Game 1: Kangaroos v Cats
In the first game of the double header at Tamworth's No.1 Oval, the Kangaroos will be looking to consolidate third spot and hope the Saints and Nomads both stumble so they can get closer to top spot. The Cats Have struggled big time since they met the Kangaroos last time. It appears that the Jason Akermanis game has unsettled the Cats and one has to wonder if it was worth having him there, on field at least. The Kangaroos are not as consistent as last year, probably due to their youth, but after last week's 1 point loss to the Nomads after leading by 4 goals in the last quarter they will be very determined here. The Cats Have not travelled well this year and have averaged a loss of 123 points in each their 3 away games.
Tip: I just can't see the Cats being competitive here and the Kangaroos will win by 130 points.
Game 2: Bulldogs v Nomads
This is clearly the game of the round after the Nomads comeback last week and the Bulldogs impressive win over the Swans. This is the third game in the Nomads six game away streak and they have stood up well so far. And in a quirk of the draw this year, due to the Eagles pulling out of the season, these two will being playing each other at the Kennel again in 2 weeks time. The last time these two were to meet was in round 4 at Bellevue Oval, however the Bulldogs forfeited. That will be a big motivation point for the Nomads as no one likes being forfeited to and having to travel to their opposition's home ground twice in 2 weeks. And if the Nomads lose here it could cost them top spot by the end of the day. That said the Nomads have been very impressive this year and this is an 8 point game that they need to win. The Bulldogs have been building into the year and had probably their best win of the year last week. Chris Gee has been near impossible to beat lately and Nomads coach, Tom Granlesse, will probably go to him. This would be a big feather in the Bulldogs cap if they can pull it off, but their back line will be hard pressed to contain Stubbs, Whitby and Richards.
Tip: In this sort of game I would usually go with the home team but I just think the Nomads can get the job done here by 5 points.
Game 3: Swans v Saints
In the second game of the double header the Swans host the Saints. The last time these two played was at Varley Oval and the Saints won by a whopping 125 points. I don't think the margin will be that big this time though. The Swans have been a bit hit and miss this year and will be hurting after dropping last week's game against the Bulldogs. Had they won that game they would have almost certainly guaranteed themselves 4th spot on the ladder but now they find themselves in fifth and up against it to make the finals. The Saints are getting back to their earlier season form and are also getting some injured players back and go into this game full of confidence in their own game plan. I don't think the Swans have the players to go with the Saints if the Saints are at full strength. The Saints need to win this one if they want top spot and if the Bulldogs upset the Nomads they will have top spot Saturday night.
Tip: The Saints will win this game by 68 points.
Last Modified on 20/06/2012 20:59