Elimination Final 2: Sydney vs North Melbourne
September 5th 2008 08:52
The last time these two teams met, the controversial 19th man-on-the-field incident occurred, and the AFL immediately took action to stop this from ever happening again.
North supporters would be cursing considering how important those two points would have been in the final make-up of the top eight. Had the Kangaroos been given the four points, they would not be playing in an away elimination final. Instead, they would be hosting the Swans at the MCG.
Formwise, North were completely dominated by Port last week, and played gallantly the week before against ladder-leaders Geelong, but before their last two losses, they were on a six-game winning streak, which saw them charge up the standings. Had they knocked off Port, they would be playing the Cats again for the second time in three weeks.
Sydney come into this year's finals' series with some confidence after demolishing Brisbane at the SCG. But prior to that, they had won only one match in five rounds. Missing Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin has hurt the Swans in the run home.
If North can get on top of Sydney's defensive tactics, and get their running game going early, it will be a tough day for the Swans. If the Swans close the game up, and don't allow many gaps to appear when the Kangaroos are moving the ball forward, then a Sydney victory may look likely.
Sydney will need to kick more than 100 points to win, and North will need to improve the defence, asit leaks worse than a tap.
The winner will meet the loser of the Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs match in Melbourne in week two of this year's series. Both teams a perennial finalists year-in, year-out, so it will come down to who has the most experience at controlling their nerves and doing what is required.
North supporters would be cursing considering how important those two points would have been in the final make-up of the top eight. Had the Kangaroos been given the four points, they would not be playing in an away elimination final. Instead, they would be hosting the Swans at the MCG.
Formwise, North were completely dominated by Port last week, and played gallantly the week before against ladder-leaders Geelong, but before their last two losses, they were on a six-game winning streak, which saw them charge up the standings. Had they knocked off Port, they would be playing the Cats again for the second time in three weeks.
Sydney come into this year's finals' series with some confidence after demolishing Brisbane at the SCG. But prior to that, they had won only one match in five rounds. Missing Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin has hurt the Swans in the run home.
If North can get on top of Sydney's defensive tactics, and get their running game going early, it will be a tough day for the Swans. If the Swans close the game up, and don't allow many gaps to appear when the Kangaroos are moving the ball forward, then a Sydney victory may look likely.
Sydney will need to kick more than 100 points to win, and North will need to improve the defence, asit leaks worse than a tap.
The winner will meet the loser of the Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs match in Melbourne in week two of this year's series. Both teams a perennial finalists year-in, year-out, so it will come down to who has the most experience at controlling their nerves and doing what is required.
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