Round 2 Game of the Week – North v West

By ZAC MILBANK

Why is it Game of the Week?
Both teams are coming off a loss in Round 1 which automatically places a bit of heat on not starting the season with an 0-2 win-loss record. But for North Adelaide, the stakes are much higher as a loss will effectively condemn them to having an 0-4 win-loss record due to their penalty for the Preliminary Final incident last year. The Roosters will also be looking to put on a spirited display in front of the Prospect faithful, given they will also be unfurling their 2018 premiership flag before the bounce. For the Bloods, it was this fixture in Round 2 last year at Menzies Crescent which resulted in a record 138-point loss. There should be a steely resolve from Gavin Colville’s men to ensure history doesn’t repeat.

For the Record
Overall
Played: 265
North: 152
West: 112
Drawn: 1

At Prospect
Played: 94
North: 66
West: 28

The Last Three
Round 12 2018 – North 13.17 (95) d West 7.5 (47)
Round 2 2018 – North 25.14 (164) d West 2.14 (26)
Round 10 2017 – West 15.13 (103) d North 13.5 (83)

Key Match-Up
Max Thring (North) v Will Snelling (West)
These two love getting in and under at the stoppages to win the hard ball for their team. They are barometers for their team, if they play well, usually their team wins – placing high importance on their performance. Thring will be determined to lead from the front in what looms as a vital match for his side while Snelling is still settling back into his role with the Bloods after spending three years with Port Adelaide.

X Factors

North
Lewis Hender
It doesn’t take many disposals for Hender to impact a the outcome of a match. North’s mercurial forward didn’t have his kicking boots on in Round 1, booting 2.5 from his seven shots on goal in an erratic display at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval. It didn’t stop him from producing the Channel 7 Goal of the Week though, with a crafty soccer off the ground from 20m out.

West
Ken Karpany Junior
Karpany hit the ground running in season 2019 when he booted three goals against the Magpies in Round 1. Incredibly elusive, the small forward reads the play well to ensure he’s at the fall of the ball to pounce with pace. No doubt the Roosters will be keeping a close eye on him.

Zac’s Verdict
North Adelaide by 28 points
The Roosters were right in the contest for a half against the Eagles and the match may have panned out very differently had they kicked straight in the first half. With so much on the line for the reigning premier, it is difficult to see West causing an upset but they too will be stinging after being overwhelmed in the fourth term against Port Adelaide. It won’t be enough to overcome Josh Carr’s charges on foreign soil.