Game 1: Swans v Kangaroos
In the second edition of the Billy Holder Cup this year the Swans will have play out of their skins to keep their chances alive. I know it annoys the Swans that they have not been able to claim this cup yet. In fact the Swans won the very first one of these games in Round 5 2009 but have not won a game since. All though there have been some close encounters in the past of late it has been all one way Kangaroo traffic. The Kangaroo's are travelling very nicely at the moment after an indifferent start to the year. Where as the Swans have mostly won the games they are expected to win and are not up to pace with the elite of the league. Tim Cotter has to be very happy with his kids again this year and now he aim his team squarely at tilt for the top of the ladder by seasons end. Rick Watt must be wondering what has happened to the team he lead to the 2009 premiership. I will back Watt to rebuild this team but it will probably be 2013 before they can have a real crack at it.
Tip: The Kangaroos will wrap up the Billy Holder Cup for the 4th time by 61 points.
Game 2: Saints v Bulldogs
The big question here is will the Bulldogs travel the long road up to the Saints fortress that is Varley Oval. I was disappointed when they forfieted to the Nomads earlier in the year and despite their big win over the Cats last week they are certainty make the trip. That said the Bulldogs have played some very good footy over the last few years, just not consistant footy. I have been waiting for them to take that next step for a while now and would be great if they could have a real crack at the premiership one year instead of just making up the numbers come finals time. The Saints have come crashing back to earth with a thud over the last two rounds. They where sweeping all before them at the start of the season and after their 4th straight win I have heard that some people were talking about going through undefeated this year. I bet big Jason Gobbert has let them know that they have got to get to the finals first before they can win it.
Tip: The last time these 2 met was at the Kennel and the Saints won by 100 points. I can't see that changing here so Saints by 100 points.
Game 3: Cats v Nomads
The Cats are a bit like the Swans in that they win when they should and yet their not in touch with the big 3 yet. But there is a hell of a lot of up side for the Cats with their kids. I don't know that the Acker experience has helped them on field, but I bet he was good for them off the field. Now that is over and they copped a hiding last week at the Kennel, it is time for them to sttle down and get back to what was working earlier in the year. I give them a sneeky chance in this game, but they will have to get everything right on the day. The Nomads have been outstanding since their round 1 loss to the Swans. Mind you they haven't travelled away from home since that round 1 loss. So we will now find out what the nomads are made of and if they can keep their top spot on the ladder. Games like this one is where the Nomads are expected to win and that will also put pressure on them. They flogged the Cats by 100 plus points last time, but the Cats only travelled with 14 players and they should have a full team this week.
Tips: I would like to see the Cats after their many years of sitting on struggle street, but the Nomads will win by 38 points.
Last Modified on 31/05/2012 21:53