Tamworth Swans v New England Nomads – 1pm at Number One Oval
The 2013 season will kick off with a cracking match at Number One this Saturday when the Swans host the reigning Premier Nomads in the first of the three games. The Swans have traditionally fared well in this clash and will be looking to put the disappointment of missing the finals last season behind them. The Nomads head into the clash as the only team on a winning streak in the TAFL, after claiming the 2012 flag in Inverell last September.
The Swans head into this clash with a new coach in Andrew Donohue and some new and old faces in the side. Jason Doughty has returned via transfer with a season of footy in Sydney under his belt, and will be another year bigger and stronger as a result. He could well slide back into the forward line of the Swans and provide the much needed spark around goal the Swans lacked last year. The success of the Swans in 2013 will most likely hinge on the experienced heads again, with veterans Knee, McKenzie and Wendt the leaders in past seasons. As long as that trio are taking to the park again, the Swans cannot be taken lightly.
The Nomads are coming off one of the most memorable Grand Finals in TAFL history after they knocked off the Saints in the Sapphire City six months ago. That day, they were superbly led by their stars in Graan, Whitby and Richards. There’s a bit of talk coming out of Armidale that they may have lost a couple of those stars, but of all the TAFL clubs this off-season, the Nomads have been the most active on the transfer market. They have secured some players from healthy footballing areas and they may well prove to be the team to beat again this season. Tom Granleese has returned to coach for another season, and his no holes barred attitude has turned this team of inexperienced students into a force to be reckoned with. His influence over this team could well mean another deep finals run for this talented team.
It seems ludicrous to even contemplate tipping against the reigning premiers in Round 1, especially given the Nomads have had a good hit out at their recent Tablelands Cup. However, as stated above, the Swans have a good record in this match up over the past few years, and may be able to catch the Premiers napping early.
TAFL Tipster: In the first upset of the year, the Swans to win by one point
Last Modified on 09/04/2013 08:04