Match One: Tamworth Swans v Tamworth Kangaroos, Number One Oval, Tamworth 2pm Saturday
The first of the matches in a huge weekend for the TAFL sees the second instalment of the 2013 Bill Holder Cup. The Roos have settled into a strong groove over the past few weeks after stumbling period a month ago, while the Swans are desperately seeking their first win of the 2013 season.
The Swans have been unlucky not to be closer in their battles against the league’s top 2 in the past fortnight. They refused to yield without a fight in their past two clashes in Inverell and Armidale, but all they have to show for either occasion are heavy losses. They played some enterprising footy in the first clash between these two club last start and have the ability to cause a big upset here. Much of their success will hinge on kicking a competitive score against the Roos which is something they haven’t done in their past two outings. They welcomed back Janson Doughty last start and the big man appeared to have lost none of his penetration with the boot in propelling the Swans forward. He can turn an attacking raid on from any part of the field, and if the likes of Dane Miller and Sam Shelton can link up with him, the Swans have the ability to cause a few headaches for the top sides in this league.
The Roos have responded well in their past two outings. After forfeiting to the Saints and then being soundly beaten by the Nomads, they have responded with two good wins over the Cats and Dogs. They have enjoyed their fair share of success over their cross-town rivals in recent times and will be keen to keep the Holder Cup in their trophy cabinet come Saturday night. Their young stars are again the key to victory. Dan Gimbert and Alex Hudson play similar roles out wide but coach Brett Douglas has them working brilliantly in tandem as they run the Roos forward. If the Swans have any chance of winning they must slow these two young guns down on the flanks to prevent the Roos wily veterans Matt Hodge and Dan Overeem cashing in up front.
The Roos hold an impressive winning streak over their neighbours and it’s difficult to see this result being any different to recent history. However, you can’t rule out an upset in the local derby and the Swans must give themselves every chance of achieving just that if they can limit the Roos running game.
TAFL Tipster – Have to stay with recent results and tip the Roos by 15 points
Match Two: Inverell Saints v New England Nomads, Varley Oval Inverell 2pm Saturday
The second of this weekend’s matches is undoubtedly the match of the round with the second Grand Final Replay of the 2013 season. The Saints and Nomads do battle at the site of their clash in September last year where the Nomads took home their first flag in 10 years and the Saints were left to lament a second consecutive Grand Final loss. Then to add to the build up of this match, it’s a top of the table clash with the Saints hopeful to stay in touch with the rampant Nomads and prove this season’s title is not a forgone conclusion.
The Saints enter the clash on the back of some impressive wins in recent weeks. They took an understrength squad to Muswellbrook last week and were clinical in their disposal of the Cats despite missing Mike Gould for much of the match with an ankle injury. Gould’s ability to be fit will be a big factor in the lead up to this clash, but one would suggest it will be a tough race to win if he was unable to return to the field a week ago. Much of the scoring load will fall to ex-captain Chris Whitton to lead the attack this weekend with young guns Mitch Black and Hamish Bird looking to continue their strong form in front of goals. Their midfield will need to be on their toes to combat the running game of the Nomads and Hayden Chappel and Rusty Brien have been huge for the Saints of late. They will need to get their lion share of the footy on Saturday to ensure the home side had a chance of victory.
The Nomads have gone from strength to strength since that Grand Final victory. They have taken all before them this season and look to have one hand on the Premiership Cup already. If there’s one solace for the Saints this weekend, in this clash 12 months ago the Saints inflicted the Nomads worst loss of the season. Tom Granleese has his men working as one, moving the ball forward from defence with apparent ease and precision. They have developed a game plan that is both clinical and hard nosed, and the boys from Armidale have not shown any desire to slow down at any point. There’s every reason to suggest they could get through the season undefeated and it would be a brave pundit to suggest they can’t this season. Their forward line has been strengthened this season with arrival of James Boatfield and together with Simon Stubbs the pair form a formidable attacking force. The midfield is possibly the best ever assembled in the TAFL and will provide service on a platter for the big men up front. The Saints must stop that delivery in order to be any chance this weekend.
The Saints are the only team to get within 2 goals of the Nomads this season and have a realistic chance to topple the reigning champion this weekend. They love playing at home and will defend their turf to the end, but the Nomads appear to be travelling just too well.
TAFL Tipster – The Nomads by 6 points
Game Three: Muswellbrook Cats v Gunnedah Bulldogs, Werriman Field Muswellbrook 2pm Saturday
The final game of the weekend but by no means the least important sees the Dogs heading south to face the Cats on the newly resurfaced Werriman paddock. Both teams are desperately chasing fourth spot on the TAFL ladder and a win here either way will go a long way to wrapping that position up come season end. Their clash earlier in the season saw the Dogs win convincingly at home and the Cats will be keen to reverse that result this weekend.
The Cats have just one win to show for their season so far, but are showing that they can playing football with the best in the competition. They would have been disappointed with the result last weekend but would give themselves a huge chance of getting the points this weekend. Captain Brian Martin has been a rock for the Cats through the midfield as he leads his young charges around the field and will need to be at his best to repel the Dogs midfield this weekend. Cameron Davis has been a revelation in the ruck this season and was strong the last time these teams met. The Cats will need him to be strong again here for them to have a chance of winning.
The Dogs were brought back to earth last week when poor kicking robbed them of any chance of beating the Roos at home. They are still without their own captain in Andrew George, but coach Scott Hardy is still one of the elite midfielders in the TAFL and much of their success starts with Hardy getting his share of the ball. Andrew Pratt was outstanding for them in a losing side last week and young players Tom Gee and Michael Kennedy continue to impress on a weekly basis. Hardy needs all his troops to be at their best and cannot take the trip to Muswellbrook lightly. Much will rely on their ability to kick a score and limit the mistakes in front of goal that plagued them last weekend.
These clubs have shared some memorable matches in recent times and there’s nothing to suggest this will be any different. As mentioned earlier, both clubs are desperate for the win, and will play accordingly.
TAFL Tipster – The Dogs are playing a little better and will win by 8 points
Last Modified on 30/05/2013 17:40