Game 1: New England Nomads v Tamworth Kangaroos
The Nomads are typically very tough to beat at Bellevue Oval, and after last week's strong win against an undermanned Cats plenty could be said about their chances in this match. Their usual suspects are a dangerous pair, and with Simon Stubbs kicking seven in support last week, the attacking line of the students will relish any ball their midfield can provide in this. They have a backline that is largely under rated, but the likes of Clinton Ballagh and Leigh Holmes are not easily beaten, and their own Takeover Target in Adrian Walsh is a wiley customer. They will have to be at their best to combat a Kangaroos forward line that was in top form last week, with strong targets that are hard to stop when in form. They were efficient in front of goal last week and if that continues here the Nomads may be in for a long afternoon. The Kangaroos back six is probably the best placed in the League to combat the Nomads attack, with strong bodies complimented by mobile support. The midfield is likely to be the difference in this, and whilst the Nomads are no slouch around the contest word from Tamworth last week is the Kangaroos were savage when the ball was in dispute. Matthew Hodge was missing then as well, and if he is right this week there will be nothing but headaches for the Nomads. The Drum is wary of the Nomads, who will be a competitive unit this year, but suspects the reduced on field numbers against the Cats would have suited them. The Kangaroos youth and intent to run with the football will be suited at Bellevue, and The Drum can't go past them in this.
The Drum: Kangaroos by six goals.
Game 2: Tamworth Swans v Gunnedah Bulldogs
This match looms as a key fixture for shaping the season of both teams. The Tamworth Swans had some wind taken from their sails last week after a strong opening wind, and will be keen to put themselves back in the picture with a convincing performance against the Bulldogs. The Gunnedah side themselves will be keen to notch up a win. The Bulldogs were tipped to struggle this season, but after picking up some good players in the demise of the Eagles they might have held hopes of a finals finish. A win here might keep that dream alive, but a loss will put them at the bottom of a very steep hill. The Drum is a fan of plenty of the Dogs, with players like Andrew George, Paul Bushby Duane Shawcross and Matt Pengilly with high work rates and a quality disposal, but wonders if they will have enough guns to keep the Swans at bay. Simon Freer is said to be in form, and he might be one of League's very best when in the mood. If he is supported by the Swans midfield, the Dogs will need to be properly switched on to match him. Despite still thinking the Dogs will have some 2012 surprises for unsuspecting teams, The Drum does not think a Swans team coming off a heavy Billy Holder Cup loss will be one of them.
The Drum: Swans by eight goals.
Game 3: Muswellbrook Cats v Inerell Saints
The Drum doesn't put too much weight in the Cats form last week, given they were light on with numbers on one of the biggest paddocks in the region, and suspects the scoreline disparity owes as much to that as the effort of the southerners. They will be keen to follow up on their home win from round 1 and will line up stronger for this. Sadly for them, they take on the Inverell Saints, who are in sparkling form so far and removed any question of a Wolsley Oval hoodoo in their steamrolling of Gunnedah last week. With fifty scoring shots, the Saints could afford to spray a few in that match, but coach Jason Gobbert will be keen to see them tighten up and show more poise in their scoring efforts. That might be only criticism one can make of the Saints, who look the team to beat in 2012 already. The Cats have some good youngsters and a good injection of experienced heads, and will be tough enough to face the physical Saints. They might hold some hope in the visitors facing the League's longest road trip to catch them with their pants down, but The Drum expects they will find a belt at some point in the four quarters to get the chocolates for three straight weeks. Whilst still liking the Cats and their style of play, The Drum notes that some good quality horses will run second to Black Caviar on Saturday as well.
The Drum: Saints by ten goals.
Last Modified on 26/04/2012 11:49