Game 1: Narrabri Eagles v Muswellbrook Cats
The Drum is a renewed fan of the Cats, who have won their last two and would like nothing more than to end their season with another victory. Road wins are hard to come by, though, and the trip to Narrabri is a fair effort from the coal fields. Despite that, the Cats have unearthed some special talent again in Tyson Morgan, Scott Bailey and the explosive Beau Dixon. Along with some seasoned stars like Stu McAdam and Bryce O'Connor, the Cats are not an easy team to get the better of. Their tall timber will be suited at Leitch Oval, but the Eagles know that postage stamp better than any other team. They will be keen launch into their first finals journey with a good win. The Drum is that if Cooper plays the Eagles are specials, but even without him the smarts of Phil Dennis, played out with stars Shawcross and Barrow and a strong support cast, they should be too strong for the brave Cats.
The Drum: Eagles by six goals.
Game 2: Tamworth Kangaroos v New England Nomads
The Drum wonders just who is whispering in Fridge's ear about the Kangaroos being short this week, but regardless they have shown this year that they have depth to cover some key outs. A home match should bolster their resolve to finish the regular season strongly, and with the Nomads their prime challenger a psychological victory here will be important in a few weeks. For the Nomads, they were weakened last week but got the job done again. The Drum has heard nothing on how they will line up this week, but is no stranger to punching in the dark and suspects they will have the stronger 22 on Saturday. The Kangaroos are well drilled and were very good in taking the Swans apart in the first half last week. Any repeat of that will hold them in good shape. But is Ms Knightley is looking even more anorexic this week, The Drum favours the youth of Miss Watson.
The Drum: Nomads by two goals.
Gave 3: Gunnedah Bulldogs v Inverell Saints
In a big weekend at Gunnedah, the Bulldogs will no doubt look to roll the Saints before hosting the Gillies Medal count later that night. They performed magnificently with just 15 brave souls when these two last played at Varley Oval, and have been a little up and down in playing strength since. This has shown in their form, but The Drum expects Pete Chapman would have been happy with the effort last week in Armidale. Nick Baird has the Saints firing, and Stewart Walker in a bad mood will be a problem for anyone in a Dogs singlet this week. Breaking their defence is no easy feat, with Jono Elphick marshalling his back six well. They will be looking to send a clear message here that there is a gap between the top three and the rest of the finals crew. The Drum is not convinced there is such a gulf, and is still wary of the Dogs. The Saints, even at their best, don't have the best recrod at Wolsley, which must give the hosts some confidence against them.
The Drum: Bulldogs by three goals.
Last Modified on 21/08/2011 14:16