Game 1: Gunnedah Bulldogs v Narrabri Eagles
The Drum considered resorting to his third cousin twice removed, The Chocolate Wheel, for this one. The Eagles have shown good form early in the new season, and with confidence injected into a team that Phil Dennis will have fit and well drilled, they will not be an easy side to get over the top of. Their narrow victory over the Bulldogs in Gunnedah in the preseason will give them a boost upstairs going into this, and they should run well in the wide flanks of Wolsley Oval. The Dogs on the other hand ran right over the Swans last weekend, and that win will give them huge confidence into this. I suspect the team that lost to the Eagles is a different one to that which will take the field on Saturday, and they look to have covered what were thought to be gaping midfield holes with something better than No More Gaps. Their kicking may have been wayward late, but they hit the mark early when it mattered and like Helmet a few weeks ago only strayed once the race was won. The Drum likes the Dogs at home, but expects the Eagles to make them earn it.
The Drum: Bulldogs by four goals.
Game 2: Tamworth Swans v Inverell Saints
There was a knock on The Drum early this week that the Saints will win this one by an innings. The Drum is not convinced the Saints will be the force this year that they have been, and wonders if their win over the Cats was flattered by the long trip the visitors faced that day. In any event The Drum is a big fan of Nick Baird's coaching style and has no doubt the Saints will be ready for the Swans this weekend. There is normally a bit of feeling between these two teams so a physical encounter can be expected. The Saints style might just suit the Swans, who The Drum has heard were beaten for run and for height against the Dogs. They will be desperate not to lose two in a row on their home pond to start the new year, and in theory have enough ammunition across the park to mix it with anyone. The Drum is not sure that Gary Harriott will have the full instructions to put all those lego blocks together just yet, and thinks the might of the Saints will make for another long day for the Swans.
The Drum: Saints by six goals.
Game 3: Muswellbrook Cats v Tamworth Kangaroos
The Drum has an inkling that Werriman Field might just become a butchering field for some unsuspecting teams this year, as the cunning Cats quietly go about their business down south. The Drum wonders how far the trip between the League outposts has become, as like a long range goal at a Premiership reunion it went from 4 hours to 6 hours through the week. Regardless, that is enough to make for a tough road trip (or a rippin' drink on the way home), so the mail is about that the result at Varley last week is not a fair reflection of the Cats. Their youth will come along again this year, but might just not be ready for the rampaging Kangaroos. The blue half of Tamworth have recruited well, have a good mix of youth and experience, and look the most forward of the seven teams in the League early in the season. With their tails up they should have no problem taking a good line-up into the deep south, and will be chomping at the bit to get into the competitive footy for 2011. Black Caviar comparisons continue, as The Drum suspects what the Roos will produce if a rival can eye-ball them, but in this one Nolen will not need to pull out the stick. The Drum is it will be hands and heels to an impressive Kangaroos outfit.
The Drum: Kangaroos by eight goals.
The Main Game: The Drum v The Fridge
The Drum was interested to see that The Fridge laid down a challenge after out-tipping The Drum in the first round. A cold move, The Drum thinks, to start scoring when one is in front. Regular subscribers will note that The Drum posts his weekend forecast well before The Fridge, but will concede that disadvantage and trust The Fridge will fold up like the Power against the Suns.
The Drum: The Fridge might slide on tiles for a bit, but will soon hit the carpet as The Drum just marches on.
Last Modified on 03/05/2011 15:56