Match One: Inverell Saints v Tamworth Kangaroos at Varley Oval Saturday 2pm
The first of the weekend’s matches sees the Saints and Roos clash for the first time in 2013. The Roos were forced to forfeit back in Round 3, while the subsequent match in Round 8 was washed out and will be caught up on August 10th. With wet weather again forecast on Friday and Saturday there is a chance that they once again will miss out on the match, but fingers crossed the game goes ahead because it’s sure to be a thriller.
The Saints were beaten by the Nomads for the third time last weekend and were thoroughly beaten across the field by the league leaders. They lacked composure at crucial times in that clash and will need to put in an improved effort this weekend in order to get over the Roos. A loss almost certainly confines them to third on the ladder at season’s end, however a win gets them right back in the race for second. Their forward line will need to fire this weekend, with Mike Gould and Chris Whitton well held last weekend. If those two veterans can kick a bag full between, one senses the Saints may have enough to win.
The Roos continued on their way last weekend with a good win over their cross town rivals. The Roos have not lost since Round 4 and are arguably the form side of the competition right now. The trip north to Inverell holds no fear for the Roos, and will make their first trip to Varley for the year this weekend. One might suggest that Brett Douglas will be using the lure of not having to travel to Inverell again as motivation for his men on Saturday afternoon. Their forward line will also be a key factor this weekend, with Matt Hodge in supreme form and veteran Dan Overeem also dangerous in recent weeks.
These two clubs have had some epic battles over the past 6 seasons in the TAFL and were always considered the powerhouses of the competition. The Nomads have taken that thunder over the past two seasons, and both clubs will be keen to keep the pressure on the students as the finals approach.
TAFL Tipster – The Roos are in form but the Saints are at home. Almost too close to call, but I’m sticking with the home side to win by 1 point.
Match Two: Muswellbrook Cats v New England Nomads at Werriman Field Saturday 2pm
The second of the weekend’s matches pits the Cats against the league leading Nomads in what is another crucial clash. The teams have faced off just once this season, with the Nomads easily beating the Cats in atrocious conditions in Armidale back in Round 8.
The Cats put themselves in a strong position to play finals footy last weekend with a gritty win over the Dogs at home. The win sees them create a buffer of their own in fourth spot and puts them within striking distance of their first finals since 2007. However, as was mentioned here a fortnight ago, if they are going to make the step from finals aspirants to genuine threats in the 2013 competition, they need to be competitive against the top 3 sides. There is no better time to show that than against the league leaders at home.
The Nomads were at their clinical best last weekend in disposing of the Saints. They controlled the ball through the midfield and put their running game to full use against the bigger Saints bodies. This weekend presents a challenge that is very different but no less important. It can always be tough getting out of the car after a long trip and if they approach this clash with anything less than 100% commitment they could easily find themselves in trouble. They will need to put their best effort in from the opening bounce to ensure they don’t give the Cats hope of an upset.
The second longest road trip on the TAFL calendar can be a tough one for the Nomads. However, if they travel with close to their best side, it’s hard to see the league leaders getting beaten.
TAFL Tipster – The Nomads by 35 points
Match Three: Gunnedah Bulldogs v Tamworth Swans at Wolseley Oval Saturday 2pm
The final match of the weekend is yet another important fixture in the TAFL season with the 5th placed Dogs hosting the 6th placed Swans. Although winless on the year so far, it is not beyond the Swans to sneak into 4th place but a win here is crucial to those chances. The clubs last met in Round 3 when the Dogs proved too good however that was the last time the boys from Gunnedah registered a win.
The Dogs were unlucky last week in what was a courageous performance in Muswellbrook. Despite trailing for most of the match, they charged back into the contest in the last quarter before ultimately falling short of the 4 points. They have not tasted success in over 2 months and will desperately want to be singing their song by 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon. They are not without a chance of getting 4th place back on the ladder, but need to start winning very soon.
Speaking of needing to win, the Swans must take home the 4 points this weekend to have a chance of making the TAFL finals in 2013. They are still a couple of games down on the rest of the field, but one could easily make the argument that they could win 4 of their last 5 games in the season and make an unlikely charge to the TAFL finals. However, they need to win this one and Andrew Donohue will have his troops fired up for the clash that will define their season.
One could easily argue this the match of the weekend and with both clubs suffering distinguished losses a week ago they will be keen to register any kind of win.
TAFL Tipster – At home, the Dogs just to win by a goal
Last Modified on 19/07/2013 08:40