Game 1: Tamworth Swans v New England Nomads
The Tamworth Swans will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 with an early win here against the New England Nomads. The Drum was a big fan of the students last season, and was nearly as disappointed as the Nomads would have been with their straight-sets exit from the finals. The sting of those results may be numbed by big changes in their playing list, and with any new mix of players they will get better as the season goes on. They seem to have quietly gone about their business early in the year, and The Drum expects them to be well prepared for this one. The Swans likewise seem to have turned over some players, but have a strong core and any additions will see them worry plenty of opponents this year. Rick Watt returns to coach and this will provide some inspiration to the team, who should be well drilled as a result. They should also improve as the season rolls on. There is no form line for this match with the changes to both teams, but the Nomads have had the wood on the Swans in recent years, including a semi-final victory at No.1 Oval. Their preseason work might be the key to this, but there is no real confidence about the tip.
The Drum: Nomads by four goals.
Game 2: Inverell Saints v Tamworth Kangaroos
The Tamworth Kangaroos have been rewarded for a superb 2011 season with the toughest road trip in the League: The Saints at Varley Oval. The Kangaroos had this same match last year earmarked as a goal early on, duely took home the four points and did not look back. They will not be shy going into this one. The Saints have club legend Jason Gobbert at the helm, and despite some changes have a team and a culture well put together over the years by Dick Gleeson and Nick Baird. The Drum expects they have done plenty to be ready for a match they no doubt have been looking forward too since the new draw was released a month ago. Tim Cotter did a wonderful job with the Kangaroos last season, and it may be scary to expect them to be better again in his second season, as he expands on his game plan and their young charges develop. Luckily, Tim Cooper (2011 Griffiths Medallist) is not an addition to their already potent forward six, but The Drum is they have addressed height issues in their ruck. There is nothing like the deep end there, tackling Gobbert first up. Hodges was dominant around the ball last season and was enormous in their Grand Final victory. He will take some stopping, and The Drum is not convinced that Gobbert will have that rabbit in his hat in what should be a cracking game.
The Drum: Kangaroos by three goals.
Game 3: Muswellbrook Cats v Gunnedah Bulldogs
The Cats grew into a formidable opposition last year, and unveiled some young guns that will be tougher again to stop in 2012. They should win plenty across the middle in this, and their height could be key if they are able to use this ball to effect. With a big year planned, including a cameo from Jason Akermanis in May, the Cats will be very keen to build on what they did last year and have a tilt at the finals. A win here will be central to building that momentum. Much has been said about the on-again, off-again Bulldogs, who have suffered big losses in players recently. The Drum is not sold on them being easy beats but, seeing new coach Errol Lather as having plenty of quality if not the quantity at his disposal. With the worry taken out of team selection, his boys will cherish their underDogs tag this year and The Drum expects their fighting spirit to seem them scare some more fancied teams. But the Cats will start this year with more confidence than they've had for a long time, and their desire to win this should get them over the line.
The Drum: Cats by six goals.
Last Modified on 12/04/2012 00:02