Wests/Collingwood merge

[El Gato]

Are there any details forthcoming relational to this merger - benefits to Wests?

[Norris Lurker]

An announcement was made last night, details of it are up here:

http://www.sydneyafl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=110369

It's an alliance or affiliation rather than a merger, similar to the relationships of East Coast to West Coast, North Shore to Essendon etc. As with other alliances, a main benefit to Wests will be access to their AFL partner's coaching staff & facilities.
This week they will be unveiling a new jumper at the Wests v St George game - which happens to be the game I'll be writing from this weekend, so you'll get to see what it looks like right here on RWO.

[ash]

Norris, whats your tip in what looks like being preview of 1st minor semi?

Do you think either side can go all the way?
What players are gamebreakers?

[tigers_town]

good to see young Santarossa getting a run in firsts for the Crows after being in reserves for quite a while pity he has decided to stay a Crow , would have made a decent young docker

[Norris Lurker]

Originally posted by ash
Norris, whats your tip in what looks like being preview of 1st minor semi?

Do you think either side can go all the way?
What players are gamebreakers?

I've tipped Wests, but not with any great degree of confidence. They won't want to give up a 5-goal start like they did against Wollongong last week; especially if the surface at Wagener is a bit wet.
Some of St George's younger senior players had a midweek hitout with the U18s and will be playing their 3rd game in a week - that could take a bit out of them.

I can't see either of these sides troubling East Coast in the finals, they've been easily the best side this season. On the other hand, at this time last year there's no way I'd have thought North Shore would get anywhere near Wests or Penno in the finals, and we all know what happened then so anything's possible!!

Gamebreakers:
For Wests, Withers up forward is an obvious one. McPherson and Bishop in the midfield, and Eid Kassem on the wing's had a good season and stands out. Big Jamie Pitt isn't quick but he's got good marking hands and his tandem act with Withers on the forward line last week was sensational.
For St George, Damian Hall would definately have to be the quickest player in Sydney footy. Rod Craig's definately one to watch, and the return of Peter Dugmore and Declan Donohue this season has been a big factor in St George's return to the finals and Shineberg in the backline's always a tough one to get a score past.

Should be a good game.

[Rafters]

Great benefits to have such an alliance with a club such as Collingwood - a great coup by the Wests management because I know alot of Western Sydney clubs were wooing them over the last few years ... as a former player of the club I am sad to see the jumper being changed, but I guess it is a small price to pay for lots of other benefits. Guess the front of the club will need to change to the stripes as well. Would love to purchase old jumper no 46 if Spanner & co are reading this.

[Norris Lurker]

Originally posted by Norris Lurker
This week they will be unveiling a new jumper at the Wests v St George game - which happens to be the game I'll be writing from this weekend, so you'll get to see what it looks like right here on RWO.

Bookmark that post as an example of how to apply the jinx. They ended up playing in their traditional black monogram jumpers - in a result that, combined with Penno's upset loss to UNSW-ES, has Wests well set for the double-chance at first crack at the Eagles in the finals.

[BeeEmmAre]

Originally posted by Norris Lurker
Bookmark that post as an example of how to apply the jinx. They ended up playing in their traditional black monogram jumpers - in a result that, combined with Penno's upset loss to UNSW-ES, has Wests well set for the double-chance at first crack at the Eagles in the finals.

The Magpies elected to unveil their new jumper at a home game at Wagener Oval, which means, barring more rain and head up their arses councils, they will do so against Campbelltown in a round 18 clash that could have huge bearing on the make up of the Top 4.

[tigers_town]

how did the game go , i wasnt able to get out to the game but i thought it would have gone the other way ,however Wests will be 2nd now baring any major misshap and Crows not assured a finals birth just yet . Doesnt get any easier for the Crows . Anyone no how me young mate Santarossa went saw he kicked a goal.

[ash]

Norris, well picked. The players you mentioned seemed to figure and you picked the winner.

WHat did you think of game? Looked like Crows had many scoring opppurtunies.
Good to see Wests doing well.

Looks like a ECE v Wests & Crows v Penno.

Who is travelling well for ECE?

Originally posted by Norris Lurker
Bookmark that post as an example of how to apply the jinx. They ended up playing in their traditional black monogram jumpers - in a result that, combined with Penno's upset loss to UNSW-ES, has Wests well set for the double-chance at first crack at the Eagles in the finals.

[DLH]

I note too that Collingwood have approached the two most talented 14 year olds in the Penrith based Sydney West JAFL in the past week in regards to the possibility of gaining AFL Scholarships for next year. Given the new link with Wests I guess there are no prizes for guessing where these lads will be directed to play in the next year or two.

I'm sure the AFL will also continue their tacit approval of any kids with talent being told that they won't get picked for anything playing for Penrith.

Yet on the other hand the League continue to tell us that developing our own juniors is the key to getting ahead