In the first game of the double header the Kangaroos take on the Nomads. The Kangaroos should win this game but the Nomads are the last team to beat them. The Nomads can't make the finals but they would love nothing more than to help shape the finals and a win over the Kangaroos would just be the tonic to help them get over their disappointing year. It will be hard for the Nomads to win though as they have won away from home only twice this year both against the struggling Cats. The Kangaroos on the other hand have found form right at the right time of the year and are sitting on top of the ladder. They can lose top spot but I wouldn't be betting against them. The Nomads will need their best team on the ground to win this one and that means having Weston Whitby firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately for them Whitby is struggling with a leg injury and may be lucky to play again this year.
The Kangaroos too have much to lose if they drop this game and for that reason they will win by 35 points.
At Inverell the Saints are playing the Bulldogs in possibly their last home game of the year. In round four the Saints thumped the Bulldogs in Inverell before the Bulldogs got revenge in the game at the kennel by 2 points. These two teams have been building a rivalry over the last few years that would rival the derby between the Kangaroos and the Swans. The Saints have been up and down all year and the Bulldogs are coming off a disappointing loss to the Swans in Tamworth. The big in for the Saints will be man mountain Jason Gobbert after his one game suspension. Gobbert, who retired last year, is a big bonus for the Saints up forward as if he doesn't mark the ball he brings it to ground and lets the likes of Beau Ryan and Mick Viney get the goals. The Bulldogs have been very strong out of the centre all year and if they are going to win this game this is where they will set it up there.
As good as the Bulldogs have been this year it is hard to see them winning this game in Inverell. Saints by 29 points.
In the second game of the double header the Swans play the Cats. This game in round four was a disaster for the Cats being thumped by the biggest margin in Country Energy Tamworth AFL history and seeing the Swans kick the highest score as well. Since then the Cats have been improving each week and are looking long term with youngsters like Quinton Foxcroft and Jackson Bower. If the Swans can get their best team on the ground this could be another tough week for the Cats. The Swans welcomed back Dean Hoy last week after being out for several weeks and he didn't disappoint with 6 goals. The old guard in the centre for the Swans has been the difference for them all year. Gavin Knee and Captain Damien Wendt have been outstanding all year and the Cats don't have the man power to go with Swans mid fielders.
Swans will win this game by 150 points setting up a block buster round 15 clash with the Kangaroos for top spot.
Last Modified on 12/08/2009 20:10