Dave O’Shea previews tomorrow’s match between the Reds and the Whites in Saigon. Photo, Mark Stennett Photography.
Dave O’Shea, Supercoach Extraordinaire, has prepared a preview of tomorrow’s big hit out between the Saigon Reds and the Saigon Whites. In breaking news, it has just been reported that Rocket who has professional umpiring experience in Australia, will do the duties on Saturday in the match that will also be Tristan Dwyer’s last as a resident in Vietnam.
Where and When: RMIT, Tomorrow, Saturday, 9 June, 2:30 pm
Last time: Whites 4. 6 (30) d Reds 3.8 (24), 26 May, 2012
After a very close first match, this match looks set to be no different. Both teams are armed with skillful and classy players and hopefully the match can live up to all the hype and expectations. The last result saw the White team just get over the line, however the Reds were missing some key players. Will it be a different result this time or will the Reds be able to reverse the previous result?
The four points
Reds
- The half back line of the Reds was very dangerous in the first game. Will the Whites be able to stop the run from the likes of Nat and Nathan? If those players are able to get space, the Whites could be in for a long afternoon.
- The lock down defensive style from the Reds’ midfielders seemed to work well in the first game. Will they be able to continue this style of play in the second match?
- Captain Dukesy and Big Bad Bustlin’ Billy, were both sidelined last time these teams met. These two blokes will be welcome additions to the team if they are available. Billy seems to be a certain starter, however, Dukesy is still questionable with an injured back.
- How will the Reds’ forwards find a way to get past the Whites’ defenders? Last time the teams met Phil Ghasseb laid some crunching tackles and “The Butcher”, Travy, was as solid as a prime rump steak at full back. If the Reds are to win this match, they will need to make the most of their opportunities when the ball goes forward.
Tristan Dwyer will play his last match tomorrow as a resident of Vietnam.
Whites
- Can the Whites find a way to break the cramming defense of the Reds? If they can, there should be plenty of pill being delivered into the forward line.
- What will the Reds do about the previous dominance of key full forward Kyle? Will they leave him open or will they shut him down with a backline tagger? Last time they met, Kyle took some screaming marks and kicked 2 crucial goals. The Reds will need to be on their toes against “The Plugger Locket” of the Whites.
- How can the white midfielders find a way to win the ball out of the middle? Last time, even with ruckman, Luke, winning a lot of the taps, the Reds’ midfielders were still getting to the ball first. The Whites will need to rectify this and communicate more with their ruckman.
- Last time the match was played, Whites captain and poster boy, Heater Ellis umpired. Will he be available for the match on Saturday? If he is, the Reds could be looking down the barrel of 2 defeats in a row. (Ed’s note, with the breaking news about Rocket umpiring, Heater should be free to play.)
