Coolaroo will begin their assault on the 2013 flag and the Roo’s will be fresh after the bye in the Opening Round – Rivalry Round. Their opening game of the Allied Pickfords Premiership season will be against new-comers South Burnett Saints.
South Burnett are coming off an impressive first game against the Demons getting up by 6 goals as Walsh and Bowater led the way for the new Saints. South Burnett put together a well structured four quarter effort and will need to do that again, against the well drilled Roo boys.
The Roo’s have adopted a more relaxed approach in 2013 after crashing out of the 2012 final series in straight sets. Coolaroo have recruited well in the off-season bringing in 2007 Holman Medallist Phil Driese, u18 Crows premiership players Gerard Addison (2009), Jarron Miller (2012), along with the inclusions of veteran players Darren “Bluey” Hunter and Dusty Wilson and the Roo’s are looking quite formidable.
Coolaroo will rely heavily on the ball winning ability of Tom Rudolph and Michael Langton and once they get moving they will be hard to stop.
Coolaroo won’t want to come into the game thinking they already have the four premiership points in the bank, as the Saints are here to play and have a well balanced line up. Coach Humbler (South Burnett) has recruited well with an even balance of talls and shorts, experience and youth.
A game to keep an eye on as Coolaroo looks to return the Premiership Cup (Tom) to the Roo Boy cabinet.
Battle of the jungle
The reigning Premiers will host Highfields, as both sides look to get their 2013 campaign off and running. A battle of the big cats will be an interesting encounter as both sides had gruelling matches in the opening round. Lion king, Clinton Watts was in career best form last week against the Redbacks as the 2012 Holman Medallist runner-up continues his purple patch and will be one the Tigers need to negate.
Walton and Cooper will be the key to the Tigers success with their flair and presence on the field.
Unveiling of Roddies
Warwick will be looking to go back to back wins as they unveil their new club house at Roddies Oval. In their way will be the high-flying Swannies who will be booming with confidence after their Round One win over the SUNS.
Dangerous duo Millard and Iles have been reunited, add to this young star Tim Tate and the Reddies midfield is one of the best in the competition. The Swans however will test Warwick’s depth as Dalby will unleash a youth running brigade on the Redbacks. Who will go 2 from 2?
Will the SUNS rise at Baker Street
Chinchilla had a punishing start to the 2013 season, as the new-comers were no match for their Western brothers. Will Round 2 be a different story? University are coming off the second longest road-trip after a tight tussle with the Goondiwindi Hawks. The Cougars are back at home this week where they play their best footy but no doubt Coach Melrose will have a few sore players on his hands to deal with.
The SUNS will need to find support for all-rounder James Kratzmann who was a warrior last week across half-back; he will be looking to others for support.
Can the Demons bring out Ugly Bombers?
The Bombers will come to this clash with one major problem; they can’t kick straight in front of the sticks. South Toowoomba booted 9 goals, 20 behinds in their 12point victory over the three-time premiers. But their stoppage and run was first class!
Lockyer will be looking to their key forwards to step up, as classy on-baller Damien Morris booted 8 goals in a best on ground performance against the Saints. This wasn’t enough and if the Demons are to secure the four premiership points against the Bombers they will need the twin towers (forwards) to chip in for a few goals.
Goondiwindi will enjoy the weekend off before they face the daunting task of travelling to Kingaroy’s Lyle Vidler Oval to take on the South Burnett Saints.
Click here for the up to date Allied Pickfords Premiership Ladder
Last Modified on 24/04/2013 12:50
