Match One: Tamworth Kangaroos v Muswellbrook Cats at Number One Oval (1pm)
The first match of our double header this weekend sees the Reigning Premier Kangaroos take on the Cats. Both teams badly need this win but for contrasting reasons, as the Roos need to stay in touch with the top 2, whilst the Cats need to get their season back on track and stay in the hunt for that last finals spot. The Roos are coming off a heart breaking loss where they let slip a commanding last quarter lead last weekend to the table topping Nomads and will surely be champing at the bit to get back in the winners circle here. 200 gamer Dan Overeem was big for them up front last week and has had yet another consistent season in 2012. However, he has sorely missed a partner in crime up front, and whilst the midfield gems of Hodge, Cotter and Douglas have moved forward and chipped in, the Roos need another big target up front to take the pressure off their stars. It could be the only thing missing from a successful defense of their premiership, but in saying all that, their potent midfield runners have provided a handy spark so far this season and will look to do the same this weekend. The Cats have seen their season derail in the last month, but we were in the fight for the first half 7 days ago in Inverell. They continue to play the game with uncompromising toughness, but their final touch has been missing of late. They sorely need to get back to the type of footy they were playing early in the season, and can prove to be a nuisance this week if the Roos take them lightly. Their midfield runners are also very impressive, with Jai Pursell and Beau Dixon feeding off the supply that Jarrod Brayburn gives them out of the ruck. If they can prove handy this weekend, anything is possible here.
TAFL Tipster – The last time these teams clashed it involved Aker and a flogging. I expect it to be closer, but the Roos will be just too good. Roos by 65 points.
Match Two: Gunnedah Bulldogs v New England Nomads at Wolseley Oval
Both these clubs are coming off stirring victories last week, with the Dogs recording a come from behind win over the Swans, whilst the Nomads won a thriller after being right up against it in Tamworth. Both will bring confidence into the match up, and being at home, the Dogs will be a big threat here. It has long been stated by this tipster they have the right balance of talent, but would need to start to learn each other games. That appears to have happened now, and they have been working towards a big win. Buoyed by that, they could prove to be a big test for the rampaging Nomads this week. Chris Gee continued his outstanding form up front with another bagful, but again he needs some support up front as the Nomads strength this year has been their lock down defense. The Dogs midfield has been as impressive as always this season and will need to be strong again this weekend in order to win some ball to send forward. The Nomads have taken all before them off late, but the strain of all these away games may become apparent soon. If they treat this match with anything less than 100% effort if could be a shock result. Tom Granleese is leading his team with great composure and has turned his once attack only team into a hard working defensive unit that rebounds extremely well. Simon Stubbs and Dave Richards led up front last week and will continue to do the same here, meaning the Dogs defense will be under plenty of pressure all game.
TAFL Tipster – An upset is not out of the question here, but the Nomads should be just too good. The Nomads by 23 points.
Match Three: Tamworth Swans v Inverell Saints at Number One Oval (3pm)
The second match of the double header this weekend sees the Swans hosting the Saints. The Swans head home after a tough loss to the Dogs away last week which saw them lead into halftime only to see that lead quickly evaporate into a loss. The Saints recovered from a slow start to steam roll the Cats in Inverell, but were once again wasteful in front of goals early on in the piece. The Swans will approach this game with nothing to lose. They started the season well and seemed to be travelling along nicely after a couple of early season wins. They have since hit a hurdle, and have conceded some second half leads in the past few weeks. They will need to run out this game against the Saints who have shown strong second half performance this season. The Swans strength lies with their veterans, with Damien Wendt in sublime form this season. He and Gavin Knee still form one of the most impressive on ball combinations in the league, and the return of young guns Andrew James, Janson Doughty and Josef Atkinson could be just the tonic the boys from Tamworth need. The Saints seem to have re-discovered their groove after a couple of consecutive away losses, but don’t play the short Number One Oval very well in the past. They have recorded just one win there in the past 3 seasons and must rectify that this weekend. Their midfield has been a strength all year, with Leigh Turner strong in the ruck and Tom Williams providing plenty of drive around the packs. Mike Gould kept his lead in the Gerry Griffiths Medal last week, and was ably supported by Alex Walker who continues to improve this season. This will be a close battle, and will come down to which team carries out the basics best.
TAFL Tipster – With the Number One hoodoo in mind, and the struggles teams have winning away from home, I’ll take the upset here. The Swans by 8 points.
Last Modified on 19/06/2012 14:42