Jack Toft
Years ago
G2: Sixers @ The Gong
With road wins the difference between a playoff and an early shower, getting early road wins are as crucial as dressing correctly for a job interview. The Sixers travel to Steelcity (Carbon Tax City) to take on Gordie's Hawks who have been tipped by the bookies to secure this one in the Sunday afternoon clash. The Sixers are looking to find their swagger away from the Adelaide Arena and are still without Balls but have the second import who needs to shine like a diamond not a zirconia.
The Hawks will be no pushovers, but if played properly in the matchups can be beaten at home. "loungesuit" Larry Davidson stroked 19 points in round 1, and against the more agile Johnson could be in for a rude shock if DJ is fed the ball well and stays aggressive around the key.
The dangerman for the Sixers and the one they need to control is the enigmatic Oscar Forman who has flourished under the tutoring of the rusty haired master coach. The last few times these teams have played he has matched up against Holmes and made him look ordinary (or more ordinary as some would say) "Diamond” Simpson is likely to be his matchup and needs to be aware of Foreman's tricks. (go to the videotape!)
Helliwell needs a breakout game and could be the wildcard in the Sixers pack. Used well, he could be the one to pester Davidson and Forman into submission.
Saville and Weigh are the next likely matchup and if Weigh has practiced his shooting this week, there’s no reason why this matchup shouldn’t swing the Sixers way. With Creek on Saville (26 years his senior), Creek's quick transition is his strength and should draw fouls easily as I suspect Saville’s fingers will transform into hooks as I reckon Creeky has about 5 yards on him over the court.
Mat Campbell is another dangerous player and with Crosswell likely to start on him this will get down to cunnings. The ninja has been relegated to the position of 3 point specialist and hopefully he can ice a dagger or four from beyond the arc.
Rhys Martin dished out 7 assists last round and needs a short leash, that being the Rabbit. This is another matchup the Sixers could win if they keep it simple and don’t overcomplicate things.
The man under pressure must be Marty Clarke. Principle criticisms revolve around his roster decisions and lack of time outs when the opposition get a run on. There's no refund on un-used timeouts. There are times when a cunning coach plays a player out of position to create an upset in the structure of the opposition. Refer Trent Ormond-Allen in ruck. But, in a game like this the most simple game plans work, otherwise it'll end up as scary as a Mumbai taxi ride.
It all gets down to D and with some performances thinner than the gruel in a Russian gulag, the Sixers need to bind together or else it'll be a slow drive up the escarpment back to Sin City.
Let's hope those Hawkies fans are on their bums after the first play (like round 1) !
