Match One: Narrabri Eagles v New England Nomads at Leitch Oval 2pm Saturday
The very first match of 2014 sees the returning Eagles hosting the two time reigning premier Nomads. The boys from Narrabri return to the TAFL following a two year hiatus but their last year in the competition was very impressive. They won the first final only to fall to the Saints in Inverell and they will be looking to build upon that performance this year. They face the most difficult of tasks however as they meet the Nomads on the back of their massive win in last year’s Grand Final. Whilst they didn’t make it through 2013 undefeated, there are not too many more dominant seasons than the one presented by the students last year.
Narrabri enter the season as unknowns. They have a core group of players that have spent the last couple of seasons plying their trade for the Bulldogs and have picked up some handy recruits from around the country. If they can gel early, they may be facing the Nomads at the right time of the season, particularly in the usual confines of Leitch Oval. They will be very tough to beat in the Cotton Capital this year, and have a real chance of causing a boilover here.
The Nomads will have a new look this season with two time premiership coach Tom Granleese handing over the coaching reins at the end of last year. He added some much needed backbone to an always talented list and they do not lie down quietly like Nomad teams of old sometimes had a habit of doing. His successor Zac Economou always plays hard and tough and its hard to believe his coaching style will be any different to that. He’ll have the troops fired up and looking for early points in the premiership race.
It’s nearly impossible to run any form line through these clubs. The Eagles grow and extra leg (or wing) at home and they have many unknowns on the playing list. It would be a fairy tale start to the season to knock off the premiers, but I simply cannot tip against the Nomads.
TAFL Tipster – Nomads by 6 goals
Match Two: Tamworth Swans v Inverell Saints at Number One Oval Saturday 3pm
The second match of the round sees the Swans hosting the Saints in the first of a twilight double header in Tamworth. The Swans finished outside of the top 4 last season but were absolutely flying late in the season, almost causing a couple of big upsets. The Saints marched through to Grand Final number 7 in a row before being marched right on out of Armidale to the tune of a 20 goal shellacking. These clubs met late in the season in Tamworth as a catch up mid week where the Saints just got the chocolates with a late goal.
The Swans enter the 2014 season full of confidence. One could easily argue they were the form side of the comp in the last couple of weeks of the home and away season and must replicate that form to start this season off on the right foot. Slow season starts have become a bit of a habit in recent years, but 4 points on Saturday will ensure they have the launching pad for the rest of the season.
As mentioned above, the Saints enter the season with plenty to prove. They have been consistent performers over the past 7 years, however they have just two premierships in that time and suffered the worst Grand Final loss in TAFL history last September. Their playing list still contains some of the old firm, but they now rely on a new batch of youngsters to turn the game in their favour. They do not play the short Number One Oval well at all and must turn recent results in Tamworth around in order to get the win this weekend.
The most recent clash between these clubs could be the best guide. The Swans were all over the Saints that night however they were not able to put the Inverell boys away. It is always a close battle between these two clubs in Tamworth and Saturday promises to be no different.
TAFL Tipster – Swans by 3 points
Match Three: Tamworth Kangaroos v Gunnedah Bulldogs at Number One Oval Saturday 5.30pm
The final game of the first round sees the Roos play host the Bulldogs under lights. Both sides will be looking to bounce back from somewhat disappointing campaigns in 2013. The Roos will be desperate to prove they are still in the hunt with the Nomads and have not become a third wheel in the premiership race. The Dogs showed glimpses last year, but with a very different line up this season they will want to prove that finals footy is not beyond them this season.
The Roos have one of the most star studded sides in the TAFL. Their midfields is unparalleled in terms of individual accolades. No other side in the TAFL can boast as many Gillies Medal wins, with 2013 winner Matt Hodge the leader of the pack. They have a hard nosed defence and many veterans who have tasted premiership glory so they have all the ingredients for another run at the TAFL premiership.
The Bulldogs enter the season as unknown quantities following a big player turnover form last year. They have lost a group of Narrabri players back to the Eagles but have recruited some new players into the kennel. They showed glimpses last season of being a quality football side, however they had a tendency to travel a little light which made the task of qualifying for finals all the tougher. If they can produce a good effort here it could be just the impetus they need to launch into season 2014.
The Roos are so tough to beat at home and recent history between these two clubs suggest the boys from Tamworth should win. However, the Dogs cannot be discounted and have the ability to give this game a good shake.
TAFL Tipster – Roos by 45 points
Last Modified on 29/04/2014 15:15