The TAFL Tipster was expected to return in a week when the Kangaroos have the bye so he can avoid his apparent aversion to tipping the Tony Bishop coached side to win. Have no fear though, a new challenger has stepped up to do the Nostradamus for round 11 of the Country Energy Tamworth AFL...
GAME 1: Narrabri Eagles v Tamworth Swans
This looks a tough match, with the Swans off the boil in recent weeks and the Eagles going from strength to strength. Having pushed both the Kangaroos and Saints at home, the hosts in this one will hold no fear in the visit of the defending Premiers and they may have struck them at the right time of the season. All reports from Narrabri games are of a well-structured team that compete strongly for the ball. If they can win clean ball in the tight spaces of their home ground that will take them a long way towards winning this one. We all know the Swans pack a punch at their best and with a few stars expected back they should be more competitive in this, but I will be waiting until they show something at this stage.
THE DRUM: Eagles by three goals.
GAME 2: Muswellbrook Cats v Inverell Saints
Another tough pick on paper, with the Saints making the longest road trip in the League to take on an improving Cats outfit. No doubt the Saints will travel full of confidence after demolishing the Bulldogs last week, but the Cats were competitive against the Kangaroos in Tamworth in their last outing after a forgettable first quarter. The brave Cats have surprised a few teams who have taken them lightly this season and no doubt they will be primed to make the Saints play hard footy to beat them. That is how the Saints like it though, and with their eyes on top spot in September I think the Saints will be just a little too strong in this one.
THE DRUM: Saints by seven goals.
GAME 3: Gunnedah Bulldogs v New England Nomads
A blockbuster to finish on, with both teams likely to be in a three-way battle for two finals spots come August and this one crucial in pushing each teams credentials for this season. The Bulldogs will be looking to erase the memories of their Inverell trip last week, but should be bolstered in numbers playing at home and they have started to rebuild the fortress at Wolsley that was their strength last season. The Nomads have been in good form recently as well, with their younger players stepping up and with Whitby back in they will be confident of leaving Gunnedah with four points. No more confident that tossing a coin, I am leaning towards the students who appear to be launching a serious bid for the Country Energy Cup and might have the confidence to drag them through a tight one.
THE DRUM: Nomads by three points.
Last Modified on 25/06/2010 16:04