Round 2 saw the early emergence of a gulf between the top and bottom three sides and some particularly one-sided results. This week should be a different story, and all three matches in what could be 'rivalry round' should have some sting for different reasons.
GAME 1: NARRABRI EAGLES v GUNNEDAH BULLDOGS
This game promises to be a cracker and is a key early match for the finals aspirations of both teams. Throw in the fact that the Eagles ranks are littered with players who starred with the Bulldogs in recent seasons and there should be no shortage of feeling in this one.
The Eagles have returned in good fashion this season, despite being beaten solidly on both occasions. On both counts they have not been as far away as the score suggested, and have still managed to find goals themselves against good opposition. That should stand them in good stead going into this one, and the unique spaces of Leitch Oval are also likely to work in their favour. Todd Dunn has done a good job drilling the Eagles since their return and one would only expect them to improve as the season progresses. They have shown a solid structure to this point, and with Thomas Craig in the ruck they should enjoy good use of the football.
The Bulldogs on the other hand would be stinging from a big loss at home last week. The Dogs had a history of pushing the Inverell Saints when hosting them at Wolsley Oval, so will have something to prove going into this. The importance of the match in the context of the season would not be lost on them. They stuck with the Kangaroos pretty well in their opening match, and with possibly the League's most underrated centreman Andrew George leading the way are capable when they click. They have a hardworking core and will relish the contest the longer they are in the fight.
The verdict: The Bulldogs are well capable of stretching the Eagles, but the Narrabri boys seem the most likely to earn the last finals spot on form to date. With the advantage of the home track, they should be able to kick a winning score against the Dogs. But they will earn it. Eagles by four goals.
GAME 2: TAMWORTH SWANS v TAMWORTH KANGAROOS
The first of this year's Billy Holder Cup series, and two teams whose rivalry needs little introduction. The Kangaroos have had the better of the Swans in recent times, with the blue and white side of town prevailing in every derby after 2009. Whilst some of the latest derbies have maybe lost a little of the bitterness they once had, the jostle for local supremacy stills burns strongly between the two.
The Swans were pummelled by the Nomads last week, and on paper would have been expected to do much better. There were no doubt disappointed after having pushed the Saints late in the opening round after a slow start, and it is hard to know what to make of that form coming into this week. They certainly won't be able to afford the Kangaroos an early lead, but have enough experience and ability in their ranks to at least make the game a contest if they can lift from that experience. Gavin Knee is one in particular who has been amongst the League leaders for many seasons and is in good form, but without a significant step up around him it is hard to see him carrying his team far enough in this one.
The Kangaroos would be satisified with their start to the season, comfortably winning both of their matches and seeing some promising performances from younger players. Whilst they were not as convincing in the first round as the score suggested, the wet conditions probably didn't suit them and they showed some of their best in putting the sword to the Eagles last week. There is plenty to like about the Kangaroos game: Daniel Johnson has been close to his best in rebounding from their backline; with quite probably the best player to grace the TAFL in Matthew Hodge they have a ready avenue to goal; and the speed and slickness of their midfield bears an ominous resemblance to the running game of the Nomads.
The verdict: The picket fence of the Kangaroos just reads better than the duck eggs for the Swans. The Swans at their very best could pinch a win, but from last week it is hard to be confident they are close to that. Kangaroos by nine goals.
GAME 3: INVERELL SAINTS v NEW ENGLAND NOMADS
The Grand Final replay would have to be the match of the round. The Saints will have plenty to prove after being handed a twenty-goal drubbing in the big game of 2013, but the Premiers have their sights set on a historic third consecutive flag and will be keen to impress their supremacy against their main rivals.
The Saints could do little more than they have so far this year, with a strong win in tough conditions in their opening game in Tamworth before running out stylish victors in Gunnedah last week. They have had a quality core for a long time, evidenced by making the last seven straight grand finals, and have been boosted this season with the return of Luke Selig. He is a quality midfielder playing some of his best footy, and a great companion for nifty youngster Hamish Bird. With this centre in front of a strong defence and an experienced forward line, the Saints will be as hard to beat as ever on the expanse of Varley Oval.
The Nomads have also hit the ground running this year, and could be little more impressive than notching up a two hundred point win last week. Whether this is a true measure of their capabilities is yet to be seen, but their convincing win in Narrabri the week before is probably a better indication that they truly are flying. The speed and efficiency of their play has been their trademark in recent years, and their ability to move the football has been more than most in the TAFL can handle. Putting a player with the height and skills of Tom Hunt in front of a dominant midfield like that bodes trouble for the other side, and they deserve to be favourites on first blush in anything they contest.
The verdict: Varley Oval does not hold any fears for the Nomads, and whilst the Saints are capable they simply might not have the motors to match the Nomads ruthless run. Concerns that the Saints might be below strength going into this only add to the doubts. It is rare to tip against the Saints in Inverell, but the Nomads are a unique talent. Nomads by three goals.
Last Modified on 15/05/2014 03:03