Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Qualifying Final

Central District produced one of its most memorable wins in September as it stormed over the top of Sturt by 11 points in the Qualifying Final.

Erasing a 30-point deficit from 10 minutes into the third quarter, the Bulldogs – without injured Magarey Medallist Harry Grant – built plenty of character as they kicked the final seven goals of the game whilst holding the Double Blues scoreless in the final term.

Managing just one goal until Aiden Grace booted his first in the 11th minute, the Dogs looked seemingly headed for the First Semi-Final, instead they will prepare for their first Second Semi-Final since 2011 when they confront Norwood next Sunday.

The victory meant plenty to Paul Thomas’ charges – it was the first time in nearly four years they had defeated Sturt, whilst snapping an eight-game losing streak against the Double Blues and just their second win in 21 matches.

Grace was the Bulldogs’ X-factor in the final term, starting his team’s surge by finding Jai Larkins on the chest while being tackled to the ground.

Larkins duly converted from the top of the goal square to put the Bulldogs within 13 points before Grace then unloaded from 48m to trim the margin to just seven.

The Bulldogs’ cult hero then sent the Gowans twins – Chris and James – into wild celebrations on the Adelaide Oval hill when he bounced through a crafty dribbler from the boundary to trail by just one point.

Central then hit the front nearly 19 minutes into the fourth term when Isaiah Dudley snapped truly from 30m before Leyton Chisholm put the result beyond doubt when he ran on to the loose ball in the goal square.

The Dogs finished the game looking far fresher than their opponents, registering 51 inside 50s to 36 as 17-year-old Dyson Sharp shone through the midfield to collect 21 disposals, five clearances, 10 tackles and boot a clever soccer-style goal.

Central recruit Kade Dittmar again proved his worth with 19 disposals and 12 clearances while Rhett Montgomerie (18 disposals, eight marks) was outstanding behind the ball for the Dogs, continually reading the play well to take the sting out of Sturt attacks in the second half.

Gunning for its 14th win in succession this season, Sturt will be left to lament its inaccurate kicking in front of goal, particularly from set shots.

Inside midfield trio Will Snelling (23 disposals, 19 tackles), Tom Lewis (22 disposals, one goal) and James Battersby (21 disposals) worked hard while Steven Slimming was providing great run on the outside with 20 disposals and a goal.

But outside of this quartet, it was difficult to find many winners for the Double Blues, who will now face Glenelg in next Sunday’s First Semi-Final at Adelaide Oval.