Even if Magden is not going to college, he was on crutches on saturday night so I doubt he will be playing finals....not this week anyway. It is very interesting tho.
It really is anyones flag at this point. I think the sabres would have to be favourite. Oscar will be back for finals, even if Smylie is not. So any team with Oscar, Ng, will be tough to beat. Throw in the fact that Gower has had a few weeks back now so his form and fitness are sure to improve in the coming weeks. Throw in a pretty good support cast with Sheppard, Hakendorf, Dodman, the bald fella, and that is easily a good enough team to win the championship.
Then you have the Eagles. Boy are they up and down at the moment. Lost three out of their last 5, including losing to eastern without Magden, Holmes, Trebilcock for the secong half(has injured his calf again...could be out for the season), after the Eagles were up by 23 at half time! Cambell was missing in that one. Also they have had Dougie out for the last 3 or 4 weeks tho im not sure if he is the reason for them losing...he's a solid bench player but they should be able to win without him...not sure when or if he will be back? So it would seem that the Eagles don't have the consistancy to win the flag this year, but they definately have the players so anything could happen for them.
Eastern, well are a dark horse. If Holmes plays they are right up there with Sturt as favourites, but without him I can't see them winning 3 games in a row or 3 out of 4 to win the flag. one thing is for sure, as long as Williams is there, they will definately have a red hot go at it, and if Hill turns it on, and Davis plays like he did last week...saw he had 21 points, then once again, they are going to be tough.
North are definately the in form side heading into the finals. I think if their support group of Groves, Kies, Quigley, Rowe can consistantly bring in good numbers to take the pressue of of Hambour, Zorich and Burdon then they are a real chance. The only thing against them is the fact that they will need to win 4 in a row to take it out...not out of the question, but definately going to be very tough!
Norwood chances I beleive will depend on wether Ely plays or not. They have deinately struggled in his absence. He is a 20 point/ game player for them, and really gets his team fired up. A very important piece he is, and I can't see them winning the whole thing without him. Obviously alot rest on their other 4 starters in Cooper, Krause, Mathews and Webber, but with no real outside shooter I think they will be a preliminary finalist at best. With Ely, they can go all the way for sure. No home finals will hurt them, as they will have to win consecutive games at Hillcrest, Mt Barker, Wayville and Powerhouse, which are very tough venues to come away with a victory. But they are there, and this weeks game against North is going to be an absolute ball tearer.
Prediction
Grand final between Sturt and Forestville, with Sturt coming home with the championship!
