Australian Football

Match Report

The lights of Playford Alive Oval in Elizabeth flickered to life for the Northern Derby between the Bulldogs and the Roosters. The last time these two locked up for battle was back in Round 9, the Dogs escaping Prospect Oval with a six-point win leaving North fans seething at a lost opportunity to bag a rare win against them. The Roosters' last victory against Centrals was back in Round 17 last season at Prospect, but a win at Elizabeth is a rarity indeed with two wins from the last 21 games at the Ponderosa. With the notorious Gowans twins playing their last match on Elizabeth turf, everyone expected the Dogs to run rampant... WRONG!

The Roosters went on the attack early, despite some inaccuracy in the opening term they still kicked out to a 20-point lead by quarter-time after scoring 3.4 whilst keeping the Dogs to just two behinds. The rot continued for the Dogs in the second quarter, North taking a further three goals to 2.3 to take their advantage out to 23 points by the long break. If the two Dogs stalwarts weren't going off their heads and busting a few blood vessels by this time, it was about to get worse. When play resumed, the Roosters went on their merry way in the third quarter, they added 5.4 while the Dogs continued to spray several opportunities with their lousy 2.4. At the final change, the visitors held a 41-point lead. The Dogs left their fightback far too late, North holding off the home side for a 17-point win after they conceded 7.1 to their 3.1 in the final quarter.

James Bennett was named best for the Roosters, while Trent Goodrem was voted best for the Bulldogs.