The last time these two sides met Tigers gave University a 86point footballing lesson at Baker Street. Since then the Tigers have slipped from top of the table to third and the Cougars have moved from sixth to fourth and sit two games shy of the 2011 premiers.
This is a must win game for the Cougars if they are to edge closer to a finals appearance as Highfields and Warwick are clipping at their heels only four points behind.
Tigers are coming off a physical 10point loss to South Toowoomba and will be looking to regain some momentum, as they rally for their third straight premiership. Hugh Priest will need to continue his good mid-season form and will need Luke Adams and Stephen Harbort to bounce back to form after quiet games last week.
University will be fresh after their weekend off and will be looking to head to Rockville with a near full strength team. Cougars will be hoping midfielder Chris Davis can pass a fitness test on his dodgy ankle which he injured again against the Warwick Redbacks and will this be the game that 2008 Holman Medallist Paul Kupke returns for the Cougars.
Cougars have one of the best forward lines in the competition with key men Joel Yosh and Al Reilly kicking 58goals between them so far this season. Add to this veteran Heath Gniel who has kicked 39majors, do the Tigers have the man power to cover all three?
On the other hand Tigers don't have a key forward and rely on a spread of goals from a number of key players. Tigers have a number of players who are now into "double digits" when it comes to their goal kicking tallies and will need someone to kick a bag full of goals.
The key matchup for the game will be Luke Adams (Tigers) and Luke Brumley (Cougars) in the midfield. Adams was nowhere near his best in the Tigers loss to Souths last week and he will need to return to his best this week. Adams in and under work is first class and it will need to be first class against the hard running Brumley.
Cougar’s midfielder Brumley has added a few kilo’s in his upper body this season, which has given him the edge in the "guts" this year and has run into a purple patch of late. Brumley has a first class work rate and can play in and under along with been a very damaging outside player.
Tiger’s goal was to win 75% of games this season but this is a game they cannot afford to drop and much like most games of footy will go out there to win. On the other hand if Cougars lose, Warwick and Highfields may jump them.
Don't miss this blockbuster at Rockville Oval from 2:30pm.
Dalby will be looking to record their fourth win of 2012 when they host Goondiwindi at Owen Street. Warwick will be looking to boost their percentage when they face the Demons at the Gatton Showgrounds and Highfields will pumped and no doubt urged by coach Ben Adams to get the four points against Coolaroo at Kratzke Oval. South Toowoomba has the weekend off.
Last Modified on 11/07/2012 08:42
