TOPIC:

2nd derby of the year for EF & SF, the first one went down to the wire, with Eardley shanking his shot on goal..with the closeness of the comp, this game could be considered an 8 pt win in terms of a top five spot

.Goddard is obviously a big loss for EF, been an inspired recruit considering the circumstances.....last minute too. Big task for young McGuire, especially since Free is probably the best ruck in the comp. Not sure if Buffalo will pull the trigger with  Simpson as a back up, or just look to strengthen the midfield to counter balance the expected hitout deficit.....be handy to get both Murdock and Baskerville back into the engine room. With wet weather forecasted, perhaps SF aerial advantage with Free, Miller, Strom x2 and Schlensog  will be naturally curtailed and EF can run SF off their feet.

Can see Jansen or Smith filling the McGuire void at CHF, SF defence are a fantastic unit, with a range of quality sorts down there in Strom, Pearson, Schlensog and McQuilken. Hopefully Marsh can rise to the occasion and kick a few. Been a good spread of goalkickers for EF this season, with a range of double figured goal kickers......

EF defence have been very consistent all year well led by the skipper, hopefully Jupp and his defensive troops can keep on doing what they have done all season, playing for each other down back.Think if EF get Murdock and Baskerville back, they may just edge the midfield battle v SF....especially if Florenca is on the sidelines.

The law of averages suggest EF will win a Derby soon, though with 13 wins on the trot one would expect SF will go in quietly confident and worthy favourites 

I think Goddard out tips the balance to SF, who certainly have the Sharks measure. In a close, tough contest with conditions that suit the Bulldogs, I think they'll prevail. Be interesting to see if Shaw returns, given the conditions. I think Simpson would have to come in to support in the Ruck- though Monaghan has liked to use Bailey or Jansen in the ruck previously.

Well weather most foul is a bummer on the day of the big derby but the attendance today of the 1992 premiership team will certainly help to lift any deflated spirits. At this stage looks like 3 changes to the side that brushed aside the West Coast Eagles without much trouble. Goddard though did manage get into trouble so is out. Smith and Burton both can consider themselves rather unlucky to be playing in the reserves game. Eddie Simpson will play his first league game in blue and white hoops. Baskerville and Murdoch, the 2 other inclusions, are strong additions to the side. The team that will hopefully break our derby drought is.

GORRINGE  JUPP  TUCKER

MEADE  BAILEY  EARDLEY

SCHOENFELD  JANSEN  LESTER-SMITH

ENGLISH  MURPHY  MURDOCK

MONTAUBAN  SIMPSON  MARSH

MCGUIRE  BOEKHURST  BASKERVILLE

BENNETT  HOLMES  MCDONALD  TASSONE