Match One: Tamworth Swans v Gunnedah Bulldogs at Number One Oval (1pm start)
The final round of home and away footy is upon us for season 2012, and we have the traditional double header in the Tamworth to get us ready for the Tony Gillies Medal night to follow. The first game of the double header sees the fourth place Dgos looking to hold onto their spot in the finals when they travel to face the Swans. The ledger between these clubs stands at 1 each for the season, with the Swans winning a thriller in Round 3 by a point before the Dogs got revenge with a big win 6 weeks later. The Swans have faced a tough finish to this season, but have remained committed and will head into this clash with their heads held high. They have a chance to get one last win for the season and would love to do it at home before the end of season festivities get started. Their veterans have been outstanding all year, with the midfield trio of Damien Wendt, Andrew Donohue and Gavin Knee producing yet another fine season. They will go head to head with another outstanding midfield in the Dogs, with Scott Hardy, Andrew George and Matt Pengilly also having stellar seasons. This match will be the perfect lead up to the finals for the Dogs, with the Swans a team that refuses to lie down. A tough contest should ensue, but the Dogs won’t want to drop this one.
TAFL Tipster – Dogs by 23 points
Match Two: New England Nomads v Tamworth Kangaroos at Bellevue Oval
This match doesn’t just deserve Match of the Round status, this is the match of the season so far. There is an awful lot to play for in Armidale this Saturday afternoon, most pressing being the right to host the Major Semi in 10 days time. The Nomads are coming off a stirring win over the Saints a week ago, and despite having limited football in the past month, looked sharp right from the opening bounce. The Roos have quietly gone about their business this season, and despite a sluggish start, are now the form team of the competition. They blew the Dogs off the park in the opening half last weekend, and have produced some of the finest football ever seen in the TAFL this season. The Nomads have not been beaten by the Roos yet this season, with a 50 point win in Round 3 backed up by a comeback thriller in Tamworth 6 weeks later. It’s hard not to imagine that this game will be different, and with some much to play for, it will be the team that blinks first that will pay the price here. Will the experience of the Roos outfit be enough to hold them in good stead, or will the pain of some failed campaigns in recent times drive the Nomads further? It all comes down to who plays to the game plan best.
TAFL Tipster – Just because they have been the benchmark at crunch time over the past 5 years, I’m tipping the Roos by a point.
Match Three: Muswellbrook Cats v Inverell Saints at Number One Oval (3pm start)
The second match in the double-header sees the Cats and Saints take part in their third clash of the season. As has been tradition for these clubs over the past few seasons, they meet for one clash at the neutral venue to help alleviate the long distance between the two clubs. The Saints have won both battles this season, but both contests have been closer than they appeared on paper. Both teams play a similar way – uncompromising at the footy, with a splash of pace and carry out wide. The Cats have been the biggest improvers in 2012 in the TAFL, and with their young stars they have the ability to improve even further next season. The Saints started this season like a house on fire, but have stumbled of late. They had their chances last week but were unable to capitalise up front, with the Nomads stifling defence keeping them at bay. The Cats have a similar set up down back, and one senses if they can slow the Saints down into the forward 50, they may have a shot at an upset here. The Saints desperately need a win to get back in the right frame of mind for the finals, and they should be able to do that here.
TAFL Tipster – Saints by 20 points
Last Modified on 08/08/2012 08:33