to restrict South Augusta will be led by the veteran Christian Wood who is having a fine consistent season. While the talented youngsters in Cam Pine who appears to have found his niche at centre half back and both Shaun Edwards and Michael Lagoudis are providing that much needed rebound from defence.
The experienced Marc Congdon and Brodie Lavis complement a steady Lions defensive line. The talent is certainly there to curb the influence of the South forwards.
South’s Brocke Laube and Lion’s Brad Ley were involved in an interesting tussle in ruck when the sides last met. The ruck duels were fairly even but Laube proved a little more effective around the ground. Let has lifted his work rate in general field lately and is providing valuable drive for his team. This will be a contest to watch.
The likes of South’s onballers in Christian Reid, Ryan Struck, Matt Grantham, Daniel Dohnt and others have and will be a threat to the Lions with their pace and ability to find space.
Lion’s play makers in Chris Marsland, Matt Promnitz, Brad Pine and Matt Peek are more than capable of matching their opponents in the attacking aspects of play but they will need to be prepared to ensure the defensive aspects of their game are to the fore as well. South’s centre line and onballers if allowed too much freedom have the ability to create havoc.
The Lion’s forwards efforts have been inconsistent so far this season while South’s defence has been steady. Tate Bradley was well held by Jordan Madigan of South in their last meeting.
A solid return from Bradley and support form Tom Harmer, Tyson Horsnell and others will be another crucial if the Lions are to achieve a match winning score.
Lions have not lowered the colours of South for a number of seasons. They got close last game and provided they play to their ability have a great opportunity to turn the tables at last. Whatever the outcome, supporters can expect a keenly contested and entertaining match.
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