BULLDOGS DROOL OVER THE BAYS
Undermanned, underdone and unsettled.
But it mattered little for all-conquering Central District when it overcame all three barriers yesterday to again stamp itself as the SANFL's pacesetter with a grinding 10-point win against Glenelg at Gliderol Stadium.
It is frightening to think the Dogs are still missing premiership stars Chris Gowans, Richard Cochrane, Daniel Havelberg, Chad O'Sullivan and Andrew Hayes through injury while boom recruit James Boyd is still on the recovery trail.
James Gowans and Heath Lawry were only playing their first league game for the season against the Bays while youngsters such as Damian Hynes and Ashley Duncan are still finding their feet after being thrust into the back half with the sudden departure of premiership defender Yves Sibenaler.
"We were a little unsettled through ins and outs so from all that side of it, to have a win was outstanding," Central coach Roy Laird said.
"We've got some players underdone who will be better for the run. (Jay) Nash is still playing early games for us down back, Duncan's playing early games and Lawry has gone back so they've got to get used to playing with each other. And then through that general feel of having confidence in your mate, you become a better side."
And Laird's last statement is the scary prospect still facing the Dogs' eight rivals. Glenelg - only missing hamstrung skipper Ben Mules and late withdrawal Danny Meyer - was made to pay for an unsuperior skill level, particularly during the first term when the rampant visitors piled on six goals in succession without a blemish.
Rugged Ryan Williams booted his two goals during the blitz while Ian Callinan and Paul Thomas also chimed in en route to being the most influential pair on the ground.
"In the first quarter, I thought that was a telling factor in a 10-point result," Glenelg coach Mark Mickan lamented.
"There were four or five clear turnover goals which were a result of skill errors. Full credit to the opposition because they are out there applying pressure and I felt we could have done better.
"They are a quality side and we came into this game knowing they're the best team in the competition and have been for a long time. They were just terrific."
Laird's move to clog up the dangerous Tiger forward structure also proved pivotal. The wily premiership mentor used burly Jason Mackenzie as a road block in front of key forwards Todd Grima and Ruory Kirkby, who both battled to get into the game for the hosts.
Power veteran Josh Carr (29 possessions and three clearances) was one of few shining lights for the Bays, who were also well served by Byron Murphy and full back Wayde Mills.
Forgotten Angus Lally (13 disposals and two goals) also worked hard considering he played a quarter in the reserves before being rested to replace Meyer.
