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Years ago
Funny Mens ABL after 3 rounds
After 3 rounds played in the ABL, how are the teams looking at this early stage of the season? The Easter break gives teams a chance to look at the games played and the up and coming rounds.
MEN
Central Districts The jury is still out& come back later.
Many talked up the possibility that the Lion fans will see some post season action this year. After two wins and playing some good ball, most will say they will& but there is a 'but'... The wins have been against South, whom many predict to be wooden spooners and the other against Southern who are winless. The lose was against Norwood and the Lions had more shots, out rebounded, more steals and more second change points, but only threw 13 assists. Jye Watson has set the net on fire in every game averaging 32.7 ppg (league leader), Vanderburgh is working both ends of the floor and the bench is making a health contribution. The jury may have a verdict after the next 2 rounds (Sturt, North) but Good signs for the Lions faithful so desperate to be involved in post season action.
Southern Hello, anyone home?
The Tigers must be waiting to wake up from the dream and for the season to begin, but it has. This team find themselves looking for answers and the Easter break is a welcomed one. The Tiger offense has coughed and spluttered shooting the ball less then all three opponents and turnovers remain a problem. Gerlach has been the only consistent light for the Tigers this season averaging 23 ppg and consistency is something the Tigers are struggling with. If the Tigers can get some form from the likes of Hodges, Gerlach, Hoban and Bowley expect a very quick turn around. The next 3 rounds (North, West, Norwood) are huge for the Tigers and could determine the rest of the season.
Woodville Has the bubble already burst?
Some would say it has, but who knows. Woodville had been tipped for the big slid this season but shocked everyone with two early wins against Southern and North, but got shut down by their Western rivals. The Warriors in there two wins turned the ball over for a total of 24 times, but double that in one game against West with 28. West showed that Woodville did not like the added pressure with West getting a staggering 15 steals. Puddifoot has had a double/double each game this season. If Woodville can keep possession of the ball like in Round 1 & 2, they will push every side they play against and maybe the slid will not be as great as everyone predicted.
West Adelaide Did we right them off too early?
Simple answer is yes. Some predicted that this side would be in a battle for the wooden spoon this season, but the first 3 rounds are saying this might not be right. This team got a 41 point hiding by Sturt so you would say on the surface they are an average side. Looking at the stats in this game, West had the same amount of shots and only 2 more turnovers so they had the same use of the ball as the competition leaders. So why haven't they won more games? One thing that stands out is the lack of rebounding power. In every game, even in the win against Woodville, they have been hammered on the boards and prone to high foul counts. Not many games a won by a weak rebounding side and a team that plays defense with there hands. The next 2 games are winnable (South, Southern) and wins here will see them with a positive record, but are they get there act together on the glass.
Sturt Should we just give them the championship and play for second?
Not just yet. This season has proved close in just 3 rounds but Sturt have proven they where the pre-season favorites. So far this season they have not been pushed by any team with the closest being 13 pt (Easterns). Sturt have average per game over 23 assists, 70 rebounds, 107 points @ 42.4% and have only scored under 20 points in 2 quarters. The biggest quarter being a massive 42 points. This team has so much fire power that it is going to make it hard for any team to stop. The next 3 round will see if they can be stopped with Centrals and Forestville being teams that could cause Sturt some trouble& but expect Sturt to be un-defeated going into round 7. This team has the ability to go all the way un-defeated and deserve the rights as championship favorites.
Forestville Are they on the way out?
Big question that can not be answered this early in the season. The Eagles have started the season being a tipster's nightmare. Went in as favorites against North and went down by 11 (minus Jason Dix), scrapped in against West by 4 and went up into the Hills as big favorites only to come back with there tails between their legs. After 3 rounds they have the lowest points 'for' (equal to West) and one of the worst percentages in the league. Forestville need more support from the bench and some players to step up to take more of a role then in the past. They have a very difficult 3 rounds ahead (Norwood, Sturt, Woodville) and this will be a telling factor if they are good enough to cut the mustard this season. The Easter Break might have been just what the doctor ordered.
South Wooden spooners or Finals bound?
To early to tell for this Panther group and don't laugh about them playing finals. This team could be the surprise packet this season, but on the other hand, they might not. South lack a player that can stand up and take over a game and this could be a telling factor over the course of the season. They do manage a good number of assist per game (19.6 pg) and do not turn the ball over much. They had more shots then North in there lose but struggled from the 3 point line and this was also reflected in there lose to Centrals. If they find range from outside and have a few players step up, then who knows how where they will go? South have a tough run coming up with a possible win against West, then they come up against the raining champions and the favorite (Eastern, Sturt).
North Contenders or Pretenders?
Any team with Hawkes, Hambour and McKay has to be a contender. One slip up against Woodville does not make them a bad side as we forgot they defeated Forestville the week before. North have out rebounded every side so far this season have the second lowest points scored against them. They have turned the ball over more time then there opposition in all 3 games to date which shows they are just not looking after the ball well enough. North will show there true colors in rounds 5 & 6 (Easterns, Centrals) and wins here will see they sitting second and a big chance to make a top three spot.
Easterns One year wonders?
The Mav's are 2 from 3 and have already played Sturt, Norwood and Forestville. In the lose to Sturt they had a better shooting percentage, turned the ball over less, won the last half and went down by only 13 pts. They gave Forestville and Norwood a touch up and managed in both games 6 players in double figures. They are averaging a 42.7% shooting percentage this season, good in anyone's books. They have only lost 2 quarters so far this season and are averaging 12 turnovers per game (lowest in league). With games against South and Southern coming up and a big test against North, this side should cement a top 3 spot. Could this be the side to be Sturt biggest threat this season& only time will tell.
Norwood Can they make a top 3 team?
Definitely. They started the season with the hardest draw playing Sturt, Centrals and Easterns. They lack consistency at this early stage of the season and team chemistry is still waiting to happen. One week the have a staggering 31 assist (v Centrals) then another they have only 9 (v Easterns). There stats chart week to week is like the Himalayas, up one week and down the next. The one thing that remains constant is the contribution being made form the bench (average 37 ppg) and this is a good sign for any coach. They have an improved 3 rounds ahead with an up and down Forestville, Woodville and Southern to come and could see this team go on a winning streak. Could this team be the dark horse of the competition?
