THE Nomads will head into Saturday's home major semi-final against the Tamworth Kangaroos a
better side after brushing some cobwebs off at No 1 Oval against the Tamworth Swans for a 95-point victory in the final round last week.
The Nomads are aiming for a fourth straight TAFL premiership and are right on target after another year at the top of the ladder.
Coach Zac Economou was right in on the action, kicking eight goals last week before going on to pick up the golden boot at the presentation night that same day.
Despite the big win, the coach said it took them three quarters to shake a bye and university holidays out of their game and click as a team.
Tom Hunt and Tom Granleese were given the week off and will resume their key spots in the side this weekend.
Granleese has been a key figure in the side’s premiership years, keeping the defensive line together and starving opposition forwards of ball.
The Roos have been one of the only sides to give the Nomads a run for their money this season, a challenge that the New England club looks forward to every round.
“We really enjoy playing games against the Roos,” Economou said.
“They have been playing really good footy this season and there is a lot on the line in this match.”
Only a few weeks ago the Nomads and the Roos met in a round game that would decide the minor premiership and the venue for this clash.
The Nomads won that match by 58 points but are expecting a much tighter contest at Bellevue Oval tomorrow.
“We have had a few flat games this season but this is where it gets serious,” Economou said.
“It is going to be a really good finals series and we are really pumped up for it.”
Full forward Dave Richards has kicked a combined 16 goals in the last two grand finals and is expected to feature heavily again this week.
Tim Keyes has been big at ruckman for the premiers and Clarry Barker has also played himself into form recently, regardless of what position the utility plays.
The other semi-final will be played in Inverell, with the Saints to line up against the Narrabri Eagles in the minor semi-final.
The Saints convincingly beat the Eagles last week for hosting rights but, much like the other game, are expecting a lot more from their opponents this week.
Inverell have played in the last eight straight grand finals and are desperate to see a ninth after the Nomads have ruined their party for the last three years.
Both games will kick off at 2pm.
Source: Northern Daily Leader Thursday 3rd September, 2015