How will North answer the critics?
North Melbourne looked to have turned a corner after their brilliant win over the Demons a fortnight ago, but then the Kangaroos were comprehensively thrashed by the Swans at Docklands, with criticism of their tactics and below-par performance.
The team has the talent to put up winning scores, particularly with the likes of Nick Larkey, Cameron Zurhaar and Paul Curtis up forward.
But the vaunted midfield needs to get first use and the back six will need to lift if they are to match the Suns’ fierce attack. The question is: which North Melbourne will turn up in the Barossa?
Expectations on the Suns again
One of the frustrations for the Suns in recent seasons has been their tendency to let things slip in the games they are expected to win, particularly on the road.
It’s been one of the reasons why they haven’t come close to ending their wait for finals. So far this season, things have looked different, but it’s very early days and we’ve seen a few false dawns on the Coast before now.
Fresh off their heart-stopping and controversial win over the Crows last week, Damien Hardwick’s men will have no excuses for not making club history – a win today would take them to 4-0 for the first time since Gold Coast’s inception. Can they live up to expectations?
Welcome to Super Saturday in SA!
Hello and welcome to ABC’s coverage of day three of AFL’s Gather Round! Today is a big day of footy, with matches stretching from the Barossa to suburban Norwood and the Theatre by the Torrens, Adelaide Oval.
What’s on our menu for Super Saturday in SA? First-up we head to Lyndoch, where the new Barossa Park will be christened as North Melbourne take on Gold Coast. Then it’s off to town again for Carlton’s absolute must-win game against the Eagles at Adelaide Oval, before a twilight match at Norwood Oval as the Bulldogs try to knock off the defending premiers Brisbane.
Finally we go back to Adelaide Oval for the Demons and the Bombers, with both sides desperate to kickstart their seasons with a win.
I’m Andrew McGarry and I’ll be kicking things off today before handing over to Kyle Pollard, and maybe the odd message from our man in SA for Gather Round, Dean Bilton.
Can’t wait for the action to get underway, so stay with us!
